Objekt des Monats
Jedes Objekt in der Sammlung des Deutschen Auswandererhauses erzählt eine ganz persönliche Auswanderungs- oder Einwanderungsgeschichte. In dieser Rubrik stellen wir Ihnen jeden Monat ein anderes Objekt vor – eine Fotografie, ein Dokument oder ein persönliches Erinnerungsstück.
July 2022
Digital photo of Marwan Zeno, 2014
Historical Context
Worldwide, there are numerous governmental and civil society organizations dedicated to saving the lives of those in danger on the waters of this Earth. In doing so, rescue workers, whether professional or volunteer, often risk a lot. Under international maritime law, it is mandated to assist individuals in distress at sea, regardless of the circumstances. They must be taken to a safe place where no further dangers exist and their basic needs can be met.
The so-called Mediterranean route is considered one of the most dangerous escape routes worldwide. It is difficult to quantify how many people die, are trafficked, or injured along this route. According to UN estimates, 1,589 people died on this route in 2021 or have since been reported missing.
Short Biography
Marwan Zeno is born in July 1971 in Beirut. At the age of two, his family moves to the village of Binnish near Idlib in northwest Syria. Here, Marwan Zeno goes to school and helps his parents with fieldwork. At 17, he is conscripted for military service for two years. Subsequently, at the age of 19, he moves to Damascus to work in a clothing store. In 2000, Marwan Zeno and Iman get married – their son Ahmed is born in 2001, and daughter Sarah in 2003.
In 2011, war breaks out in Syria. Marwan Zeno initially moves with his family to Beirut in Lebanon. In 2014, he decides to flee for several reasons; with the firm intention of bringing his family along. Together, they initially return to Damascus. There, Marwan Zeno’s escape route begins, leading him to the Turkish port city of Mersin. From there, he embarks on a dangerous journey across the Mediterranean. He pays $6,000 for the crossing. Another 200 people are on board with Marwan Zeno. Sometimes there is only one date per person per day for food, along with a small bottle of drinking water. The ship gets into distress and is eventually rescued by the Italian coastguard. In total, Marwan Zeno is at sea for twelve days. His journey continues to Germany until he finally finds a new home in Bremen.
Significance of the object
The photograph from 2014 shows Marwan Zeno (bottom right) just after they were rescued by the Italian coastguard. The group photo captures the moment of solidarity among strangers who had to endure a difficult situation together. Their relief is evident on their faces.
Furthermore, the photo conveys a perspective rarely seen in the media: it showcases the individuality and personality of the people. Too often, photos of fleeing individuals are published without their consent. They are taken from above or from land at the moment of ‘receiving.’ This creates images that can appear dehumanizing and anonymous.
The photo also highlights the importance of digital objects for migration research. New technologies hold an increasingly significant value, both for migrants and for researchers.
Do You Also Have …
… a story of emigration or immigration in your family that you would like to share with the German Emigration Center together with the related objects and documents for its collection? Then please contact Dr. Tanja Fittkau by phone at +49 471 / 90 22 0 – 0
or by e-mail at: t.fittkau@dah-bremerhaven.de