To begin the process of creating the digital memorial to commemorate the lives lost in Srebrenica, 25 households across Leeds and Kirklees have been given a starter pack of a picture of an individual who died in the genocide in Bosnia, some creative materials, as well as a small packet of Bosnian Coffee and a bag of Rahat Lokum (Bosnian Turkish Delight).
Rahat Lokum translates as “Contentment for the throat” and the group is using the image of a cube of sweetness as inspiration to commemorate the lives lost in Srebrenica. It is also a symbol of the delight of sharing coffee and food with family, friends and colleagues whom we haven’t been able to be with during lockdown. Each family or household is creating a lemon, green or rose pink cube of Rahat Lokum using materials found at home – they might be made from clay, paper, fabric, wool (or even cake!)
Each person taking part will share their thoughts about an individual who lost their lives in Srebrenica and talk about a person in their life who they are missing at the moment. These thoughts and messages will become a short film, to be launched on Saturday 11 July, the 25 year anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia. Bosnian musician and singer, Sanja Cin, is writing a song to contribute to the film too.
Small Contentments is digitally connecting refugee and migrant communities, students, artists and families across the region through creativity – and includes people who are British, Bosnian, Brazilian, Sudanese, Burundian, Polish, Kurdish, Czech Roma, Hungarian, Syrian, Chinese and Nepalese. Participants range from age 4 to 96 and include Holocaust survivor and patron of 6 million+, Iby Knill.
To follow the journey of the project, head over to 6 Million+’s Facebook page.
6 Million+ are an arts charity who lead a programme of information, education, creative arts and memorial events with communities, exploring the connections between the Holocaust and the experience of persecuted minorities in the world today, especially those people who seek sanctuary in our community.
The name Srebrenica has become synonymous with those dark days in July 1995 when, in the first-ever United Nations declared safe area, thousands of men and boys were systematically murdered and buried in mass graves. The victims, predominantly Muslim, were selected for death on the basis of their identity. This was the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
The lesson from Srebrenica is that no society is invulnerable to prejudice and intolerance. We must all remain vigilant against these forces, and take positive action to build stronger, more resilient communities. For further information, please visit: www.srebrenica.org.uk
Small Contentments is digitally connecting refugee and migrant communities, students, artists and families across the region through creativity
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