The “Memories Left Behind” exhibition made its way to Cologne, Germany, to mark the fifth anniversary of Bloody November 2019
This exhibition was not just an artistic or cultural event; But a powerful testament to the Iranian people’s relentless fight for justice, freedom, and human dignity. Focusing on the justice-seeking movement, the exhibition brought decades of state repression and violence into sharp reality, making them tangible for all who visited.
Each corner of the exhibition bore witness to nearly half a century of state-perpetrated crimes. From letters written in prison and wills composed under the shadow of death to personal belongings of victims
The “Memories Left Behind” exhibition was not just a memorial for those lost—it was a call to action. This exhibition reminded visitors that justice-seeking is not only about the past— it is about shaping a future built on freedom, accountability, and human dignity.
Many of the objects on display—smuggled out of Iran at great risk—were not merely relics of those who perished; they symbolized the unbreakable will of the Iranian people to resist tyranny. These artifacts carried the weight of Iranian’s pain, defiance, and unwavering demand for justice.
The “Memories Left Behind” exhibition continued its journey through Europe, this time in Norway. This exhibition tells the story of 44 years of repression, resistance, and justice-seeking in Iran.
Among the displayed artifacts were letters written in captivity, wills, handmade greeting cards, embroidered fabric pieces, and prayer beads made from date pits—each a living testament to the struggles and sacrifices of those who stood against oppression.
A section of the exhibition was dedicated to letters written by the families of those killed in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. These letters, filled with love, sorrow, and anger, presented a profound narrative of pain and justice-seeking, allowing visitors to deeply connect with the grief and resilience of these families.
Organized by Victims’ Families for Transitional Justice, the exhibition received an overwhelming response from both Iranians and Norwegians. Many visitors, for the first time, encountered the faces and stories of those who lost their lives under decades of tyranny and repression.
The exhibition “Memories Left Behind”, showcases the mementos and memories of political and ideological victims from the past 44 years under the Iranian regime. Organized by ‘Victims’ Families for Transitional Justice’ and the ‘Human Rights Campaign for Iran,’ this poignant event began in Stockholm on September 9, 2023, and will travel to various European cities.
This exhibition vividly captures the spirit of resistance and resilience of the people of Iran in their struggle against the oppressive Islamic Republic regime.
