‘Syria: 13 Years of War’ – A New AFP Exhibition at Géopolis Until 1 May 2025
On 8 December 2024, Syria’s history took a dramatic turn with the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, ending over 50 years of his clan’s rule. In partnership with AFP, Géopolis is presenting an exceptional exhibition tracing nearly 13 years of civil war, from the 2011 uprising onwards.
Through the lens of AFP photojournalists, this exhibition recounts the key stages of the conflict in 70 striking images, starting with the early days of the Syrian uprising in the wake of the Arab Spring. This movement initially sparked immense hopes before being brutally crushed with military support from Russia.
A newlywed couple poses at home with their family in Kobane, northern Syria, on 6 December 2015. © Yasin Akgul / AFP
The exhibition also sheds light on the period from 2014 to 2019, when ISIS seized control of parts of Syrian territory, imposing a reign of terror and totalitarian rule.
Backed militarily by Russia, Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which had by then lost control of significant portions of the country, held on until December 2024.
Men, suspected of being affiliated with the IS group, are rounded up in a prison cell in Hasakeh, northeastern Syria, on 26 October 2019. © Fadel Senna / AFP
After just a few days of fighting, the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani — also known as Ahmad al-Charah — took Damascus, bringing an end to the Assad family's rule and ushering Syria into a new era of uncertainty and challenges.
A fighter from the Jaish al-Islam (Islam Army) runs to avoid sniper fire, in Tal al-Siwan, the area of the rebel-held stronghold of Douma, on the outskirts of Damascus on 5 September 2016. © Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP
The exhibition showcases the work of AFP photojournalists who were based in Syria between 2011 and 2024 or covered the conflict on assignment. Among them are Mohamad Abazeed, Bakr Alkasem, Yasin Akgül, Nayef Al-Aboud, Hamza Al-Ajweh, Sameer Al-Doumy, Ameer Al-Halbi, Karam Al-Masri, Zein Al Rifai, Anwar Amro, Louai Beshar, Fabio Bucciarelli, Abdulmonam Eassa, Youssef Karwashan, Abdulaziz Ketaz, Bülent Kiliç, Ozan Kosé, Omar Haj Kadour, James Lawler Duggan, Aris Messinis, Fadel Senna, Delil Souleiman, and Aaref Watad.
A man joyfully tosses a boy into the air after the Friday noon prayer, to celebrate the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo on 13 December 2024. © Ozan Kose / AFP
AFP has an unmatched network of freelancers in Syria, built over the years. Their work is highlighted through the dedicated efforts of editors from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Géopolis – Centre for Photojournalism
Ateliers des Tanneurs Rue des Tanneurs 58-60
1000 Brussels
Tuesday to Sunday,
1pm – 5:30pm
Free admission
Until 1 May 2025