Once a place of execution, now an amusement park

Shiite Kurds, Sunni Arabs and Christian US soldiers – peacefully coexisting. That’s what photographer Anoek Steketee and writer Eefje Blankevoort witnessed when they travelled round Kurdish Iraq five years ago.
Between the sectarian violence and bombings, people from all sections of society - regardless of religion or ethnic background - visit the Dream City amusement park. “In the past it was a place of execution, now people come here to enjoy themselves,” explains Haji Mustafa of Dream City.
Fun in a warzone
Even in the most dangerous warzones, entertainment can offer an oasis of calm. This was the idea behind Ms Steketee and Ms Blankevoort's tour of ten amusement parks in places ranging from Rwanda to Turkmenistan.
The places are very different, but the parks are very similar; instantly recognisable are the strings of twinkling lights, the fairytale décor, and the ubiquitous souvenir shops.
Around the world
Indonesia’s Dunia Fantasia park presents the country’s various communities as a ‘harmonious unity’; it really is a fantasy world, devoid of conflict.
In Colombia, Hacienda Nápoles was originally the country estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar. Now it’s an amusement park featuring animals from the savannah and a collection of vintage cars.
Then there's Luna Park in Beirut - even a bomb attack in 2007 didn’t affect its success.
Funfair in silence?
Ms Steketee didn’t just want to show the crowds of happy visitors, but also the silence and alienation of the staff.
The exhibition, Dream City, can be seen at Rotterdam’s Photo Museum.