Sematsatsa Library

 

Ali Abdurrahman Marmaduke

American –Yemenite male living in Amsterdam tells us about marrying a Dutch woman, his views on the socio- political landscape of The Netherlands and the seemingly simple decision of abiding to the Muslim  community’s value to circumcise boys immediately after birth.

Basically, where do you come from?

United States of America
 

Did u grow up there?

Yes, my dad and mom are from Yemen.
 

Before you came to stay in Amsterdam, where were you?

I was in Sri Lanka.

 How long were there for?

 2 years
 

You're married to a Dutch woman. How did that come about?

Well, I met my wife while I was in Sri Lanka. She is Dutch and we decided to stay here for a while.
 

Where does she come from in The Netherlands?

She comes from Hilversum, 20 minutes southeast of Amsterdam.

So, you both took the decision to move to Amsterdam at the time, do you feel strongly about the culture, here?

No, I don’t feel strongly about the culture because it’s not my culture.
 

Culturally what do you enjoy doing as a couple?

 We visit friends and go out to Cafes when we have the time.
 

How different is Amsterdam from where you come from? In terms of lifestyle, diversity, ability to improve socio - economic, democracy.

 From a scale of 1 to 5, It would be Scale 2 and the difference is that here  there is a lot more money, but a lot  more phobia about all kinds things.
 

Can you give an example about the phobia, you are referring to?

 Perceived Muslim invasion which is clearly expressed in the politics of the country
 

Are you Muslim?

 Yes
 

What is the difference between Sufi and Shiya Muslims?

 Simplistically, “Sufis” are mystics while the “Shiya” are not

 Is your wife Muslim?

No, she is not a Muslim
 

Does it not affect your relationship?

The major decisions are discussed like whether to circumcise our child later or not, but overall it does not affect our relationship.
 

Are you going to continue your stay or do you plan to leave?

I plan to leave and go back to the US with my family because I don’t have permanent residence.