Ten years ago, Syria appeared to be on the brink of momentous change. The domino effect that was toppling dictators in the region seemed unstoppable, yet Syria descended into chaos and became the place where the Arab Spring would die. What followed became the defining conflict of the early 21st century, forcing half the population of the country to flee, and triggering the largest war-related displacement since World War II.

The levels of violence that have left nearly half a million people dead over the decade have shocked the world. Pro-government forces and jihadists have both been hostile, often lethally so, to independent reporting of the conflict, making it incredibly difficult to cover the war.

Throughout the different stages, from the early anti-Assad rebellion, the emergence of jihadist groups such as ISIS, international involvement in the conflict, and the brutal retaking of control by the Assad regime, AFP remained present, providing extensive coverage. The battle of Kobane, the siege of Aleppo, and the fall of the so-called caliphate are major events in the war, and AFP photographers have chronicled each one from start to finish.

The 32 photographers in the group exhibition include seasoned war reporters and top freelancers from a dozen different countries. Some striking images were shot by Syrians, most of whom had never worked as journalists before the war, having only picked up a camera as a way of calling for help. Many pictures convey the shock felt by the person behind the viewfinder. Wounded children look straight at the camera as they may know who the photographer is, perhaps a neighbour or even a relative. The piles of rubble are not anonymous ruins, but could be the homes of friends or relatives of the photographer. And the pictures are not different just because they provide a local option solving the problem of frontline access. They are the work of a new generation of young Syrians who have become dedicated photojournalists, inspiring many others, and making an impact when reporting on stories which the warring parties would wish to conceal.

Several of the young Syrian photographers are now working for AFP in France, covering the war as experienced from another side: loss, trauma, exile, and sometimes recovery and hope emerging after being witness to scenes of war as shown here.

Jean-Marc Mojon