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Damascus

Culture

Despite volatility, Syrian artists are painting brighter futures through the haze

After the fall — Just over a full year since the collapse of Assad’s dictatorship, the country’s political and social outlook remains fragile. But a new outlook means a blank slate, and a grassroots arts scene is blossoming. Jessie Williams meets the photographers, painters and sculptors forging a new path.

Written by: Jessie Williams
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Sport

In a razed Damascus refugee camp, one martial arts club holds its stance

Yarmouk Fight Club — Once the home of 200,000 Palestinians, the Yarmouk Camp was a bustling community and sanctuary, until Assad’s forces launched a deadly siege in 2013. As a small handful of returnees attempt to rebuild from the rubble, a Muay Thai gym is providing space for catharsis.

Written by: Jake Pace Lawrie
Photography

The​ ​filmmaker​ ​from​ ​Damascus​ ​finding​ ​inspiration​ ​in​ ​Berlin

Pivot Points: Stories of Change — In​ ​this​ ​edition​ ​of​ ​Pivot​ ​Points,​ ​stories​ ​that​ ​shift​ ​a photographer’s​ ​perspective,​ ​Lara​ ​Atallah​ ​spends​ ​time​ ​with​ ​A​ghyad Abou​ ​Koura,​ ​a​ ​young​ ​Syrian​ ​filmmaker,​ ​and​ ​finds​ ​herself reconnecting​ ​with​ ​her​ ​own​ ​journey​ ​to​ ​image-making.

Written by: Lara Atallah

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