black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
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Deadline: 31 May 2024

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

Recent Articles

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

Recent Articles

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

Recent Articles

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

Recent Articles

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

Recent Articles

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Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

Recent Articles

More Articles

Bela Doka - El Periodo Especial | The Independent Photographer
black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Open for entries

potrait color photo of woman by Olga Urbanek
© Olga Urbanek
2024 Portrait AWARD

Win $2000 Cash Awards & International Exposure

Do you have a keen eye for capturing the essence of your subjects? – In May we’re seeking images that showcase the power of portraiture across all styles!
  • Win $2000 in Cash
  • International Exhibition
  • Shared on +756K IG network
  • Free Portfolio Account
Submit Photos
Deadline: 31 May 2024

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