Interview Subject
Files
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Contributing Organization
TSOS
Home Country
Syria
Description
Aeham Ahmad is a pianist from Yarmouk, Syria who gained internet fame from videos posted of him performing on the streets. Because of this, he was targeted and forced to flee to Germany, leaving his wife and two sons behind. Since this interview, his family has joined him.
Aeham’s talent and fame opened up opportunities to perform in various cities in Germany. To share his story during these performances, he learned English. He wants to use music to make a difference in the world. During his time in Yarmouk, there was an underground area where children practiced music because it was no longer safe to do so on the streets. In fact, a twelve-year-old girl was killed by a sniper while playing the piano with Aeham, which demonstrates the danger faced by these young musicians.
In Yarmouk, Aeham had a falafel business. One day, a bomb exploded near his shop, killing three or four customers. The bomb cut through the leg of Aeham’s friend, and Aeham was burned in the face and hand by the hot frying oil. After going to physical therapy to recover his hand’s abilities, he surprised his doctors with his successful recovery. He can now play the piano again.
Document Type
Interview
Interview Date
7-2016
Interview Location
Wiesbaden, Germany
Included in
Digital Humanities Commons, Diplomatic History Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Human Geography Commons, Immigration Law Commons, International Relations Commons, Islamic Studies Commons, Islamic World and Near East History Commons, Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons, Oral History Commons, Photography Commons
