Ruptured Atlas: a trauma-informed approach to spatial storytelling for survivors of genocide (the case for Yazidis in Iraq)

The Ruptured Atlas project (December 2023 – December 2024) employs innovative, participatory mapping techniques to document the complex spatial and lived experiences of the Yazidi community in the aftermath of the genocide perpetrated by ISIS, which commenced in August 2014. This collaborative effort involves 15 Yazidi researchers and key partners, culminating in an online atlas and a trauma-informed policy toolkit. Designed to influence housing and migration policies in both Iraq and the UK, the project prioritises trauma-informed practices and community empowerment. The online atlas was not only a conceptual device, but a vital visual tool, enabling participants to represent trauma through non-verbal means. For many Yazidis involved, who had never previously spoken about their traumatic memories – not even to family members – participating through visual methods offered a culturally resonant form of expression. In a context where dwelling on trauma is often perceived as taboo, the ability to communicate through drawing, mapping, and image-making became a form of catharsis. This visual participation enabled a sense of closure and empowerment, allowing participants to reclaim control over their personal histories and futures. This paper examines the project’s context, methodology, and outputs, analysing its impact and the unique contributions of its Yazidi collaborators.