A graphic novel depicts a refugee's journey
The comic "Temple of Refuge" was created in Berlin and based on the life of Iraqi-Kurdish migrant Sartep Namiq.
Sartep's vision emerges
The book's main character, migrant Sartep, stands in front of the concrete wall of Fortress Europe. In front of this inaccessible world is the Tempelhof Airport refugee camp, which can be seen in the foreground of the cover (pictured). In the story, the young northern Iraqi finds an imaginative way to reconcile both worlds.
Depicting the journey
In striking images, the comic-style book "Temple of Refuge" depicts Sartep's perilous journey from Kurdish northern Iraq. It takes him across the Mediterranean, where he and fellow refugees wander through the streets of Rome. They then make the long trek through wintry southeastern Europe.
A world without hope
A white bus speeds through a shantytown on Tempelhofer Feld toward the wall that separates two worlds. On one side, a refugee camp; on the other, the desired destination of many: Europe. The camp is spread out like a labyrinth at the foot of this fortress, whose walls seem impenetrable.
United by fate
People from many parts of the world live in the camp — they are united by a sense of hopelessness. Graphic artist Felix Mertikat has drawn powerful images to tell the story of Sartep Namiq who in reality was a resident of the temporary refugee shelter at Tempelhof Airport. He commissioned this work and also became its protagonist.
The Berlin miracle
Only a miracle can break through the hopelessness of the people in the refugee camp on Tempelhofer Feld. Thanks to a special kind of magic wand, Sartep succeeds in fulfilling the wishes and dreams of the refugees. His vision of peaceful coexistence with all Berliners finally becomes reality.
Creating a utopia
By the end of the story, Tempelhof Airport becomes the center of the world; a place where dreams can come true, thanks to a strong community. "Temple of Refuge" was commissioned by the German chapter of the New Patrons society and will be published by Berlin's Egmont publishing company in March 2021.