Left Behind

In the midst of turbulence and displacement, refugees around the world share a profound sense of loss and separation from their loved ones. "Left Behind" is a photographic project that captures the heartrending stories of some refugees who cling to memories of their families, children and homeland. Through a series of portraits, this project goes into the emotions of individuals who have been uprooted from their homes and pushed into the uncertainty of new lands.

Each photograph in this series portrays a refugee holding something in his hands, that holds deep personal significance, a cherished token that serves as a tangible connection to the family and home they left behind. These objects, whether a photograph, or a handmade trinket, are imbued with the essence of their beloved ones, offering solace and a hope amidst the challenges of their journey.

Despite losing almost everything, they find strength and comfort in the memories of their families. Through these images, I hope to foster empathy, raise awareness, and inspire action to support refugees worldwide.

  • Ibrahim 1994

    His young daughter in Sierra Leone is the person that ties him to his homeland, she’s the only one that is left behind in his mind.

  • Ahmad 1999

    At the age of 24, Ahmad remembers and misses his young friends in Sudan, playing in the streets and listening to music together. He says that he doesn't have any physical belongings, but a memory in his empty hands.

  • Abdulqader 1991

    War in Yemen is something he doesn't want to remember for sure, and since he lived in Saudi Arabia for years. He represents his emotions about his homeland through his empty hands.

  • Mehran 1988

    His father and mother in Iran, are the only people Mahran feels left behind. Other than that, he does not feel that anything is worth missing in his homeland.

  • Wael 1991

    Six years ago since he left the house is Syria for the last time; his children are now at the gates of adolescence. They hope to see him in the near future. He is still awaiting the decision of the Immigration Department to allow his family to come to the Netherlands.

  • John 1993

    This bracelet is what remains in memory from his homeland. He wears this bracelet in his hand all the time. John feels that it connects him to his memories, both, good and bad, and everything he suffered before his arrival.

  • Jamil 1956

    In North-East Syria people still have deep connections to grand families, Jamil says that he took the risk of travelling illegally and living far away from his beloved ones at this age, only because he believes that it’s his duty to save his family and help them make their own families as well.

  • Wajeeh 2002

    "The flowers know all my secrets, I told the flowers in Syria everything," Wajih says about his relationship with flowers that it is a mutual love relationship. He used to work with flowers and he misses that the most, although he is happy to see so many flowers in the Netherlands

  • Ahmad 1963

    His boyfriend was waiting for him, but he died just at Ahmad’s arrival to the Netherlands. Ahmad believes that his friend is in a better place. He feels that he is the ‘left behind’ person.

  • Victor 1984

    The two young girls are the ‘left behind’ for Victor, he is less worried about his future than theirs. The challenging situation all over the world makes him so worried about the kids.

The photos are hosted by Museum of Humanity from 23 May till 31 August 2024