Museum Of Lost Objects: Return To Aleppo
One man’s extraordinary quest to find out what became of his home in Aleppo’s old town.
The Museum of Lost Objects is no ordinary museum - it is where destroyed monuments and ancient sites are re-imagined through memories, legends and incredible personal stories, told by the people who knew these things and places best. The second series launches with a special hour long programme: a return to Iraq and Syria.
It starts in Aleppo, with the story of one neighbourhood and how it changed the lives forever of two Syrians caught up in the war.
There is Zahed Tajeddin, an artist and archaeologist, whose family have lived in Aleppo for generations. The historic old centre was known for its beautiful, medieval courtyard houses and Zahed bought and renovated one in a neighbourhood called Jdeideh. But in 2012, the war forced him to abandon his beloved home, and he watched from afar as Jdeideh was turned into a battleground. He makes the emotional and dangerous journey back to see whether his home survived the conflict. There is sadness, but also surprises under the rubble.
And there is Abu Ahmed, a pharmacist who set up Jdeideh’s only medical centre. He stayed in Aleppo throughout the conflict, giving first aid, medicines and comfort to the local residents. “Everyday was stressful,” he says. “Sometimes I used to have panic attacks, when you see that things are getting worse. Sometimes you feel like you want to die but then you think about it again, and realise the reason you were there. Helping others gave me purpose.” He was one of the last people to flee eastern Aleppo when the government retook that part of the city.
The programme also explores what is left of the ancient sites of northern Iraq. Nimrud is a 3,000 year old citadel demolished by the so-called Islamic State. Muzahim Hossein is an Iraqi archaeologist who spent 30 years excavating there and he goes back for the first time to see what managed to survive in the ruins. And finally we hear the story of one Iraqi family who grew up with the temples and talismans of the beautiful, fabled city of Hatra.
- Presented by Kanishk Tharoor
Publicity contact: MH2/SS2
