(1/3) I was six years old when the war broke out in Iraq, so my memories of events are very fragmented. I do remember being in an underground part of my grandparents’ house during what I now know were airstrikes.
For a six-year old, not knowing what was really happening, it was actually fun. It was nice to be able to stay up late, and to have everyone – my grandparents, my cousins, my uncles and aunties – all in the same room. Afterwards, my cousins and I would go outside and collect the empty bullet casings on the ground. Just like how other kids collect and play with marbles.
I think a child’s experience of war can be very different because they can’t really understand what’s going on.
But I was only there for about 9 months and I was sheltered from the consequences by my mum. For children who have been there for a longer period of time, eventually that naivety is crushed and they have to grow up really quickly to cope with what’s happening around them.
Susan
Iraq
Arrived 2003
Photographer: Laura Matthew www.lauramatthew.photography
I think war affects everyone differently, including children. I was the same age as you during the Iran/Iraq war and what I remember was anything but fun. The loud warning sirens followed by deafening sounds of air strikes are forever etched in my mind. My last memory is from a night where the house next door to us was hit by an air strike. A lot of our house went down too but not enough to kill us. All you could see was shattered glass, thick smoke, screaming people, blood…..and of course deceased people. Did I mention it was a child’s 1st birthday party next door? ???? I remember way more than a 6-7 year old should remember ????????????????????. Wish there was no such thing as war….
Interesting the child’s perspective of the war. I used to collect shell fragments, bullet casings as a child.
Underground bunkers during air strikes were fun and exciting almost like a game.
Spending time at the church for safety during air strikes, as religious buildings didn’t get hit – meant no school, lots of time spent with the neighbourhood kids and friends.
Glad u r safe. I’m glad I’m safe too.
Wherever the wars are, it scars children for life.
Hope for a better childhood for the next generation.
I’m glad you’re away from that.
This probably sounds shallow, but I like her outfit.
Tom