Baynana Magazine

Baynana is a bilingual online magazine published in Arabic and Spanish, committed to social journalism and public service. It shares information useful to the Arabic-speaking community in Spain and, at the same time, works to build bridges between the general public and migrants, refugees and Spanish people of foreign origin. Baynana was created by 4 Syrian refugee journalists and is the first Arabic and Spanish media outlet in the country.

Project Goal

The magazine aims to break down stereotypes and negative perceptions of migration and migrants, offering useful and accurate information and presenting the different viewpoints of refugees, migrants and members of the Arab community in Spain.

How it works

The magazine's editorial team is made up of journalists, editors, translators and teachers. The teams includes migrants, refugees and local professionals.

Baynana targets both Arab and Spanish communities in its sharing of relevant information - including on asylum and citizenship processes - and stories. Generally these communities share common interests, such as issues related to immigration, asylum and culture, especially since they have been historically and culturally linked for hundreds of years. There are, for example, 4 000 Arabic words in the Spanish language. 

What distinguishes Baynana from other cultural magazines is its advocacy around diversity and its excellent portrayal of individuals' stories, through which it is able to give a platform to migrant voices. Unlike the wider media in Spain, which has long worked to portray the immigrant community as one of victims, the magazine aims to communicate to Spanish audiences that migrant communities contribute much to the country's economy and participate successfully in society.

Who benefits

Both Arabic- and Spanish-speaking communities living in Spain benefit from this project and its efforts to break down negative stereotypes around migrants and Spanish natives, and this in turn benefits wider society more generally.

Funding and resources

The magazine is able to run thanks to a crowdfunding campaign launched at the project's inception, as well as other donations received through its website. In addition it occasionally receives grant funding.