On 26 December 2003 an earthquake destroyed over 90% of one of the most ancient cities of Iran, Bam. Nearly half of the inhabitants lost their lives and the impressive citadel was turned into dust. It also destroyed the most famous photo studios located in the old parts of the city. Iranian art historian and photographer Parisa Damandan decided to pay tribute to the victims by excavating, collecting and restoring the archives of five studios, supported by the Prince Claus Fund and AIDA Nederland. She was able to save at least 30,000 negatives, all memories of life in Bam before the city was ruined.
