Footage documentation by Alaa Hassan
The ten-year-long Syrian conflict has profoundly affected millions of people and their surroundings. Initially starting as peaceful protests against President Bashar Al Assad's regime in 2011, the conflict quickly escalated into a brutal government military crackdown, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and numerous arrests, according to Human Rights Watch. The conflict evolved into a polarized war between the government military, supported by the Russian and Iranian governments, and armed opposition groups, backed by the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others in the region. This led to an unprecedented refugee crisis, claiming the lives of over 400,000 people. The use of chemical weapons by the government further intensified the crisis. As a result, millions of Syrians were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, as well as in Europe and other continents. Currently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over 6 million Syrians are internally displaced, with over 5 million seeking refuge in other countries.
The images of war and catastrophe emerging from Syria have indelibly marked the collective memory of those affected. The trauma of war, displacement, and loss has adversely affected the mental health of millions of people, as documented by the World Health Organization (WHO). These events have left lasting imprints on people's memories, reminding them of the horrors they faced and the ongoing struggle for peace in Syria.
"Scattered Memory of Syria," by Qusay Awad, delves into the fragmented collective memories of Syria and its people over the past decade. This interdisciplinary research culminates in a multimedia installation. Methodologically, the research examines the relationship between immaterial memory and physical space using innovative techniques and materials.
Combining architecture, video, and sound elements, the installation creates an immersive and multisensory experience that portrays the complex and fragmented memories of the Syrian conflict. It invites visitors to reflect on the experiences and memories of those affected by war, and provides insights into the collective memories shaping our understanding of the past. "Scattered Memory of Syria" serves as a powerful manifesto on the impact of conflicts on our collective memory and the significance of these memories for future generations.
