Al-Hayat Media Center
Al-Hayat Media Center (Arabic: مركز الحياة للإعلام) is a media wing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/Levant (ISIS/L). It was established in May 2014 and targets international (non-Arabic) audiences, distinguishing itself from other ISIS media wings focused on Arabic-speaking audiences. Al-Hayat produces a variety of materials, including high-quality videos, digital magazines like "Dabiq" and "Rumiyah," and Nasheeds (Islamic songs), in multiple languages such as English, German, Russian, Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish, Bengali, Chinese, Bosnian, Kurdish, Uyghur, and French. This multilingual approach is part of their strategy to recruit members and spread their ideology globally.
| ISIN | 🆔 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Terrorism, Propaganda |
| Founded 📆 | 2014-05-01 |
| Founder 👔 | Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/Levant (ISIS/L) |
Area served 🗺️ | |
| Services | Propaganda dissemination, recruitment messaging, ideological indoctrination |
| Revenue🤑 | Information not available |
| Owners | Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/Levant (ISIS/L) |
| Members | Not publicly disclosed |
Number of employees | Not publicly disclosed, but the media operations included a dedicated team of propagandists, translators, and media operatives |
| Parent | Ajnad Media Foundation (Different arabic-focused media wing) |
| Rating | Not applicable |
| 🌐 Website | [Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 665: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). ] |
| 📇 Address | Not publicly available or relevant |
| 📞 telephone | Not publicly available or relevant |
History[edit]
Al-Hayat Media Center was established in May 2014 by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) as part of a broader strategy to leverage media for propaganda and recruitment purposes. The creation of Al-Hayat marked a significant evolution in ISIS's approach to information warfare, reflecting their understanding of the critical role media could play in modern conflicts and ideological dissemination.
The establishment of Al-Hayat came at a time when ISIS was rapidly gaining territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring a caliphate in June 2014. The media center was conceived to capitalize on these military successes and to project the image of a functioning and expanding state. Al-Hayat distinguished itself from other ISIS media outlets by targeting non-Arabic-speaking audiences, aiming to attract foreign fighters and supporters from around the world.
From the outset, Al-Hayat Media Center was characterized by its professional production values and sophisticated use of multimedia. This was a deliberate move to compete with Western media standards and to maximize the impact of their messages. The content produced was designed to be visually appealing and emotionally compelling, ensuring it could effectively convey ISIS's narratives to a global audience.
The early content from Al-Hayat included a mix of battlefield footage, propaganda videos, and execution recordings. One of their first major productions was the "Flames of War" series, which highlighted ISIS's military campaigns and ideological tenets. These videos were notable for their high production quality, including advanced editing techniques, dramatic music, and clear, concise messaging.
Notable work[edit]
Al-Hayat Media Center has produced a wide array of propaganda materials that have had a significant impact on both their target audiences and the broader global community. These works are characterized by their high production quality, compelling narratives, and strategic use of multimedia to convey the ideology and objectives of ISIS. Below are some of the most influential and widely recognized productions from Al-Hayat Media Center, which highlight their sophisticated approach to propaganda and recruitment.
One of the most notable works by Al-Hayat Media Center:
Nasheeds[edit]
- Ma Vengeance (english: My Revenge/Vengeance) - French nasheed, released soon after Paris attacks in November 2015. Nasheed was released together with an explicit video, titled "Ma Vengeance". This video portrays multiple footages captured during the attack (CCTV, News, ...), together combined with footage of the members of Islamic state, for example "shooting range". Video shows classic edit, used by Al-Hayat Media Center in other videos too.
- Go And Answer The Call - English nasheed. Nashed portrays multiple combat footages, captured from countries like Syria, Iraq, ...
- Mécréants De L'humanité - (english: Disbelievers Of The Humanity) - French nasheed. Video edited into transition with french lyrics portraying other religions and their disbelieving factors. Islamic state ex-spokesman Abu Muhammad Al-Adnani (arabic: الشيخ أبو محمد العدناني) can be heard at the start of the Nasheed video with his speech.
- Brothers In Marawi - English nasheed, released during the Siege of Marawi. Nasheed portrays footages from Marawi, where Islamic state combatants took place.
Videos[edit]
- Flames Of War Part 1, 2 - Splitted into 2 main Parts:
- Flames of War I: Fighting Has Just Begun (Part 1) - "Flames of War I: Fighting Has Just Begun" is a propaganda video produced by Al-Hayat Media Center and released in September 2014, it is the first part of 2. This 55-minute video is notable for its high production quality, featuring cinematic techniques such as slow motion, dramatic music, and voice-over narration in English. The video showcases ISIS's battlefield operations and seeks to portray the group as a powerful and organized military force. The content of "Flames of War" includes graphic footage of battles, executions, and scenes of ISIS fighters preparing for combat. It also features speeches by ISIS leaders, who outline the group's ideological goals and call for Muslims worldwide to join their cause. The narrative emphasizes the idea of an ongoing and expanding jihad, aiming to inspire and recruit foreign fighters by depicting ISIS's successes and the supposed righteousness of their cause. The video serves multiple purposes: it is a recruitment tool, a piece of psychological warfare meant to intimidate enemies, and a means to legitimize ISIS's actions through religious and ideological rhetoric.
