Mediatization of a Revolution

Mediatization of a Revolution

(De)mobilization among Diasporic
Syrian Dissidents in Europe

Zenia Henriksen

New York · Berlin · Brussels · Chennai · Lausanne · Oxford

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Henriksen, Zenia, 1987- author
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n2025019817
http://id.loc.gov/rwo/agents/n2025019817

Title: Mediatization of a revolution : (de)mobilization among diasporic
Syrian dissidents in Europe / Zenia Henriksen.

Description: New York : Peter Lang, 2026. | Series: Currents in media,
social and religious movements in the Middle East, 2576-2133 ; Vol. 4 |
Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2025015792 (print) | LCCN 2025015793 (ebook) |
ISBN 9781636678122 hardback | ISBN 9781636678139 ebook |
ISBN 9781636678146 epub

Subjects: LCSH: Syrians--Europe--Politics and government--21st century |
Immigrants--Political activity--Europe | Mass media and war--Syria |
Social media and war--Syria | Syria--History--Civil War, 2011---Political aspects

Classification: LCC DS98.6 .H47 2026 (print) | LCC DS98.6 (ebook) |
DDC 320.9569109/05--dc23/eng/20250508

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2025015792

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2025015793

Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek.
Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek lists this publication in the “Deutsche
Nationalbibliografie”; detailed bibliographic data are available on the Internet at http://dnb.d-nb.de/

The research project was funded by the Independent Research Fund
Denmark with grant number 8018-00038B.

The cover photo is from the author’s visit to Syria in 2010. Bab Touma, Damascus. Credit: Homs, Syria. Photo by Daham Alasaad.

ISSN 2576-2133

ISBN 978-1-63667-812-2 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-63667-813-9 (ePDF)

ISBN 978-1-63667-814-6 (ePUB)

DOI 10.3726/b21541

© 2026 Peter Lang Group AG, Lausanne (Switzerland)

Published by Peter Lang Publishing Inc., New York (United States)

www.peterlang.com

All rights reserved.

Reprint or reproduction, even partially, in all forms such as microfilm,

xerography, microfiche, microcard, and offset strictly prohibited.

For Malayka,
with the hope that she will always find places of belonging
and that Syria will heal and flourish anew

Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

Preface

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Transliteration, Translation, and Pseudonyms

Glossary

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 The Syrian Mediascape and the Migration Framework

CHAPTER 2 Life in Diaspora

CHAPTER 3 Media Practices, Memories, and Mistrust

CHAPTER 4 Political Activism in Diaspora

CHAPTER 5 Demobilization and the Deterrence of Activism

CHAPTER 6 Negative Impacts of the Mediatization Processes

Epilogue

Index

List of Figures

Figure 0.1: Map of Syria (Wikimedia Commons)

Figure 3.1: A poster on a trash can in Malmö about the visit of Rasmus Paludan

Figure 4.1: Fifty most frequent words, longer than five letters, used across the countries

Figure 4.2: Fifty most frequent words used from the interviews in Denmark

Figure 4.3: Fifty most frequent words used from the interviews in Germany

Figure 4.4: Fifty most frequent words used from the interviews in Sweden

Figure 4.5: A floor-standing poster of the Arabic library in Berlin

Figure 4.6: A drawing by Hani Abbas after the video from al-Taḍāmun was released

Figure 4.7: Syria is not safe campaign

Figure 5.1: Images of detainees from an event by Families for Freedom

Figure 5.2: Protect people who are fleeing

Figure 5.3: Don’t force humans back to the dictator from whom they fled

List of Tables

Table 3.1: Media outlets used by interlocutors

Table 4.1: NGOs and CSOs that interlocutors engage with (local, national, and transnational organizations, both in Syria and diaspora-based)

Preface

My memories of my initial journey to Syria in 2008 remain vivid and profound. Accompanied by a fellow student of Arabic and Islamic Studies from Aarhus University, I embarked on an adventurous backpacking expedition across the country. Our itinerary spanned from bustling cities to remote regions, encompassing diverse landscapes and communities. Heading out from Damascus to Palmyra to the Eastern territories, tracing the course of the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor, to Aleppo, Latakkia, Hama, and Homs, before circling back to the vibrant capital of Damascus. It was an eye-opening experience that left me deeply enamored with Syria’s rich cultural tapestry and geographical diversity. Despite the concerns expressed by my family, I embarked on the journey with a sense of excitement and curiosity, devoid of any fear. Throughout my travels, I encountered no alarming situations, and my interactions with lovely people of Syria were warm and hospitable. However, as I reflect on those experiences now, I realize the extent of my youthful naivety. One incident stands out in my memory, a moment of unwitting recklessness that could have had serious consequences. In my enthusiasm to capture parts of the essence of the city, I snapped a photograph of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, situated in an area known for housing central Mukhābarāt quarters, the intelligence service. It was not until later that I understood the gravity of the situation. I realized the potential peril I had unknowingly placed myself and my companion in. The encounter with security officials, though tense, ended amicably, albeit leaving behind a palpable sense of unease. It served as a stark reminder of the complex realities obscured by my superficial perceptions of the social and political fabric of the country. Subsequent visits to Syria allowed me to peel back more layers of its society, revealing subtle nuances and intricate dynamics. I became acutely aware of the challenges posed by internet censorship, the omnipresent imagery of past and present presidents, and the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion that permeated daily life for many Syrians. My scholarly pursuits and numerous encounters further deepened my understanding of the complexities of dynamics in Syrian society. One particular revelation came through my study of printed media in 2010, where I discovered the intricate web of censorship and state control that governed information dissemination. The realization that major newspapers drew from one singular news agency, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), underscored the tightly regulated media landscape that I had only read about before. A seemingly innocuous request to accompany a neighbor to his workplace in the editorial department of a national newspaper was met with polite agreement but subsequent avoidance. He never opened the door to me again. This incident, though I did not understand it back then, showed me the pervasive climate of fear and self-censorship that permeates society. In the course of conducting research for this book, my interactions with diasporic Syrians have shed further light on the enduring impact of Syria’s tumultuous history. The vibrant Arab Street in Neukölln, with its bustling markets and familiar sights and sounds, serves as a testament to the resilience of the Syrian people amidst displacement. Conversations with Syrians in diaspora, filled with shared memories and reflections on pre-war Syria, offered glimpses into the profound sense of loss and longing that characterizes their experiences. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, they exhibit remarkable resilience and fortitude, driven by a resolute commitment to a better and freer future for Syria. Their narratives, steeped in oral tradition, resonate with shared grief and unwavering hope, a testament to the enduring human spirit amidst the crucible of war and displacement.

As I was finishing this book, the al-Assad regime fell on December 8, 2024. Syrians around the world have celebrated, and my hope is that they will have the opportunity to rebuild their country based on their own visions, with minimal interference from the agendas of international actors. Addressing the vast humanitarian crisis and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure will take years, and the political future remains highly uncertain. I hope all Syrians can soon breathe freely, unburdened by fear and anxiety.