The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

What major historical events do you remember?

There’s something strange about memory—how the bad moments tend to leave a deeper imprint than the good. It’s as if the darker chapters of our history or personal lives stick with us, etched into our minds more sharply than the victories and joys. My memories are no different; they’re like snapshots, capturing everything from football glory to world-shattering tragedies. But it’s through these moments that I’ve seen the world shift, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

Football: Where the Heart Beat Strongest

Let’s start with football, because honestly, those early days were all about the game. The first major event that comes to mind is Euro ’96. England in the semi-finals, the heartbreak of that penalty shootout loss. They played with such fight and spirit back then—qualities I wish they could rediscover today. My own team, Manchester United, has had its fair share of unforgettable moments too. The era of Eric Cantona was pure magic; his flair, his unpredictability, his maverick spirit—he made Old Trafford a theatre of dreams. And then, like the rebel he was, he retired, leaving us all wanting more.

Then there was the 1999 treble-winning team, led by Roy Keane. That team embodied the “never give up” attitude like no other, a spirit that made us all believe in the impossible. And who could forget Cristiano Ronaldo lifting the Ballon d’Or and that 2008 Champions League win? Some of the most iconic goals in football history came from that era. And then in 2013, we said goodbye to Sir Alex Ferguson, the man who built an empire. It was the end of an era that I’ll always treasure.

Global Tragedies: The World Turned Upside Down

But while football brought joy, the world around me was often falling apart. Princess Diana’s death was a shock that rippled through the UK, leaving a sense of loss that many of us never quite got over. And then came the 9/11 attacks—the twin towers collapsing live on TV was an image that burned itself into our collective consciousness. It wasn’t long after that the world saw the London bombings, and before we knew it, we were embroiled in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And it didn’t stop there—Libya, Syria, Gaza—so much tragedy, so much injustice. The horrors of Bosnia, Chechnya, the forced expulsion of the Rohingya and Uyghur people. Each of these moments reminded me of how much human suffering we’ve allowed, and how often history repeats itself when we refuse to learn.

Economic Collapse: The Financial Crashes That Shook the World

Then there were the financial crashes. The one in the ‘90s, and then the 2008 crisis that took the world by storm. Lives ruined, homes lost, the gap between rich and poor widening like never before. And now, post-Russia-Ukraine war, they call it inflation—but we’ve seen this cycle. War brings economic instability, food prices skyrocket, and the poor suffer the most. The rich? Well, they always seem to get richer.

Leaders Who Failed Us: From Hope to Disappointment

I remember the hope Tony Blair brought when he first came to power, but that hope crumbled when he dragged us into the Iraq war on a lie. Barack Obama was another beacon of hope that ultimately felt hollow. Sound bites, yes. Action, no. And then there was the farce of Trump and Boris Johnson—both felt like bad jokes that went on for far too long. And now, Keir Starmer, silent in the face of genocide and injustice. History will remember these leaders, and the verdict won’t be kind.

Personal Loss and the Heroes I Admired

On a personal note, losing my dad in 2019 was a blow I still feel every day. I miss him more than words can express and pray for him constantly. But there were other losses that shook the world too—Michael Jackson, whose music was a soundtrack to so many lives, and Muhammad Ali, the greatest not just in the ring but in life.

Speaking of sports, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing greatness in action. Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal—athletes whose names will echo through history. Boxing gave us legends like Naseem Hamed, Floyd Mayweather, Tyson Fury, and Manny Pacquiao. It’s been a golden era for sport, no doubt.

Technological Revolution: A Blessing and a Curse

The invention of the internet and the iPhone? Absolute game-changers. But while they’ve transformed the world in countless ways, social media has, without a doubt, messed it up. We were better off without Facebook, Instagram, and especially Twitter. The world seems more divided, more anxious, and more isolated than ever before, even though we’re more connected than we’ve ever been.

Pop Culture: Icons and Entertainment That Shaped a Generation

I can’t forget the cultural icons, either. Tupac Shakur’s music, his raw emotion, his message—his death was another massive loss for our generation. And the rise of gaming—from Nintendo and Sega to PlayStation, I’ve seen it all evolve. On the big screen, movies like The Godfather, E.T., Inception, and Bollywood classics like DDLJ and K3G shaped my love for film and storytelling.

And finally, Nelson Mandela’s election in South Africa—now that’s a moment bigger than I can fully appreciate even today. I didn’t understand the gravity of it back then, but looking back, I realise how monumental it truly was.

A Lifetime of Memories

These are my memories, my photographic snapshots of history. Some moments filled me with hope and joy, others left scars that will never fully heal. But through it all, I’ve witnessed the world change, and I’m left wondering what the next chapter holds.