Multimedia

19 10, 2023
  • Satellite images show increasing damage to buildings in al-Hajar al-Aswad, a city south of Damascus, in the years since regime forces regained control in May 2018 (Google Earth/SkyFi/Syria Direct)

Buildings in Damascus’ al-Hajar al-Aswad demolished, rubble sold

By Habib Shehada|2023-10-20T09:47:21+02:00October 19, 2023|

In al-Hajar al-Aswad, south of Damascus, buildings are steadily being demolished—regardless of whether they are structurally sound—with the rubble sold for profit under the eyes of regime forces. Some fear demolitions could be a precursor to expropriations under redevelopment plans.

15 08, 2023

The Hope to Return (Episode 5): The future of the camps

By Lyse Mauvais|2023-08-15T14:44:23+02:00August 15, 2023|

Many houses have been destroyed, looted or confiscated by Turkish-backed armed groups in areas they seized during Operation Peace Spring. Similar acts have been carried out with impunity by a range of armed groups across Syria in recent years. Meanwhile, many displaced people have lost the documents proving that they own land or a house in their native towns and villages. What can Khedr, Amina and Zahra do to protect their property rights back home? This is the fourth episode of “The Hope to Return,” a podcast series by Syria Direct.

7 08, 2023

The Hope to Return (Episode 4): Clinging to the land

By Lyse Mauvais,|2023-08-09T14:42:43+02:00August 7, 2023|

Many houses have been destroyed, looted or confiscated by Turkish-backed armed groups in areas they seized during Operation Peace Spring. Similar acts have been carried out with impunity by a range of armed groups across Syria in recent years. Meanwhile, many displaced people have lost the documents proving that they own land or a house in their native towns and villages. What can Khedr, Amina and Zahra do to protect their property rights back home? This is the fourth episode of “The Hope to Return,” a podcast series by Syria Direct.

31 07, 2023

The Hope to Return (Episode 3): Peace Spring

By Lyse Mauvais|2023-08-09T14:39:48+02:00July 31, 2023|

On October 9, 2019, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring, which started with the heavy bombardment of several northeastern Syrian towns. Amina and Khedr recall fleeing their homes during this terrifying night. Four years later, stability has returned to the area but Amina, Khedr and Zahra, another resident of Washokani camp, are all unable to return.

24 07, 2023

The Hope to Return (Episode 2): Like home in the desert

By Lyse Mauvais|2023-07-24T16:16:18+02:00July 24, 2023|

Four years ago, Khedr was displaced with his wife and daughter to Washokani camp, on the outskirts of Hasakah city. Adjusting to life in a tent has been difficult, but despite opportunities to seek refuge abroad, Khedr refuses to leave. He feels like he would be giving up on his right to return home one day.

17 07, 2023

The Hope to Return (Episode 1): The mill

By Lyse Mauvais,|2023-08-09T14:40:46+02:00July 17, 2023|

Amina al-Fares lives with her family of 11 in an abandoned mill in the countryside of Tal Tamar, in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah province. The family was displaced from their home near Ras al-Ain in 2019, and lived in the open for many months until they found this place. But they now risk being expelled by its owner.

8 03, 2023

Distance (Episode 5): Under one roof

By Alicia Medina|2023-03-09T11:28:36+01:00March 8, 2023|

In 2015, Haitham al-Kurdi made the dangerous journey from Syria to Denmark alone, planning to bring his wife and children later. Over the following eight years, his hopes were repeatedly dashed as Danish asylum policies tightened.

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