SAFAR: A New Chapter in the Journey
SAFAR has always been about connecting cultures, exploring ideas and celebrating thoughtful living. This new chapter continues the journey of stories, perspectives and inspiration, connecting the East and the West.
Photo Courtesy of Marina S. Haq
SAFAR has always been about stories – stories that connect cultures, explore ideas and celebrate the art of living thoughtfully. Over the past few years, it has grown from a small idea into a platform bridging East and West through fashion, culture, travel and lifestyle. I am excited to continue this journey and share what comes next for SAFAR.
Back to the Roots
While SAFAR finally became a reality a few years ago, the idea of creating a magazine had been on my mind since childhood. I have always loved writing, which later prompted me to pursue my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature. I also studied Communication and Modern Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, which broadened my understanding of how ideas are conveyed and fostered an appreciation for the international dimension of storytelling – how narratives shape representation and create vivid imagery.
Marina in first grade, marking the early beginnings of a lifelong journey in writing
During my studies, I became the editor-in-chief of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Magazine and contributed to Swiss media outlets including NZZ am Sonntag Magazin, Tages-Anzeiger’s Das Magazin and the women’s lifestyle magazine Annabelle. These experiences taught me what makes journalism impactful and what is often missing in contemporary media.
SAFAR began with a simple story: a girl who loves stories and a mother who believes in her. From that spark grew a magazine devoted to culture, conversation and discovery. Published in English, SAFAR reaches a global audience via our digital platform and social channels, evolving continuously as a space for thoughtful storytelling and cultural exchange. With my passion for writing and my mother’s language ability as the founder of English Center Benglen, we thought SAFAR would be a perfect project to embark on together.
Marina S. Haq with her mother and business partner, Mo Haq
A New Chapter in the Journey
As SAFAR grew into the vision we had imagined, my life also underwent a personal transformation. In the summer of 2025, I moved to Scotland to begin a PhD in English at the University of St Andrews. Beyond being a personal goal, this was an opportunity to hone my writing skills and further embody the principles SAFAR stands for.
Marina S. Haq at the start of her PhD journey at the University of St Andrews, Scotland
Even as I adjusted to my new life in St Andrews, I found inspiration in the local stories, landscapes and people – all of which feed into SAFAR’s journey. After years of press trips, fashion shows and other events I had the privilege of attending in Switzerland and abroad for SAFAR, it has been a reflective period since my arrival in St Andrews to start this new chapter.
Marina S. Haq on West Sands Beach in St Andrews, where the journey continues
The past few months have been quieter as I adapted to my new schedule, location and study program. But SAFAR was never meant to be loud – it was meant to be thoughtful.
Marina S. Haq working at the Main Library at the University of St Andrews, where ideas continue to take shape
Today, the journey continues. Revisiting old stories and bringing new ones, we look forward to having you join us on this journey. We also deeply appreciate the continued support of our readers and contributors – your curiosity and engagement are what bring SAFAR to life. SAFAR is, and will continue to be, a journey – through culture, ideas and perspectives – one story at a time.
Thank you for joining the journey.