Through Thy Lens

Travel-enthusiast and amateur of photography; Saada Mohamadou shares her story, interests and visual skills with us today via pictures of a recent trip to Famagusta; Cyprus. Currently pursuing a bachelors degree at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul, Turkey ; this young Cameroonian is also a strong advocate of all causes pertaining to the development of her continent of origin.

• Who is Saada Mohamadou and how would you describe yourself in a few words ?

To be honest , I’m not sure that I truly know who is Saada Mohamadou; but I’ll describe her as a young woman who is shaping herself into someone she’s always wanted to be. She is also a very shy girl who is still trying to break her shell. She is cheerful, full of life and soul ; and willing to make herself the most complete and self sufficient she can be.  Most of all I’ll say she’s genuine in her feelings and as a whole.

• What are your aspirations/goals in life ?

I don’t know what my aspirations in life are but I’m sure of one thing, when I wake up every morning I just really want to make our world a better place, have a positive impact in people’s life, help the most I can and most of all develop my country and my continent.

• On a scale of 10 how would you rate your interest in Photography ? Does it play any role in your daily life ? Is it just hobby or more ?

I’ll say 7/10. I’m not a professional when it comes to photography. My friend who has been my flat mate for 2 years always tells me I’m such a bad photographer (laughs). But I like it, it plays a big role in my life, I wouldn’t say it’s a hobby but it’s a part of my life. I’m attached to what photography portrays that is the moments and feelings, more than photography itself. I cherish memories so much and I have this fear that one day I’ll forget and I don’t want to, I want to remember every part of my life , see it with my two eyes and recall the good moments and emotions in my head. I wish my children and grandchildren can see my life as I really lived it.

• You decided to share with us your trip to Famagusta, Cyprus. That’s not a typical destination. Could you tell us more about Famagusta ?

You may think Famagusta is not a typical destination but let me enlighten you guys. It used to be one of the most glamorous resorts in the Mediterranean, a favorite of American stars such as Burton and Taylor. In its heyday in the 1960s and 70s Famagusta drew thousands of tourists, but in 1974 Famagusta became a ghost town overnight when its inhabitants fled from the invading Turkish army. Even though Famagusta still has wonderful hotel resorts, amazing beaches, castles and monuments, you can see in parts of the city the walls of division between south and northern Cyprus which was overtaken and is now guarded by the Turkish army. Houses around there are empty, and damaged, totally deserted. Homes and buildings, even hotels that were occupied by the Greeks are now abandoned and there is this nostalgic feeling over these places. It’s heartbreaking to think that these people were chased away from their own homes and never allowed to come back. They took nothing with them, so all their lives are still here abandoned in Famagusta. But one of the main reason that brought me to Famagusta was the birthday of one of my childhood best friend and also the desire to discover new horizons and the fabulous beaches and sunny weather of Famagusta 

•  What was your state of mind as you embarked on this trip ; and how did photography alter the travelling experience ?

I was bloody damn excited. I couldn’t wait to meet different people and discover all these places I had made research on.It was my first solo trip. I’ve always travelled with my family or friends or a chaperon but this time I was traveling alone, just me. I was on my own, and I can assure you that it was amazing. Time alone , and solo experiences are highly needed in one’s life, for self growth and in order to have wider views and opinions on life itself. Photography had a big role to play in this experience. I had my camera every where I went. If not I used an IPhone 6 which takes great pictures as well. As I mentioned before I’m not a professional photographer nor the best when it comes to taking pictures but when it comes to capturing the moment, the emotions in order to be able to recall and feel these precious moments via pictures, I try my best to make sure it’s good. 

• Any tips for people willing to visit Cyprus as well ?

If you plan on visiting Cyprus my advice would be to go during the Summer, to take advantage of all Cyprus can offer. Learn a little bit of Turkish, even though the majority of the population is composed of students who speak English , it’s a plus to have a little knowledge of Turkish. Here is a list of places you absolutely have to visit :

As for the night life, there are plenty of bars, Cafés and Restaurants like (Walnut Lounge or Cacao Restaurant) . ‘Lions Club’ is also quite a good place, mixed with Afro beats and Pop the vibes are always hype. I had the chance to be surrounded by fun and very warm people who made me feel like I had lived in Famagusta for long. Their favorite activity is to ” Hit the Streets” which is the name they give to having fun late car rides with music around the city at night.  ( So don’t forget to hit the streets when you are over there )

• What are your other interests in life ?

My interests include writing, romantic movies, cooking , piano , dancing ,art and of course spending quality time with family and friends.

•  We happened to discuss a potential pursuit of a degree in African Studies and Anthropology after your Bachelors. Would you like to share why you made such a choice?

These past years I’ve come across many things I did not know about my own continent. And this fuelled in me the zeal to dig and find out the truth because  our history has not only been changed but in some cases has also been destroyed by western influences. What I’ve learned from African History courses in High school is not enough. I want to know more. In my opinion we can’t help our continent as we want to if we don’t even know our History in its deep form. As for Anthropology it just completes the puzzle to what I want to accomplish in life. It is also a great component to Cultural History. Anthropology which is the study of humans, past and present so as to understand the full sweep and complexity of cultures across all of human history, draws and builds upon knowledge from the social and biological sciences as well as the humanities and physical sciences. This is the perfect combination for me. I’ve always had questions about human beings and how they function and act. And we all know human beings are very complex and difficult to understand. I also believe that with such knowledge ; mutual understanding and empathy will be easier and this is what we really need in Africa. It is what we need to be united and develop our continent.

• What’s next for you Saada ? Any Piece of Advice you would like to share with our readers ?

I don’t know what’s next for me, but I’m waiting for life to let me know Insha’Allah. My little advice will be : There is something in every one of you that waits for and listens to the sound of your genuine self. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will spend your life on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls. Listen to your genuine self and let it grow within you in the wildest way.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Saada. Best of luck in your quest of a better Africa. It is important to mention that Saada has currently started a fundraising to alleviate the pain of victims of terrorism in the Northern regions of her country, Cameroon. You can donate and help spread the word via this link : www.leetchi.com/c/solidarity-marouas-citizens