'Dhulka Hooyo' Project (engl.: motherland or homeland) is an online photography project which displays photos of 1980s Somalia. The aim is to celebrate the history of the country's rich culture, stunning landscape and its beautiful people. More often than not, Somalia is still viewed solely in the context of conflict, suffering and instability. This digital gallery paints a picture of the vibrant life taking place in Somalia more than three decades ago. The Dhulka Hooyo Project offers a glimpse of the beauty that was before the war. The same beauty that is taking shape again today. 

 

All of the photos published as part of this project were taken by, or of, my mother Sabine, who travelled to Somalia in 1985 and 1988. Since then, the pictures have been hidden away in family photo albums. We hope that people who didn't know much, or mostly negative, things about Somalia are able to discover something new.

 

To all Somalis across the globe: soo dhawoow! The Dhulka Hooyo Project aims to preserve part of Somalia's cultural heritage, and - above all - to pay tribute to the resilience of the Somali people.