- Flames of War II: Until the Final Hour (Part 2) - "Flames of War II: Until the Final Hour" is the sequel to the original "Flames of War" video, released by Al-Hayat Media Center in November 2017. This follow-up video continues the themes established in the first installment, using similar high-production techniques to convey its message. Running for about 60 minutes, "Flames of War II" focuses on the resilience of ISIS fighters despite the group's territorial losses and increasing military pressure from coalition forces. The video highlights the ongoing nature of the jihad, suggesting that the struggle will continue "until the final hour," a reference to apocalyptic prophecies in Islamic eschatology. "Flames of War II" includes footage of battles, suicide attacks, and the destruction of enemy forces. It also features interviews with fighters and commanders who reiterate the call for global jihad and martyrdom. The video aims to reassure ISIS supporters that the group remains committed to its cause and to motivate new recruits to join their ranks, despite the setbacks faced on the battlefield.
- Both parts of the "Flames of War" series exemplify Al-Hayat Media Center's sophisticated approach to propaganda, combining compelling visuals with ideological messaging to support ISIS's objectives. These videos have played a significant role in the group's media strategy, influencing and recruiting individuals worldwide.
- INSIDE:
- Overview:
- The "Inside" series is a collection of propaganda videos produced by Al-Hayat Media Center, the media wing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). These videos aim to provide viewers with a glimpse into life within the so-called caliphate, presenting a curated narrative of prosperity, security, and religious fulfillment under ISIS rule. The "Inside" series serves as a key component of ISIS's media strategy, intended to attract supporters, counter negative perceptions, and project an image of strength and stability.
- Content:
- Each installment of the "Inside" series focuses on a specific aspect of life within ISIS-controlled territory. Topics covered in these videos include governance, education, healthcare, public services, and religious observance. The content is carefully crafted to portray ISIS as a benevolent and righteous authority, providing for the needs of its citizens and upholding Islamic values.
- Production:
- The "Inside" series features high production values, with professional editing, cinematography, and narration. The videos are typically shot in a documentary-style format, featuring interviews with residents, footage of infrastructure projects, and scenes of daily life in ISIS-controlled areas. The use of music, graphics, and visual effects enhances the cinematic quality of the videos, contributing to their persuasive appeal.
- Purpose:
- The primary purpose of the "Inside" series is to shape perceptions of ISIS-controlled territory and attract support for the group's objectives. By showcasing apparent stability and prosperity under ISIS rule, these videos seek to counter negative portrayals in Western media and dissuade potential defectors or enemies. Additionally, the "Inside" series serves as a form of psychological warfare, instilling fear in opponents and fostering a sense of belonging among ISIS supporters.
- Reception:
- While the "Inside" series has garnered attention for its production quality and persuasive messaging, it has also been widely criticized for its manipulation of reality and exploitation of vulnerable populations. Human rights organizations have condemned the videos for whitewashing ISIS's atrocities and perpetuating propaganda narratives. Despite these criticisms, the "Inside" series continues to be disseminated online through social media channels and jihadist forums, reaching a global audience of sympathizers and potential recruits.
- Impact:
- The impact of the "Inside" series is difficult to quantify, but it has undoubtedly contributed to ISIS's media campaign and recruitment efforts. By presenting a sanitized version of life under ISIS rule, these videos have helped to sustain the group's online presence and ideological appeal, particularly among marginalized or disillusioned individuals seeking purpose or belonging. However, the effectiveness of the "Inside" series may be diminishing as ISIS faces military setbacks and increased scrutiny from governments and tech companies.
- Overview:
- Inside Mosul:
- "Inside Mosul" is a propaganda series produced by Al-Hayat Media Center, showcasing life within the city during ISIS rule. Through staged scenes and scripted narratives, it portrays Mosul as a prosperous hub under ISIS control, aiming to promote the group's extremist ideology and counter negative perceptions. Despite criticism for distorting reality, the series likely contributes to ISIS's media campaign and recruitment efforts, though its impact may be diminishing as the group faces military setbacks and increased scrutiny.
- A Message to America:
- "Message to America" videos are a series of propaganda productions by Al-Hayat Media Center, a media arm of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). These videos typically feature the execution of Western hostages and direct threats to Western nations, particularly the United States. They serve as a means of instilling fear, garnering attention, and projecting an image of brutality and impunity. In these videos, hostages, often clad in orange jumpsuits reminiscent of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, are shown being executed by ISIS militants, often in gruesome and highly choreographed scenes. The perpetrators typically deliver messages condemning Western intervention in Muslim lands, decrying perceived injustices against Muslims, and issuing threats of further violence. In this video, an often displayed executioner is Jihadi John. "Message to America" videos are designed to shock and horrify viewers while amplifying the propaganda narrative of ISIS as a formidable and uncompromising force. By targeting Western audiences and governments directly, these videos aim to provoke fear and sow discord, furthering ISIS's agenda of global jihad and inciting acts of violence against Western interests. Despite widespread condemnation and efforts to remove such content from online platforms, "Message to America" videos continue to circulate on the internet, serving as potent symbols of ISIS's brutality and ideological extremism.
- A Message Signed with Blood to the Nation of the Cross:
- In "A Message Signed with Blood to the Nation of the Cross," ISIS militants execute a group of Egyptian Coptic Christians on a beach in Libya. The victims are shown being brutally murdered by militants clad in black attire, with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. The perpetrators deliver messages of hostility towards Christianity and the West, vowing to continue their campaign of violence and terror. This video, like others produced by ISIS, is designed to shock and intimidate viewers while reinforcing the group's narrative of religious warfare and global jihad. By targeting religious minorities and Western nations, ISIS seeks to provoke fear and division, fueling hatred and extremism on both sides. Despite widespread condemnation, "A Message Signed with Blood to the Nation of the Cross" remains a chilling reminder of ISIS's brutality and ideological extremism, highlighting the urgent need for global efforts to counter violent extremism and promote tolerance and peace.
