As Syria begins its historic transition following the fall of Assad's regime, our award-winning digital testimony serves as a crucial witness to history
In 2022, we launched Zendetta – an immersive digital experience documenting Karam Alhamad's journey through Syria's darkest chapter. Today, three years later, as Syria undergoes a momentous transformation with Bashar Al-Assad no longer in power, this project has taken on profound new significance while continuing to gain recognition in the digital design world.
#1 Most Visually Striking React Website
We're honored to announce that Zendetta has just been ranked as the #1 most visually striking award-winning website built with React by Orpetron. This recognition adds to the more than ten international awards the project has already received, making it the most decorated website in Psychoactive's history.
Since its launch, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have visited Zendetta, immersing themselves in Karam's journey and, through it, gaining a deeper understanding of the Syrian conflict and its human impact. Each visitor represents another person who has witnessed this testimony of resilience, persecution, and hope.
But beyond the accolades for its technical achievement and impressive reach, what matters most is how Zendetta continues to serve its original purpose: bearing witness to history and preserving memory.
A Testimony More Relevant Than Ever
The recent political transformation in Syria has created unprecedented access to detention centers and sites of torture that were previously hidden from the world – places similar to those Karam himself survived and described in his testimony. As Syrians begin documenting these sites and more survivors come forward with their stories, Zendetta stands as both an early testimony and a template for how digital storytelling can preserve crucial narratives of human experience during conflict.
The fall of Assad's regime marks a pivotal moment for accountability and truth-telling. Sites that were once symbols of oppression can now be examined, with survivors' accounts like Karam's providing essential context for understanding the systematic abuses that occurred.
"When we created this site, we couldn't have known that three years later, Syria would be beginning a new chapter," says Andrew, Psychoactive's founder. "What we did know was that Karam's story needed to be preserved in a format that would endure and reach people globally. That mission feels even more important today."
The Power of Digital Memory
Zendetta combines WebGL technology, animated artwork, and an original soundtrack with Karam's powerful narration in seven languages. The immersive experience follows his transformation from student protestor to war journalist, political detainee, refugee, and finally policy advocate.
This digital approach to documentary storytelling creates an emotional connection that traditional formats often struggle to achieve. Visitors navigate through Karam's experiences at their own pace, creating a contemplative space for engagement with difficult truths about war, imprisonment, and displacement.
Supporting Syria's Future Through Education
Beyond preserving memory, Zendetta continues to highlight the importance of education as a foundational element for rebuilding. As Syria enters this new phase of its history, the project emphasizes how educational opportunities can empower the next generation to lead their country toward healing and reconstruction.
By showcasing these stories of resilience and transformation, the project inspires global audiences to consider how education serves as a beacon of hope in post-conflict societies.
Looking Forward
As Syria begins the challenging process of rebuilding after Assad's fall, digital testimonies like Zendetta serve as crucial bridges between a painful past and a hopeful future. They ensure that the experiences of those who lived through the darkest times are not forgotten as the country moves forward with the difficult work of justice, reconciliation, and reconstruction.
"We hope that this story continues to be a reminder of the terrors of war," says [Team Member Name]. "In remembering, our friends from Syria will find strength as they rebuild their nation in this historic new chapter."
Visit Zendetta.com to experience Karam Alhamad's journey.
