People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Omar Rustom
Omar Rustom is a Kurdish refugee who fled Syria with his family in 2012.
Now resettled in Henbury via Turkey thanks to the government-funded Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme in partnership with Bristol City Council, and Omar now volunteers to help other refugees in the city.
To mark Refugee Week from June 14 to 20, Omar is celebrating the recent launch of his Kurdish-inspired homeware and clothing business, Rusto, which specialises in authentic Middle Eastern home accessories and clothing.
is needed now More than ever
These are Omar’s top-five Bristol favourites:
M Shed
A trip to the M Shed is always made better with an ice cream afterwards – photo: Martin Booth
“M Shed was the first place I properly visited when I moved to Bristol. It’s a great place to explore with my family. I find it really challenges traditional ideas and the museum works with the people of Bristol to create displays. Here, especially, I have found the people of Bristol so welcoming.”
University of Bristol
“The University of Bristol has many international students and a really strong culture around work. When I think of my sons’ futures, I know the education in the UK is fantastic and this university is a shining example of this. I know they will be very supported here and could one day own a business like me. I can’t imagine a day going by where I don’t think about business and making plans for the future in this excellent city.”
Channings
Channings is a former manor house said to have been gifted to one of Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting – photo: Martin Booth
“I like the pubs in Bristol because people are in keeping with traditions which go back to Roman times. I find pubs in Bristol offer a unique social centre where people talk and speak to each other. I have visited a number of pubs in Clifton and I like Channings in particular as it’s very friendly. I also like being among people in Bristol as I get inspired by the eclectic fashions I see to help my business.”
City Hall
City Hall, College Green and Bristol Cathedral – photo: Martin Booth
“I really like City Hall and the buildings which surround it as they’re old and very charming. I can imagine myself in the 16th century when I am around the College Green area! I also feel so welcomed by the Syrian Resettlement Team at Bristol City Council who are based at City Hall. They’ve helped my family start a new life here and now I volunteer to help other refugees coming to Bristol. When I came to the UK, I had a good level of English already and so I am able to help other refugees to phone utility companies or to book a GP appointment.”
The Downs
Bins on the Downs – photo: Martin Booth
“My favourite green space in Bristol has to be the Downs. It’s very big and beautiful, and it’s a delight to see my children play there. There’s so much space to enjoy and have a barbeque with a great view across the city. Barbeques are very popular with Arabic people and it’s warming to see how people in the UK have this custom in common – even when the weather’s not too great! My sons always ask me to take them there.”
Main photo: Omar Rustom
Read more: Bristol Refugee Festival returns for 2021
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