In this powerful episode of Power, People and Planet, Kumi Naidoo sits down with Syrian writer and cultural activist Reem Turkmani to explore how power operates beyond force — shaping minds, narratives, and imagination.

Reem reflects on growing up under authoritarian rule, where education, media, and even art were used to control thought and normalize injustice. Together, they unpack how climate stress exposed governance failures in Syria, how propaganda systems shape public consciousness, and why the real battleground is often cultural, not just political.

From the enduring phrase “the constitution was eaten by the donkey” to the role of storytelling in resistance, this conversation reveals how art can either reinforce silence or inspire action. Reem also shares the story of a 100-year-old Iraqi protest song — a powerful example of how culture can carry coded resistance, build solidarity, and offer healing in times of struggle.

This episode is a reminder that resistance is not only about confronting power — it is about reclaiming truth, memory, and imagination.

In this episode, we discuss: 
✅Growing up in Syria under patriarchy and authoritarian control
✅Why the 2010–2011 uprising happened — beyond the “Arab Spring” narrative
✅How climate stress exposed governance failures and deepened grievances
✅The role of education, media, and culture in shaping public consciousness
✅How propaganda normalizes injustice — including the phrase “the constitution was eaten by the donkey”
✅The power of arts and culture in both reinforcing and resisting authoritarianism
✅Reem’s work with 1+1 Show, using media to build civic awareness across divided societies
✅The overlooked contributions of Arab and Muslim civilizations to modern science
✅A 100-year-old Iraqi protest song — and how art carries coded resistance, solidarity, and healing

SONG
Chal Chal by The Famous Arabic Crossover Musician Ilham Al Madfai 
@ilhamalmadfai  (https://www.instagram.com/ilhamalmadfai/ )
 @m.madafai (https://www.instagram.com/m.madfai/ )


RESOURCES
Follow Reem on Social Media - https://www.instagram.com/rimturkmani/

1+1 Show : https://www.youtube.com/@1plus1show

Subcribe to Kumi Naidoo's Power People and Project for more updates and episodes! https://www.powerpeopleplanet.org/