Before the era of instant messaging, video calls, and social media, staying connected with loved ones across borders was a costly and time-consuming endeavor. For diaspora families, especially those living in the UK, letters were often the most common form of communication, and international calls were too expensive to make frequently. But from the 1960s onwards, members of the UK’s Pakistani community discovered a new way to bridge the distance: audio cassette tapes.
A New Form of Communication
In a time before smartphones and Wi-Fi, audio cassettes provided an innovative, affordable solution for families to stay in touch. These “tape letters” were a form of audio messaging, where individuals would record their voices, sending updates, personal stories, and news to relatives in Pakistan. This simple yet powerful technology allowed for a more intimate, personal connection, and soon became a vital part of life for many.
The Birth of Tape Letters Scotland
“Tape Letters Scotland” is a project that explores this unique form of communication, which was especially significant in the Pakistani diaspora in the UK. The project is an extension of a broader initiative by Modus Arts, which has already documented similar stories in Manchester. It is a reflection on the cultural history and emotional connection shared by families who relied on audio cassettes to keep their ties strong.
Through the lens of Glasgow-based photographer Miriam Ali, the project brings to life both the personal and collective experiences of those who created these tapes. The work includes powerful photographs, original archive recordings, and personal interviews that paint a vivid picture of migration, family dynamics, and the evolving concept of belonging.
Exploring the Themes of Migration and Family
The installations, which have been showcased at various venues such as Tramway in Glasgow, Dundee Central Library, and the Museum of Edinburgh, present a rich cultural narrative that resonates with multiple generations. The project’s digital exhibition, along with a podcast series, delves into the deep emotional connections within these communities.
Narrated by community organizer Tabassum Niamat, the podcast series consists of four episodes titled PLAY, REWIND, PAUSE, and FAST-FORWARD. Each episode takes listeners on a journey through the themes of migration, family, and identity—exploring what it means to be Scottish Pakistani.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Tape Letters Scotland project brings forth not just the voices of the past, but also the technologies that made it possible. Among the featured items is the late-1970s Tandberg AT 771 portable mono cassette recorder, an essential device used by many in the community to send and receive these tapes.
The cassette tapes captured in this project preserve the memories of a different time—memories of longing, love, and familial bonds that crossed continents despite the challenges of distance.
Personal Stories and Photographs
From Shaheen Akhtar, photographed in Glasgow holding a tape sent by family in Pakistan, to Izaz Ur Rahman in Edinburgh and Ria Din in Glasgow, each photograph tells a story of resilience, hope, and connection. These images, paired with the cassette recordings, highlight the emotional weight carried in every tape sent, a snapshot of lives both rooted in Scotland and still deeply connected to their ancestral homeland.
Continuing the Legacy
The ongoing exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh, running until February 23, is an opportunity to revisit this rich cultural history. The project not only preserves memories but also celebrates a unique form of communication that helped shape the lives of many UK Pakistani families.
