Syrians Strive to Safeguard Memories of a Turbulent Revolution

From protest banners and graffiti condemning authoritarian rule to artillery shells repurposed as sculptures, as well as torture instruments and even an entire prison, Syrians are gathering tangible remnants of their recent conflict.

As the country begins to move beyond a tragic and protracted chapter marked by an anti-government uprising that escalated into a nearly 14-year civil war, many are determined to conserve these relics. Their goal is to honor the sacrifices made by those who opposed a repressive regime and to create lasting reminders that serve as warnings against repeating such violence.

In addition to physical artifacts, others are working to retrieve extensive collections of documents, hard drives, and computers from the toppled government, hoping these materials will support efforts toward justice and accountability.

“Some might say we should forget these moments, but I refuse,” said Mutassim Abdulsatir, 45, who was imprisoned at Syria’s infamous Sednaya facility. “These memories must be preserved for future generations so that such tragedies are neither repeated in Syria nor anywhere else in the world.”

Recently, outside Sednaya prison—where countless detainees were executed without trial—Abdulsatir was gathering nooses made from ropes tangled like thick clumps of hair. He carried them inside the prison’s extensive wings and dark cells for safekeeping, envisioning their display within a glass case as a solemn reminder.