I often get asked what it’s like to be a part of three different cultures and if I identify more as Russian, Kurdish, or Swedish. My answer is always the same: there is no one culture that I identify with more than another. 

But there is also no simple answer to this question. Instead, I try to help people understand that all three cultures have influenced my identity and shaped me into the person who I am today. 

In people’s confusion by the mix of cultures, they sometimes try to place a label on me. However, there is no such label, as I am simply a mixture of all three. For a long time, I used the analogy of going to a candy shop: I get the chance to choose the sweetest candy from all the options. 

The same applies in my life, I get to pick and choose the best aspects of each culture. 

Russian

Since my mother is Russian, I feel a close connection to the culture. During my childhood I spent many summers in the Russian village where my mother grew up and learned Russian customs and traditions from an early age. Russian culture is a rich and diverse mix of traditions, customs, and beliefs that have been shaped by a long history. The people in Russia value literature, classical music, and art. 

During my childhood my mother always took my siblings and me to different museums. She made sure that we learned to play different musical instruments and took us to concerts. My mother also read bedtime stories for me every night and encouraged me to read books. 

Even though I did not enjoy those things then as much as my mother would have hoped, I now realize that they have influenced me as an adult. I enjoy going to The Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, watching ballet concerts, and visiting museums. I know that my interest in music, literature, and art has been strongly influenced growing up in Russian culture.  

Swedish 

Having been born and raised in Sweden, I was also deeply influenced by Swedish traditions and values. Even though Swedish culture differs considerably from Russian and Kurdish cultures, I appreciate the contrasts. 

Swedish culture is characterized by equality (equity) and nature. In school we always talked about the importance of equality in society and how a perfect society was free from discrimination. For as long as I can remember, I have always believed in equality, both between genders and different social groups. 

Besides learning about equality, the Swedish people place a high value on nature. It is common for Swedish people to spend time outdoors, hiking, skiing, or doing other activities. In school I spent a lot of time in nature, and our teachers took us on field trips to lakes or forests. Even though I don’t visit nature as often as I did when I was a kid, I still feel a close connection to it. When I visit forests, sit by the ocean, or hike in the mountains I feel at peace, which I think stems from the amount of time I spent in nature as a child.

Kurdish

Since my father is Kurdish, I also feel a close connection to Kurdish culture. Kurdish norms, traditions, and values have had a big impact on my childhood, and my father made sure that we inherited them. 

In comparison to Russian and Swedish people, Kurdish people are very family-oriented and warm-hearted. Households in Kurdistan are characterized by the sweet smell of freshly prepared food, kids' laughter, and most importantly love. 

Although my visits to Kurdistan have been less frequent in recent years, I always receive the same warm welcome every time I visit. The Kurdish people have a beautiful quality of welcoming you into their culture with open arms. Their generosity and love make you feel at peace. Hospitality is highly valued, and families typically extend warm welcomes to guests and visitors.

The Kurdish family is also characterized by strong familial bonds. The family is considered the cornerstone of society, and family members often live together and support one another. 

Perhaps most importantly, Kurdish people value food. Food is a central part of the culture, and meals are times for families to come together and socialize. Even though I am far away from my Kurdish family, I still feel close to the culture and highly value my family.

Blessed with three cultures

Once again, there is no one culture that I feel a closer connection to. I am blessed to be able to be a part of three cultures that differ from each other in many ways and am grateful that my parents developed close bonds for my siblings and me with them. 

We live in a globalized world, and there will be an increasing number of people in the future who will experience growing up with multiple, different cultures. I hope this will enhance global understanding and unite different cultures from around the world.

Nazanin Sapan is a Stockholm-based writer and journalist with a diverse cultural background rooting in Kurdistan, Europe, and Russia.