Khuda Hafiz, “May God Protect You”
In the post-2001 Afghanistan, the country made strides in the areas of media, art, literature, and sports, among other areas. Over the past two decades, Afghans embraced new opportunities and were able to access higher education and nurture a creative society through various artistic means.
In mid-August 2021 those hard-gained achievements were put in jeopardy, and this young community shattered after the Taliban regained power amid the chaotic withdrawal international troops from the country. Following the takeover of the country by the Taliban, the fear of retaliation drove tens of thousands of people to flood the Kabul International Airport in an attempt to secure evacuation to safety in different countries around the world. Their numbers included actors, journalists, activists, painters, musicians, singers, writers and photographers.
This photo story, “Khuda Hafiz,” is an effort to illustrate the livelihood of some of the artists and photographers who had to make a difficult decision to flee the country to safety, many, leaving behind their loved ones, dreams and achievements, they now grapple with an uncertain future. Khuda Hafiz is a Dari/Persian word used to say goodbye. It is literally translated as, “May God protect you and keep you safe.”
This photo story tries to capture the desperation, anxiety, hopelessness, and confusion of these artists and photographers who now struggle with a sense of identity and purpose.
Most of the pictures in this story are taken with a mobile phone because the photographer was unable to take his camera gear and laptop with him when he fled Kabul, Afghanistan.
In mid-August 2021 those hard-gained achievements were put in jeopardy, and this young community shattered after the Taliban regained power amid the chaotic withdrawal international troops from the country. Following the takeover of the country by the Taliban, the fear of retaliation drove tens of thousands of people to flood the Kabul International Airport in an attempt to secure evacuation to safety in different countries around the world. Their numbers included actors, journalists, activists, painters, musicians, singers, writers and photographers.
This photo story, “Khuda Hafiz,” is an effort to illustrate the livelihood of some of the artists and photographers who had to make a difficult decision to flee the country to safety, many, leaving behind their loved ones, dreams and achievements, they now grapple with an uncertain future. Khuda Hafiz is a Dari/Persian word used to say goodbye. It is literally translated as, “May God protect you and keep you safe.”
This photo story tries to capture the desperation, anxiety, hopelessness, and confusion of these artists and photographers who now struggle with a sense of identity and purpose.
Most of the pictures in this story are taken with a mobile phone because the photographer was unable to take his camera gear and laptop with him when he fled Kabul, Afghanistan.
