Shelter for Armenian refugees in Damascus, 1919

The photograph shows Armenian women and children who survived the Armenian Genocide, at the refugee shelter operating in Damascus. The shelter was founded by the Armenian General Benevolent Union in 1919.

Seated in the centre are Levon Yotneghberian, who took part in their rescue, and the head of the shelter, Amayak Ughurlian. Around them are women, girls and children, many in headscarves; in front, children sit on the ground.

The photograph bears witness to human tragedy and solidarity.