Young woman changing world’s view of Somalia through visual imagery

After war broke out in Somalia in 1991, over the years the country was often misrepresented by negative headlines, many ignoring the positive aspects that it represents.

Now, Ismahan Abdullahi Dahir, a young Somali woman, is changing the narrative.

With a camera in hand, she travels across Somalia, capturing the nation's beautiful and diverse tourist attractions. Her work has captivated hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, offering a different perspective on Somalia's landscape and culture.

Ismahan's social media platforms showcase a wide array of sites, including hotels, beaches, and lesser-known locations like the Cal Madow mountain ranges in Sanaag.

She also features farms, historic towns, and other points of interest. Her posts are not just visually appealing; they provide practical information on how to access these areas, details about the costs involved, and other useful tips. This comprehensive approach has made her content popular among Somalis both at home and abroad.

What distinguishes Ismahan's work is her commitment to quality and detail. Her videos are known for their unique colour grading and attention to every aspect of the locations she visits.

She interacts with locals, giving her audience a deeper understanding of the places she features.

This approach not only showcases the beauty of Somalia but also enriches her content with authentic local experiences.

Ismahan has explored all federal states in Somalia, sharing stories from various regions. Her travels have taken her to the historic coastal town of Bargaal in Puntland, the Goobweyn juncture where the Juba River meets the Indian Ocean in Jubaland, and the hotels and beaches of Berbera in Somaliland.

She has also visited Dhusamareb in Galmudug State, the agricultural heartland of Hirshabelle State, and numerous other areas.

Through her videos, she presents a side of Somalia that is rarely covered in mainstream media.

Ismahan Abdullahi Dahir has explored all federal states in Somalia, sharing stories from various regions. (Photo: Handout)

In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Ismahan discussed her mission to change the world’s perceptions about Somalia.

"The world believes Somalia is unsafe or has nothing for tourists. I am fighting that belief. I also want the citizens of Somalia to know areas they can go tour and spend good time," she said.

She emphasised the importance of using video over still images, noting that videos provide a more comprehensive view and allow for more detailed storytelling.

"I involve the locals of the areas I visit to give more details to everyone watching," she said.

One of Ismahan's recent videos features the Hobyo deserts, where she is seen riding a quad bike across the sands, exclaiming, "Welcome to Somalia".

The video highlights Somalia's potential for desert tourism, an experience often associated with countries like the United Arab Emirates.

"We always see Arabs, particularly those from the UAE, telling us 'Welcome to Dubai' to enjoy these kinds of safaris. We have our own right here in our country," she said.

The Hobyo desert videos have garnered over 700,000 views on TikTok alone, with nearly 100,000 likes and comments.

Ismahan's influence extends beyond just showcasing these sites. She also offers to accompany celebrities and government officials on their visits, providing them with professional video coverage that they can share on their social media platforms. This has not only increased her visibility but also provided her with a source of income.

Through her work, Ismahan is not just promoting tourism in Somalia but she is also reshaping the narrative about her country.

Her videos and interactions with locals provide a rich, nuanced view of Somalia that challenges stereotypes and highlights the nation's potential as a tourist destination.

Ismahan was born and raised in Mogadishu's Hamar Jajab District, where she was brought up by her grandmother.

She completed high school in 2013 at SYL Primary and Secondary School.

As the second of seven children, Ismahan always aspired to be a journalist, having developed a passion for storytelling from a young age.

Her journalism career began at Radio Simba in Mogadishu, where she hosted several shows before being promoted to news reading. She then moved to Radio Sahan and Radio Afgooye, eventually making her television debut with SomNews, formerly known as Somsite TV, in 2015. She then left the profession after her parents discouraged her.

Photographer Ismahan Abdullahi Dahir was born and raised in Mogadishu's Hamar Jajab District. (Photo: Handout)

Ismahan transitioned to a career in video production in 2021, initially recording Mogadishu's landscapes using her phone and posting them on social media. Her videos quickly garnered substantial views and followers, who encouraged her with positive comments.

Recognising her potential, a relative living in the US gifted her with a camera in 2021, and she began learning to operate it and edit videos using YouTube tutorials.

Ismahan credits her followers' positive feedback for motivating her to continue creating videos, noting that each encouraging comment pushed her to produce the next one.

As she gained more experience, the quality of her videos improved, attracting clients who sought her services for a fee.

Her fans nicknamed her "Gacan Dahab," meaning "golden hands," due to the high quality of her video production. She began exploring scenic areas around Mogadishu, creating videos for her social media accounts.

As her videos attracted a growing audience, followers from different regions suggested places they believed needed coverage, helping her discover her niche.

"I am so in love with my country that I would choose it always even if I was offered a visa to America or any other nation," she said.

Despite her success, Ismahan faces challenges.

Her work involves extensive travel, which limits the time she can spend with her family. She has also faced criticism from some people who disapprove of her traveling with men she is not related to, believing it goes against cultural norms.

Ismahan is also a single mother of one daughter, which adds another layer of complexity to her life and career.