|
|
For more than two decades, the people of Afghanistan have been plauged by unrelenting war and conflict. A steady flow of warlords and tribal bands brutally vied for power, tossing the country into chaos.
It wasn't until 1996 that one faction gained complete control - the Taliban. Placed under rigid Sharia Law, citizens were forbidden to participate in a free press, among other things. It was considered a crime to take or even posses photographs. Truth and communication were hushed.
Then on 11 September 2001, America was assaulted, spawning a great conflict that forced the Taliban from power.
Before the dust had a chance to settle, an idea was bornfrom the bullet-scarred ruins.
Formed from the desire to posses a voice, AINA, Afghanistan's independent Media and Culture Center was established. From there, AINA Photo-journalism Institute, Afghanistan's first and only educational photojournalism and photography institution was created, giving birth to Afghanistan's first independent photo agency, Aina Photo Agency.
|
|
| 