Mina Khazeni Oskouei has started literature from the workshops of Mehdi Mousavi (a well-known Iranian poet and writer). She works in the field of poetry, editing books and book layouts of literary works ,and preparing interviews with authors. She is an activist in the fight against censorship  It should be mentioned that She lives in Iran, where due to political and social issues, writers are not allowed to write freely.

She wrotes a book named ”The Bullet Does Not Bounce Back” that was not allowed to be published because most of the poems in it were related to issues such as freedom of expression and women's rights, which are prohibited by the Iranian government.

She is the manager of the poetry section of a website named “Sayeha” since 2017, whose main activity is to provide the possibility to read the poems, stories, notes, and books of authors whose works have been banned or unpublished by the Iranian government, as well as people who have not succumbed to the censorship of their works.

“My time at Saline Royale was nothing short of extraordinary—a sanctuary that both inspired and nurtured my creativity. The tranquil atmosphere and the historical charm of this place created the perfect backdrop for my writing. Immersed in its beauty, I found myself crafting several poems and stories, each infused with the unique emotions and reflections this exceptional environment stirred within me.

Beyond writing, I had the privilege of forming profound friendships with some remarkable individuals. These connections were not just personally enriching but also creatively stimulating, offering me fresh ideas and perspectives that deeply influenced my work. The warmth and kindness of those I met turned my stay into an unforgettable experience. They welcomed me with open arms, listened to my stories, and embraced me like family, creating a sense of belonging that words can scarcely capture.

As someone navigating the early, often challenging days of immigration, stepping into a new life amidst an unfamiliar culture could have felt overwhelming. Yet, the warm and supportive community at Saline Royale made sure I never felt far from home. Among these compassionate souls, I discovered a sense of belonging that eased my transition and transformed what could have been a difficult chapter into a cherished memory.

Saline Royale is more than just a space for artistic residency; it is an opportunity for growth, nurturing creativity, expanding social connections, and the comforting feeling of home. I am deeply grateful for the inspiration it provided, the creative work I achieved, and the friendships that now feel like family. My time there has become a defining moment in both my artistic journey and my personal life—a memory I will treasure forever.

Upon arriving at Château Mercier, I was immediately captivated by the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and the historic elegance of the château itself. This tranquil environment, coupled with the warm hospitality of the residency team, created an ideal atmosphere for deep focus and creativity. Over the past few weeks, I have fully immersed myself in my work while also benefiting from enriching exchanges with other residents, whose diverse perspectives have significantly enhanced my experience and broadened my approach to storytelling.

My residency focused on writing short stories and poems primarily centered around the « Women, Life, Freedom » movement in Iran. Specifically, I aimed to capture and portray moments of resilience and perseverance among women that are often overlooked in everyday circumstances.

This setting allowed me, as a woman witnessing the resistance of Iranian women, to delve deeper into the nuances of events, away from the chaos of those times, and to draw the audience nearer to the characters in my narratives.

This residency provided an invaluable opportunity to crystallize my observations and refine my writing skills, reinforcing my commitment to documenting the history of women's struggles in Iran.

As I conclude my residency at Château Mercier, I am filled with profound gratitude. This experience has equipped me with the tools and insights necessary to approach my future work with renewed focus and purpose. The connections I have forged, both with this place and with fellow residents, will continue to inspire me as I move forward. »

With regard to Mina Khazeni's residency, the ACCR would like to express its sincere thanks to the French Embassy in Iran and to Amandine Gaspard for their support, as well as to Mahtab Ghorbani, laureate of the Nora in 2021 programme, for her invaluable assistance.