During that time my own family history was a lot on my mind as well, because just a few months before my study period started, I discovered that my grandfather had been a prisoner of the Amersfoort concentration camp. He was arrested for being in the Dutch resistance and before being deported to Germany, where he was imprisoned in Neuengamme concentration camp and the Blohm and Voss satellite concentration camp of Neuengamme, he was held in Kamp Amersfoort. I knew my grandfather had been a prisoner in different concentration camps during WWII and that this had a profound effect on my family, but where and what he had experienced was not clear to me and my father. Till I discovered his letters about his experiences during WWII, which had been preserved in a Dutch archive. With the experiences of my grandfather on my mind, I read an article in Uzbekistan, about a new historical park which would include a monument for 101 Uzbeks who had been imprisoned in Kamp Amersfoort in the Netherlands. For me this was a very special moment as I could never imagine that while being in Uzbekistan my personal family history would be so closely connected with an important Uzbek history.

        This week I returned to Uzbekistan to visit the Victory Park Memorial complex (Shon-Sharaf museum and park) to see the Kamp Amersfoort monument for myself. I think it is a beautiful monument. The sculptures of 101 men are rather anonymously (as most of them are not identified yet), but because they are sitting together on the ground and are made out of solid steal, they portray unity and strength. The sculptures of the men are transparent, the steel is only enwrapping the casings of their bodies, while they all have a lamp light shining at the height of their hearts. This gives the monument also a tenderness and something delicate. My interpretation was that while the human body is vulnerable the physical state of being of these men has not affected their inner life and spiritual spirit.

I especially came to see this monument, but the rest of the park and museum certainly did not leave me untouched. In Shon-Sharaf park classical statues and monuments alternate with modern monuments, sculptures and physical experiences (like walking in trenches). Taking the visitor back in time and give them a glimpse of important moments Uzbeks experienced during WWII. Likewise, the experiences of the Uzbeks come really to life in the museum, as many stories and information is supplemented by pictures and artefacts. I think for visitors to Uzbekistan the park and the museum is a real must visit.  This part of history really should get more international attention, as WWII affected so many Uzbek lives. All the personal and historical stories you can discover in the museum will not leave you untouched. Also the staff of the museum and the park are very friendly and knowledgeable. My visit was an experience that will stay with me for a long time.

Metter Monstar, Dutch researcher