Naseer Turkmani
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, May God Be With You” 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.
Afghan artist Mohsin Tasha, 31, prepares to swim in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in Marseille, France, 10 September 2021.Mohsin fled the country along with his wife, also an artist on 12 August 2021 after they were granted visas by the French government. This fulfilled a promise made to Mohsin in 2019 during an exhibition showing his work— Kharmohra in Marseille, France.
Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Dense crowds of desperate Afghans gather at the Kabul International Airport seeking to escape the country after Taliban forces seized the capital, 22 August 2021. Only days later, on 26 August 2021, two deadly explosions would rip through these crowds reportedly injuring dozens and killing 90 people, including women, children and 13 U.S. military personnel.
Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Belongings of an Afghan artist Mohsin Tasha, 31, and his wife as they move from a temporary location to another location in France, 14 December 2021.Mohsin fled the country along with his wife, also an artist on 12 August 2021 after they were granted visas by the French government. This fulfilled a promise made to Mohsin in 2019 during an exhibition showing his work— Kharmohra in Marseille, France. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Ali Merzaie, a 22-year-old Afghan photographer and filmmaker, lies on his bed in the ADOMA refugee camp in Paris, France, 3 September 2021.Ali was evacuated from Kabul to France on 29 August 2021 by the French government. Here he talks with his family who were left behind in Afghanistan. Ali is allowed to leave the camp for two hours per day. Desperate, and with and his own future still uncertain, he constantly worries about the safety of his family, regularly checking in with them and closely following the daily news from Afghanistan. Photo by Naseer Turkamni
From right to left, Shafiq Zendagi, Younus Ashna, Nemat Bakhsheyar – discuss memories of life in Kabul, Paris, France, 11 September 2021.
They are members of Surkh-o Safed (Red and White) Artistic Group who primarily performed theatrical works tackling social and cultural issues in Afghanistan. Fearing retaliation from the Taliban after they swept across the country in mid-August 2021, these artists joined the evacuation organized by the French government and left Kabul on 25 August 2021. They have recently been granted art residencies in Paris by a French-based organization. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Ali Ebrahimi, a 26-year-old Afghan artist, sits at the French embassy in Kabul, waiting to be evacuated to France, 16 August 2021.After the Taliban takeover of the country on 15 August 2021, several Afghan artists were allowed to enter the French embassy as part of an emergency evacuation. Due to the lack of facilities, these artists slept on bare floors during the nights until they were eventually flown to France on 24 August 2021. Ali is the eldest son of his family and their sole breadwinner. The family of six remains in Mazar-e Sharif, Balkh. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
From right to left, Shafiq Zendagi, Younus Ashna, Khalil Mandegar and Anwar Rahimi take a selfie in front of the Eiffle Tower, Paris, France, 11 September 2021.They are members of the Surkh-o Safed (Red and White) Artistic Group who primarily performed theatrical works tackling social and cultural issues in Afghanistan. Fearing retaliation from the Taliban after they swept across the country, members of Surkh-o Safed were evacuated from Kabul by the French government on 25 August 2021. They have recently been granted art residencies in Paris by a French-based organization. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Mohsin Tasha, a 31-year-old Afghan artist, meets his sister, Mitra, who has been in the port city of Marseille, southern France, for 8 years, France, 17 November 2021.
Mohsin and his wife also an artist, fled Afghanistan to France on 12 August 2021. Mohsin’s paintings were displayed at an exhibition “Kharmohra” in Marseille, France during 2019, where he was promised resettlement by the French government. Mohsin recalls seeing his sister again as one of the most memorable moments of his life. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Abdul Latif Ghulami, AKA ISHRAQ, is a 53 years old Afghan Artist who fled Afghanistan after Collapse of Government and return of Taliban on August 15.2021. In this picture, which is taken on 10th December 2021 in Marseille-France, He can be seen with his wife Mahbooba, 38 and his 8 years daughter shonita. He is one of the lucky ones who has at least his children and wife with him in Paris otherwise thousand are there whose loved ones and family members are left behind in Afghanistan.
Younus Ashna, an Afghan theatre performer, poses for a photo, Paris, France, 9 December 2021.
Younus is one among dozens of artists evacuated to France by the French government on 25 August 2021 after the Taliban forces swept through Kabul. He wishes to remain in France and continue his artistic activities. To this end, he was recently granted an art residency in Paris by a French-based organization. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Ali Yaqubi, 5, right, and Zainab Yaqubi, 8, left, watch a fountain in a park in Marseille, France, 17 November 2021.The are children of Afghan artist Farhad Yaqubi who was evacuated to France on August 25th by the French government following the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in mid-August 2021. Recently enrolled at a public school, the brother and sister are happy to enjoy time in this park near their new home. Photo by Naseer Turkmani
Naseer Turkmani
All images courtesy the artist.
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