Urban Geography · Spatial Politics · GIS · State Violence
Mapping the geographies of state violence.
I bring together urban geography, spatial analysis, and human-rights advocacy to expose how states weaponize space — and to preserve memory, amplify affected communities, and contribute to struggles for truth and justice in Iran and Kurdistan.
Research themes
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Political geography & GIS
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Urban studies & planning
Children’s geographies and practice-oriented planning — doctoral work recognized with the Promising Geographer Award of New Zealand and the RAS Award (Netherlands).
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Latest
2026 · Fellowship
Awarded the NWO Rubicon Fellowship for postdoctoral research at Yale University on political geography and the mapping of state violence.
2025 · Doctorate
Completed a double PhD in Spatial Sciences and Urban Planning — University of Groningen (NL) & University of Otago (NZ).
Award
PhD research awarded the Promising Geographer Award of New Zealand for its contribution to children’s geography.
Selected public writing
About
I am an urban geographer and political & human-rights activist. My path began as a student activist in Iran, where I was designated a “starred student” in 2013 — barred from continuing higher education for civic activism. That experience shaped my commitment to academic freedom, justice, and democratic rights.
After my younger brother, Borhan, was killed during the Bloody November protests in 2019, my work turned toward memory and accountability — advocating for victims of state violence and their families. I write regularly for New Lines Magazine, The Amargi, and Middle East Uncovered. Full background in my CV →