Humans of Syria
A Dutch photographer sought out refugees from Syria's civil war and discovered a world of stories
![Outside Syria](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9Mz6bpQgxuc4TpM6ECGSsh-415-80.jpg)
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UBNjnABFGZC7oLPpNhSn5S-415-80.jpg)
(Marieke van der Velden) Before his Syrian neighborhood collapsed, before he found himself crossing the border out of his homeland and fleeing for whatever semblance of safety he could find, Badwi was a well-respected member of his community. He was middle-class, owned two garages, and ran another business on the side. The story struck a chord with van der Velden — behind Badwi's silver beard and deep-set eyes, she saw her own father. The two men had once led parallel lives, from their similar professions, to their roles as community leaders.But the civil war in Syria splintered the connection. It was these earlier lives, and what the refugees miss most about them, that van der Velden set out to capture in her photo series Outside Syria.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ep9R7SFVr9PBxgCCPivHEd-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jwDKSSdDYrreyD4Ka9dSFM-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JjsEV9Yrb7h8V7aovrbDMV-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uMzNyc9mVmgJbtyvWoA9NG-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wQD6zhw2zcdYSkVnwdB9Qd-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LnYwpR8WhjqJUxA2FEGwP-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y4ULWxipzWaENKCUjK4Rpf-415-80.jpg)
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4iPHmbZCnjhMepYwFu9PcC-415-80.jpg)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Mushroom edibles are tripping up users
the explainer The psychedelics can sometimes have questionable components
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Prisons are simply not prepared for extreme heat
Under the radar Inmates are at severe risk of heat-related illness
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
What financial impacts can you expect when the Fed finally cuts rates?
The Explainer The Federal Reserve is poised to slash interest rates in the coming months
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published