In the Indische Buurt, the stories of (former) neighbourhood residents have been recorded in a comprehensive oral history project. Project participants Mieke, Jan, Jolanda, Frank, Karin and Joost, who came to the Indische Buurt in the late 1970s as people in their twenties, share their experiences and memories of a time of housing shortage and social struggle.
These residents came to the neighbourhood in search of housing and actively involved themselves in the community. Some squatted premises for themselves or others, while others engaged in neighbourhood initiatives such as language classes for illiterate Moroccan women and neighbourhood actions. Their efforts contributed to jointly fighting landlords and improving living conditions for all residents.
This oral history project is all about visualising these personal anecdotes and socially active pasts. It is an opportunity to reflect on the current situation in the Indische Buurt and the lessons we can learn from this turbulent period.
The final product of this oral history project is the exhibition ‘Woon(on)recht’ in the Buurtmuseum Indische Buurt. This exhibition takes the public on a journey through time, reviving the stories of these pioneers. It is an invitation to reflect on the social dynamics then and now, and to reflect on the impact individual and collective actions have had on the neighbourhood.
This project offers a valuable insight into the history of the Indische Buurt, with the voice of the residents at its centre. Their stories remind us of the power of involvement and solidarity within a community.