Rokeya Begum

Saleha Akter Urmi; [Facilitator]

My favourite tree (embroidery)

Fultola (embroidery)

Embroidery (EMB)

Decorative

Rokeya had many akashi gaas (earleaf acacia) trees by her house. She took care of the trees from the time they were small plants. They took many years to grow. Rohingya parents traditionally give gifts of wooden furniture to their daughters’ grooms, and Rokeya’s family chose akashi gaas for furniture. 

The Rohingya community is closely connected with nature. Houses were surrounded by large trees planted by families, so that the wood could be used to make furniture when girls got married. Trees are an integral part of their lives as they not only bear fruits but can also be chopped to make furniture and houses. The women are reminded of what they left behind when they buy fruits at the camp and feel sorry that they have to purchase the same things which they could harvest on their own and simply give away to friends and neighbours before.