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Syrian Refugee’s Incredible Journey: From Sjakk-OL to Norwegian Chess Champion
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In the early hours of a day in August 2014, Ward Al-Tarboush woke up, gathered his belongings, and set off towards the bus station in his city. The 19-year-old Syrian, then part of the Syrian chess team, had a secret plan – he was going to flee his war-torn homeland and seek asylum in Norway. Little did he know, this decision would lead him on an incredible journey, culminating in him becoming a Norwegian chess champion a decade later.
The night before, Al-Tarboush had studied the bus timetables, ensuring he knew exactly when to leave. Despite his meticulous planning, he was still anxious about being spotted by passersby at the bus station. "I went down to the city center and waited for half an hour, then went back and took the bus to Bodø," he recalls.
Al-Tarboush’s escape was just the beginning of his journey. After arriving in Bodø, he discovered that the bus had driven off with all their luggage. They ran after the bus, but it was too late. Fortunately, they spotted their bags in the rearview mirror, and Al-Tarboush’s chess skills would soon come in handy – he managed to convince the driver to stop and return their belongings.
Upon arrival in Oslo, Al-Tarboush applied for asylum. For the next seven months, he waited for a response, moving between various refugee centers in Hønefoss, Sandnessjøen, and finally Spydeberg, where he has lived ever since.
A Life Changed by War
Al-Tarboush’s decision to flee Syria was driven by the brutal civil war that had engulfed the country. In 2011, protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime turned violent, and the country descended into chaos. Al-Tarboush, who was living in Damascus with his family at the time, witnessed firsthand the destruction and fear that gripped the nation.
"All of Syria was destroyed," Al-Tarboush says, his voice heavy with emotion. "It was the worst thing that had ever happened in the history of Syria." His family’s balcony was hit by gunfire, and a neighboring balcony was struck by a bomb. At school, he saw a classroom reduced to rubble by an explosion – fortunately, no students were present at the time.
As a Christian in a predominantly Muslim country, Al-Tarboush also faced religious persecution. He believes that God helped him escape the violence and find safety in Norway.
From Refugee to Chess Champion
Al-Tarboush’s journey from refugee to chess champion was not an easy one. After fleeing Syria, he stopped playing chess for over a year. It was only in 2016 that he began to play again, slowly building up his skills and confidence.
One of the ways Al-Tarboush learned Norwegian was by watching chess on TV. He found that focusing on the game helped him pick up new words and phrases. His dedication paid off – in 2017, he won the Norwegian Chess Championship, becoming the first refugee to do so.
Now, at 29 years old, Al-Tarboush is preparing to represent Norway in the upcoming World Chess Championship in rapid and blitz chess. He qualified for the event by winning the Norwegian Championship earlier this year.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his journey, Al-Tarboush is grateful for the life he has built in Norway. He is proud to represent his new home on the international chess stage, but he also misses his family and friends in Syria.
"I’m happy to be in Norway, and I feel like it’s my country now," he says. "But I also miss my family and friends in Syria. I hope that one day, Syria will be a peaceful place again, and I can visit my family and friends there."
Al-Tarboush’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances. From fleeing a war-torn homeland to becoming a chess champion in a new country, his journey is a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Follow all the action from the World Chess Championship in rapid and blitz chess on NRK from December 26th to 31st.