#TBT Focus on Somalia: RADIO MOGADISHU ARCHIVE DIGITIZATION After more than 60 years of analogue storage in an inadequate environment, the Radio Mogadishu audio archive is being digitized in order to save it from deterioration and introduce the unique Somali historical recordings to new audience. Colonel Abshir Hashi Ali has a long day ahead, he moves as fast as his old legs can carry him, as he carries the weight of Somalias history on his shoulders. Tucked in a little corner behind the Somali Ministry of information, lies Somalias hidden treasure, the archives of Radio Mogadishu and whats left of the countrys oral history. The dark room contains thousands of reels with folk songs, political speeches, drama, poetry and religious programs that were saved from various clan militias who took control of areas of the city after the ousting of then Somali president Siad Barre in 1991. As the country plunged into civil war, there were various attempts to destroy the archives and loot its contents. It was during this time that Col. Ali, then a Police officer decided to protect the archives with his life and save Somalias history.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:57:28 +0000