Islam Mardini, is one of the winners of the “Spirit of Humanity” Photo Contest sponsored by the United Nation’s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in preparation for the World Humanitarian Summit Middle East and North Africa consultation. Mardini who is based in Syria has been working closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent society (SARC ) in documenting humanitarian action in the nation through his camera lens. Mardini offered his story; describing his life during the conflict, the story behind the “Spirit of Humanity” winning photo, as well as his hope and aspiration regarding Syria.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am 28 years old and originally from West Aleppo, Syria. However, my work with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent takes me to the Eastern side of Aleppo almost every day. Aside from being a humanitarian worker, I am a freelance photographer and sometimes I publish photo essays.
How has the conflict in Syria affected your personal life?
Everything has been affected, every household, not only me personally. The conflict altered our way of living, affected our security, livelihood, psychological and physical wellbeing. Everything has been affected due to the conflict. Even my work as a photographer because now almost all my photos are about stories of the war because words fail to describe how war has affected everything. My photos now are no longer just images- they are stories. As we say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
How did you start your journey as a RC/RC volunteer in Syria and when?
I became a volunteer about a year ago. Given the situation that the country has reached and seeing SARC’s work and impact on alleviating the suffering of people, I applied to be one of their volunteers and I was assigned to work with the media and communications team.
As a volunteer for the Red Crescent you risk your life every day to help others- what made you join the SARC and what motivates you to put yourself in danger for others?
The main reason that keeps me going is the devastating result of the conflict in Syria. For me it’s enough to see a child’s smile – it is like a “smile of gratitude”, which gives me the power and motivation to continue what I am doing. What I look for in the photos I take is to make sure that I document the situation. Through my photography, I aim to share to everyone the work of the SARC volunteers.
How did you start photography?
Since I was young, I enjoyed taking pictures of my friends and myself as well. Afterwards, I grew fonder of it and became motivated to study it. So I soon started reading books about photography as well as taking courses and teaching myself different techniques.
What can you tell us about the day you took that picture and what was the story behind it? What were you and your colleagues doing that day?
I was at a crossing from Eastern Aleppo, which is an area of danger. I was waiting at this point of contact for the SARC volunteers who were transporting some mobility aid equipment such as wheelchairs. I knew what the scene would look like, so the picture was set in my mind and once my colleagues came out I captured the photo. The meaning behind this photo is that this destruction created as a result of the war became a gateway of hope and humanity.
What are your hopes for the future?
For me, I want to be known for my work. For Syria, like everyone else, I wish Syria could regain peace and security. I wish it could be like it was before all this.
Can you tell us what inspired you to be a humanitarian worker and how to inspire humanity in people?
Like I said before, the result and impact of my work are what is important and keep me motivated to continue to be a part of the SARC. At the end of the day, the child’s smile and gratitude in people’s eyes is what keeps me going. I hope to continue on this road. I wish more people can support humanitarian action. At first people are not too sure, or seem nervous, but once you become a humanitarian worker, you can’t stop. It not just the destination, it is the whole journey.
Any more messages to spread?
I want to thank you. I was surprised I won in the competition. For me the picture is a normal scene, it is not that unique for me as I am living here, but for you it is. I do not see it from the same lens you view it. It is different because you are outside of the conflict.
See the best entries from the “Spirit of Humanity” Photo Contest here: cinco.ly/~AMKATacIpHM_
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