#ThisisSudan - Souvenirs Madison

Now I’ll admit, I don’t visit Sudan very often, but with each new visit after four to five years, I view the country through a new lens, a better understanding and appreciation for its beautiful culture and people. I also encounter a new wave of introductions to a handful of newly born cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sudan is a poorly understood country. I’m saddened by the reality of many fellow Americans not being able to even point it out on a map, or identify that the (now) South Sudan, emancipated from Sudan in 2011, but that several Southerners still live with the Sudanese in the North in peace and harmony. I’ve been asked if I speak “Sudanese” and have had people play the guessing game when it comes to identifying my “exotic” looking ethnicity. Rather than implicating these misconceptions and sources of microaggressions all to ignorance, I partially blame the flawed representation of Sudan through bias U.S. media outlets that pick and choose which aspects of foreign countries to place in the spotlight. For Sudan-it’s often very negative.

As a U.S. born citizen with family roots in Sudan, I’ve struggled to find accurate portrayals of my homeland’s history, culture, and traditions. Any Google search for images or information about the country yields images of starving children, talk of genocide, war, and internal conflict. Sudan is by no means perfect and surely still requires a lot of growth and change. To alter misconceptions and achieve change, however, requires both internal and external aid and a fair understanding of how the country has already made strides in evolving in a multitude of ways, as well as an appreciation for its diversity.

Sudan is one of the most diverse countries in Africa. It consists of rain forests, deserts, swamps, and mountain ranges. You’ll find people with a wide range of beautiful skin tones- even within the same families. Very rarely are there accurate depictions of the beautiful parts of Sudan. The purpose of these photos is to share with you the images that you will not see through a Google image search, the images of some of the kindest, most generous, and caring people I’ve ever met in my life. Through these images, I hope to paint a picture of the beautiful art, architecture, and culture of my scarcely represented motherland. Enjoy.

Scenery and Infrastructure

In the heart of the capital city, Khartoum, is a 5 star hotel called the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum. Although during my visit, I stayed at my grandma’s house in the city of Omdurman (about 7 miles away from Khartoum), this hotel is a popular choice for tourists who choose to visit the country. It also houses many star soccer players that travel there to compete in games.

Atop the Corinthia Hotel is one of the most breathtaking views of the Nile River which passes through Sudan and serves as an important part of Sudanese culture. One incredible fact is that Khartoum is where the White Nile and the Blue Nile meet as well as cross paths. You can see the color distinction of the two rivers running right alongside each other.

This is the entrance to the president’s house, The Republic Castle.

Sudan’s national flag is red, green, white, and black. You’ll find them hanging across many government buildings and universities.

The Coral Khartoum Hotel- another popular location for lodging.

It is common to see many horses and donkeys in the streets of Sudan. They are used to transport goods.

Although many Sudanese people own vehicles, many opt to take public transportation.

It is common to see many horses and donkeys in the streets of Sudan. They are used to transport goods.

Although many Sudanese people own vehicles, many opt to take public transportation. Rakshas are the most common forms of transportation due to cost and efficiency.

Religion

Although a minority, there are also Christians in Sudan so churches such as the one pictured above are present to accommodate them.

Sudan is a predominantly Muslim country. Islam is practiced by 97% of the country’s population. There are mosques within almost every block of every neighborhood for the practice of the 5 daily prayers. Pictured above are a couple that demonstrate the typical architecture which includes minarets where the calls for prayer are made.

The Neelayn Masjid- Named after its location right on the edge of the Blue and White Nile Rivers.

Sudanese Architecture

Images of Sudanese architecture.

Houses are very uniquely designed with bright colors and bricks. Every door is also very elaborately designed and are distinguishable from one another. Since there aren’t any official street signs, people often use house descriptions and door colors as a way to navigate to and give directions to different homes. For this reason, hardly any two doors ever look alike.

Images of Sudanese architecture.

Food and Drink

A dessert platter. Pictured is “Shairia” on the top right, “kurassa” in the center, and two plates of baklava.

In Sudan, it is customary to drink tea and coffee at least 3 times a day. It is common courtesy to serve tea and coffee to house guests. Sudanese coffee is brewed in a jebena ( on the far left) and is served in tiny cups.

Traditional Art

Traditional Sudanese art and home decor.

Traditional Clothing

A common woman’s dress in Sudan is the traditional Toub that my mother is shown wearing on the left. These long beautiful fabrics come in all styles, colors, and embroideries and are often made of silk and chiffon, or cotton. They can be worn for almost any occasion. Women may wear more simply designed ones to run errands during the day and fancier ones to parties and celebrations.

Although more rare, camels also exist in Sudan and can sometimes be spotted in the streets. I found a man walking this one on my way to grandma’s house. Here I’m wearing a traditional woman’s dress in Sudan, an “abaya”.

Weddings

Weddings are a big deal in Sudan. One way that women (including guests) prepare for the event is by getting henna tattoos. In Sudan it is most common to see black henna instead of red.

Weddings are a big deal in Sudan. One way that women (including guests) prepare for the event is by getting henna tattoos. In Sudan it is most common to see black henna instead of red. Pictured above is me with my cousins on the road to a wedding.

Weddings are a big deal in Sudan. One way that women (including guests) prepare for the event is by getting henna tattoos. In Sudan it is most common to see black henna instead of red.

My cousin, Eza, all dressed up for the party.

One wedding custom involves several pre-wedding parties for couples. The friends of the groom often host parties for the groom and his friends and family such as the one pictured above and hire a series of bands to perform consecutively for the span of up to one week. The bachelorette party also spans a week and involves concerts, henna parties, and special bridal dances.

One of the traditional Arab instruments used in weddings is a darbuka (left). It is a drum made with goat skin (sometimes plastic) on top.

Family.

Family

As a collectivistic society, the Sudanese foster a very strong and supportive community of family, friends, and neighbors. People often come from big families and spend a lot of time together, especially on the weekend (Fridays and Saturdays). Above are images of some of my cousins, including our newest and youngest family member, Yousif.