Seven Years Later: “Büyük Konuşmayacaksın!” – Assalam’s Journey in Zanzibar

What began as a three-day visit to Zanzibar became a life-changing seven-year journey for Dr. Hatice Çolak Ali. Recalling advice she received early on, “Büyük konuşmayacaksın!” (“Don’t make big promises”), she has built Assalam, a thriving eco-village dedicated to peace, sustainability, and community development.

Assalam’s Mission: Peace, Sustainability, and Community

Assalam’s programs focus on PEACE: Permaculture, Education, Art, Community, and Social Entrepreneurship. Each pillar supports a network of social enterprises that empower local communities:

  • Permaculture: Sustainable farming and eco-projects.
  • Education: Eco-school with Waldorf-inspired learning for 170 children.
  • Art: Creative programs in crafts, drama, and storytelling.
  • Community: Supporting local women and families.
  • Social Entrepreneurship: Income-generating initiatives that sustain Assalam.
Permaculture in Assalam Community Foundation
Permaculture in Assalam Comunity Foundation

Social Enterprises That Empower

Assalam’s social enterprises create meaningful opportunities for the local community while supporting the village’s sustainability:

  • Karibu Assalam – Experience eco-tourism, volunteer programs, and sustainable accommodations designed to immerse visitors in Assalam’s community life.
  • Kanga Africa – Empowers women by teaching sewing, microfinance, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to earn income locally and expand their businesses internationally.
  • Hamamni1888 – Produces natural, spice-infused soaps while providing women with skills in hygiene, production, and sustainable business practices.

From Vision to Reality: Education and Sustainability at Assalam

“Sistemi bağışa bağımlı kalarak değil, üretim yapıp satarak kazanma üzerine inşa ediyoruz,” explains Dr. Ali—Assalam is built to be self-sustaining, not dependent on donations.

Education is central: 170 children attend Assalam’s eco-school, blending Waldorf-inspired learning with arts, crafts, storytelling, and permaculture. Volunteers and international partnerships, including SOAS London, help refine and share the model globally.

From a single visit to a flourishing community, Assalam shows the power of resilience, vision, and peace: “Assalam barış demek, huzur demek.”

For more about Dr. Hatice Çolak Ali’s story and reflections, read the original article in Independent Türkçe: 7 yılın itirafı: Büyük konuşmayacaksın!