--- description: Mohammed Badra photographs a hidden amusement park, where Syrian children can safely play while the war rages on above them title: Go Inside an Underground Amusement Park in Syria image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt27cfd5483af57a41/6988a9b9428a9e61a5cd4997/mohammed-badra-syria-underground-playground-1.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [World](/section/world/) ## World Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [LightBox](/tag/time-section-lightbox/) ## LightBox Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # Go Inside an Underground Amusement Park in Syria by [Olivier Laurent](/author/olivier-laurent/) ## Olivier Laurent Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Oct 13, 2016 2:39 PM CUT  Children play on a ferris wheel at an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, Sept. 16, 2016\. The underground amusement park was built to protect children from bombing and shelling. It consists of two underground halls connected through a tunnel. Children play on a ferris wheel at an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, Sept. 16, 2016\. The underground amusement park was built to protect children from bombing and shelling. It consists of two underground halls connected through a tunnel.Mohammed Badra—EPA by [Olivier Laurent](/author/olivier-laurent/) ## Olivier Laurent Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Oct 13, 2016 2:39 PM CUT In an underground basement in [Arbin](http://time.com/4147233/syria-bombing-airstrikes-douma-45-killed/ "undefined"), a rebel-held neighborhood on the outskirts of Damascus, the laughter of children can be heard, echoing up to a world that has been dominated by destruction and war for more than five years. Welcome to Childhood Land, a makeshift playground where children can play dress up, ride swings and board a small merry-go-round. Built more than 18 months ago by volunteers, the small-scale, underground amusement park offers a much-needed respite for children caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict. “So many children have suffered because of the Syrian crisis, there’s been so many psychological troubles,” says Mohammed Badra, an EPA photographer. “The park’s architect, Yassen, said that since we can’t give children candy and food, we gave them some happiness.” Badra stumbled on Childhood Land when he was working for the Syrian Red Crescent as a first-aid volunteer. “I know \[of\] many places like this one built for the children,” he tells TIME. “I can say that no child in Syria has not been affected by the crisis. I think \[this park\] is very important for them. I consider it a hospital for children’s spirit.” And it’s also helping parents. “Fathers see their children laughing more. That’s a very important thing in their lives.” For Badra, the focus on Childhood Land is also part of a shift in his own approach to covering the conflict, a change he’s embarked upon under the mentorship of his editor at EPA, Oliver Weiken. “I really want to make new pictures about Syrian daily life,” he says. “Lives here are not just about the injured. After several massacres that happened here, I think a picture of a child laughing or smiling is a great picture to see. It’s a very valuable thing.” **_Mohammed Badra_** _is a Syrian photographer based in Douma. He is represented by EPA._ **_Andrew Katz_** _is TIME’s International Multimedia Editor. Follow him on Twitter_ [_@katz_](https://twitter.com/katz "undefined")_._ **_Olivier Laurent_** _is the editor of TIME LightBox. Follow him on_ [_Twitter_](http://twitter.com/olivierclaurent "undefined") _and_ [_Instagram_](http://instagram.com/olivierclaurent "undefined") _@olivierclaurent_ _Follow_ **_TIME LightBox_** _on_ [_Facebook_](https://www.facebook.com/timelightbox "undefined")_,_ [_Twitter_](https://twitter.com/timepictures "undefined") _and_ [_Instagram_](https://instagram.com/timelightbox/ "undefined")_._  Children play on a ferris wheel at an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, Sept. 16, 2016\. The underground amusement park was built to protect children from bombing and shelling. It consists of two underground halls connected through a tunnel. Mohammed Badra—EPA  Children walk through a tunnel connecting the two halls of an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 16, 2016. Mohammed Badra—EPA  Children enjoy a swing ride at an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 16, 2016. Mohammed Badra—EPA  A boy plays on a ladder in an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 16, 2016. Mohammed Badra—EPA  Children react as they listen to songs at an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 16, 2016. Mohammed Badra—EPA  A child climbs at an underground amusement park in Arbin, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 16, 2016. 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