Immigrants in Norway

Our theme of Immigration is not just about immigrants to the United States as presented in Severed Ties and Silenced Voices by Roger McKnight.  Immigration to the Nordic countries is also a significant contemporary cultural topic.  In the days surrounding the death and funeral of King Harald of Norway, the president of Stortinget (Norway’s Parliament), Masud Gharahkhani, was often seen expressing condolences and participating in the memorial service, funeral, and the swearing in of King Haakon VII.  Mr. Gharahkhani was born in Tehran and grew up in Drammen.  The recent history of the Nordic countries includes the challenges of integration of new immigrants.  As in the United States, immigrants from Muslim countries have faced prejudice and discrimination.

As witnessed in the funeral service for King Harald, there was a consistent celebration of King Harald’s strong belief that all citizens of Norway are welcome regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, or gender.  Mr. Gharahkhani’s rise to become the President of Stortinget is an example of this inclusive attitude.

It is, of course, not the experience of all immigrants to Norway or other Nordic countries.  Pakkis by Khalid Hussain, is a novel based on the author’s own experience.  He was born in Pakistan in 1969 and moved to Norway in 1975.  His novel presents the challenges of assimilation and integration as a young Muslim.