Playful Syrian Children During the Early 20th Century

This photograph features a group of Syrian children, captured between 1915 and 1920 by a photographer from the Bain News Service. The glass negative format used in this image was popular in the early 20th century, allowing for detailed and lasting representations of the subjects. During this period, Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire, undergoing significant social and political changes that would shape its future.

The image provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of children in a region rich with history. At this time, many children were largely affected by the turmoil of World War I and the subsequent reshaping of national borders. Such photographs offer important documentation of the people and cultures that existed during this transformative era, reminding us of the youth who lived through these pivotal moments in history.