While the two cities may share roots, the pride in speaking the native tongue of Ul Qoma is a vital part of maintaining the city's separate identity. Why It Resonates Today
The concept of Ul Qoma is a powerful metaphor for our own world. We often live in "cross-hatched" societies where we walk past the homeless, ignore different political factions, or tune out cultures that share our streets. According to reviewers at SocialistWorker.org , the city reflects the "artificial divisions and barriers" that modern society imposes on itself. While the two cities may share roots, the
How you walk, how you hold your head, and even how you drive your car signals which city you belong to. According to reviewers at SocialistWorker
Ul Qomans often wear vibrant colors and different styles of clothing to distinguish themselves from the drab, beige aesthetic of Besźel. Unlike Berlin or Nicosia, where walls physically separated
Unlike Berlin or Nicosia, where walls physically separated people, the border between Ul Qoma and Besźel is purely psychological. Residents are trained from birth to the other city. If you are in Ul Qoma, you must ignore the Besźel architecture, the Besźel citizens, and even the Besźel sky.