Doha, Qatar: Northwestern University in Qatar’s student-led literary journal, Wisteria, has released its first limited-edition zine, a student-produced publication showcasing the creativity, collaboration, and cultural curiosity of the student body.
The new issue, themed around summer and the return to school, introduces a unique, experimental format for Wisteria that blends literary expression with visual design and humour.
Conceptualised and produced by journalism and communication students Lina Jaafar and Alexander Khalyatyan, who served as both editors and designers, the zine embraces the spontaneous, do-it-yourself (DIY) aesthetic characteristic of zine culture while upholding Northwestern Qatar’s tradition of intellectual and artistic rigor.
“These student-led initiatives reflect the kind of creativity and curiosity we love to see at Northwestern Qatar,” said Dean and CEO of Northwestern University in Qatar, Marwan M. Kraidy. “Wisteria and other student-driven projects show how our students blend intellectual exploration with creative expression, developing the confidence and communication skills that allow them to share their ideas and engage meaningfully with the world.”
The issue features contributions from ten students and recent graduates, including poetry, travel writing, reflections, humour, and philosophical musings.
A recurring theme throughout the collection is hope and resilience in the face of adversity, capturing how students use creative expression to make sense of complex emotions and experiences.
Faculty advisor Sam Meekings, associate professor in residence, said the project is a reflection of the vibrant creativity that defines the student experience at Northwestern Qatar.
“Zines celebrate the quirky, the vibrant, the unique, and the irreverent, as well as the joys of homemade creativity—and that also describes our NU-Q students,” said Meekings.
“We are very excited to share the first issue of The Zine, a new independent publication for the creative community here at Northwestern Qatar,” said Alexander Khalyatyan, co-editor.
