Refugee Chronicles is an archive of stories of Al-Nakba through first-hand accounts. The project shares the strength and resilience of Palestinian people who were displaced in 1948.

Nour Alsholi initiated the project, Refugee Chronicles, three years ago, traveling to various Palestinian refugee camps across the MENA region. The purpose has been to collect video testimonials from Nakba survivors who were displaced during the 1948 Nakba and have since resided in refugee camps. In addition to recording their video testimonials, the artist captured their portraits. These testimonials aim to document the narratives, memories, and reflections on the events leading to the displacement and the subsequent aftermath.

Refugee Chronicles also involves documenting the visual history of the Nakba by photographing elders who possess tangible artifacts such as photographs, documents, and personal belongings from that era. Through the collection of both oral histories and photographs, Refugee Chronicles aims to amplify the voices of those directly affected by the Nakba, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. By capturing these narratives in their raw and authentic form, the project aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on the Palestinian refugee experience, historical memory, and the quest for justice and reconciliation in the region. Refugee Chronicles intends to utilize the collected material to create educational resources, exhibitions, and digital archives accessible to the public. These efforts are aimed at fostering greater awareness and understanding of the Nakba and its enduring legacy.

For London Refugee Week, Counterpoints present photo exhibition and a media screenings featuring testimonials from survivors of the Nakba, carefully collected over the years from Palestinian refugee camps. The exhibition will feature a photo exhibit showcasing portraits of the survivors. Each photo will be accompanied by a description of their lives and the circumstances that led them to the refugee camps.

Image credit: the artist.