Tasweer Single Image Award 2024
For the fourth cycle of the Tasweer Single Image Awards, Tasweer invited Khalifa Al Obaidly (Photographer, Educator and Director of Artists in Residence & Tasweer Photo Festival); Khalid Ismail (Photographer); Manjri Saxena (Freelance Photographer) and Alwaleed Khaled (Photographer) to select the 2024 awardees.
Tasweer congratulates Ahmed Abdulaziz Alabbadi, Adel Al Haimi, Mustafa Shorbaji, Mohamed Abdalla Medo, Waad Saber, Mustafa Turky, Bashar Shglila, Mortada Emad, Ahmed Shaaban Elimi, Muthanna Ba Dhares, Haitham Imad Nuraldeen, Ahmed Hussein Masoud, Ali Mahmoud Abdelwahab Gad, Tarek Elmagrbe, Eslam Ahmed Hamed, Neşe Arı, Salem Sultan Alhajri, Mohamed Nasr, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Ahmed Emad.
Ahmed Abdulaziz Alabbadi: Memories For Sale (Yemen)
Ahmed Abdulaziz Alabbadi is a visual artist born and based in Aden. His exploration of conceptual photography began as he found it to be the most fitting way to tell stories, capture emotions, and address issues that resonate with him. Ahmed has exhibited his work in numerous local and international venues, including Sawara in Aden (2021), Here, There, and in Between in New York (2022), and Do You See Me? in New York (2023). His art continues to engage deeply with both personal experiences and broader societal themes.
“ ... the most fitting way to tell stories, capture emotions, and address issues... ”Ahmed Abdulaziz Alabbadi
Adel Al Haimi: Love and Bread_Old Sana’a (Yemen)
Adel Al Haimi is a filmmaker and visual novelist with a profound passion for storytelling, combining cinematic and photographic techniques to document and narrate human experiences. Proficient in photography, editing, and directing, he has worked on various artistic projects and human interest stories for organizations, agencies, and TV channels. His debut professional film, *Satel*, received notable acclaim, including Best Documentary Film at the Baghdad Film Festival 2024 and second place in the Al Jazeera Documentary Competition for Short Film 2024. Additionally, he won the Best Picture Award at Yemen 2021: Hope for the Future from among 700 entries. Adel aspires to achieve international recognition.
“ ... combining cinematic and photographic techniques to document and narrate human experiences ... ”Adel Al Haimi
Mustafa Shorbaji: Gold Days (Egypt)
Mustafa Shorbaji is an Egyptian photographer with 13 years of experience and a deep passion for street photography and documenting diverse lives and cultures. He has received 35 local and international awards, including the European Union Award from Egypt in 2017 and 2020, the Wiki Loves Africa Award, and the SOOC Award from Fujifilm Middle East. Mustafa is also the founder of the "Story and Picture" initiative, which significantly contributes to teaching young photographers the techniques of street and documentary photography. His work continues to influence and inspire within the photography community.
“ ... deep passion for street photography and documenting diverse lives and cultures ... ”Mustafa Shorbaji
Mohamed Abdalla Medo: Smile Winning (Sudan)
Mohamed Abdalla (b. 1994) is a Sudanese photographer who began his journey in photography as a hobby while completing a diploma in computer engineering in 2016. His passion for the craft developed during his university years, leading him to focus on documentary photography, portraiture, and visual storytelling. Mohamed has participated in numerous competitions and exhibitions, including international events. He secured fourth place in the Positivity Competition organized by the Sudanese Photographers Association in 2022 and had his work featured in the annual book of the Union of Arab Photographers, showcased at the Xposure 2024 International Photography Festival.
“ ... focus on documentary photography, portraiture, and visual storytelling ... ”Mohamed Abdalla Medo
Waad Saber: Ezbet Al Burj (Egypt)
Waad Saber (b. 2000) is a documentary photographer from Cairo, Egypt who graduated from the Faculty of Language and Media at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. She specialises in capturing daily life and street scenes, offering a vivid and authentic glimpse into everyday moments. Her work reflects a deep interest in the nuances of urban life, showcasing the subtleties and realities of the city through her lens.
“ ... capturing daily life and street scenes, offering a vivid and authentic glimpse into everyday moments ... ”Waad Saber
Mustafa Turky: Joy (Iraq)
Mustafa Turky, born in Baghdad, Iraq, embarked on his photography journey by taking pictures with his mobile phone, which sparked his passion for the art form. This early interest led him to purchase his first professional camera in 2012, marking the true beginning of his photography career. Mustafa is especially drawn to street photography and capturing everyday scenes, creating visual stories that resonate with viewers. Over the years, he has earned several local awards from associations, forums, and unions in Iraq, as well as recognition in international competitions and exhibitions. His work reflects a deep commitment to documenting the world through his lens.
“ ... drawn to street photography and capturing everyday scenes, creating visual stories that resonate with viewers ... ”Mustafa Turky
Bashar Shglila: Ride Like A Wind (Libya)
Bashar Shglila, from Tripoli, Libya, graduated from the Faculty of Science at the University of Tripoli and works in remote sensing. He began his photography journey in 2006 with a Sony compact camera as a hobby. His work, which involves traveling between cities and countries, led him to share his photos on Flickr, where positive feedback encouraged him to pursue photography more seriously. Bashar has experimented with various styles, including nature, sports, and portraits. However, his true passion emerged in 2008 at a heritage festival in southern Libya, where he was captivated by the cultures of the Tuareg tribes and the desert city of Ghadames, inspiring him to focus on documenting endangered cultures and heritage.
“ ... documenting endangered cultures and heritage ... ”Bashar Shglila
Mortada Emad: Alone Among the Dead (Iraq)
Mortada Emad Kazem, born in 1999, lives in Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. He started photography in 2017 with his phone, inspired by the art of capturing moments and blending them with his own imagination. His career took off with his debut in a black and white photography exhibition in Baghdad, where he was among 100 international photographers. Mortada has since participated in numerous local, Arab, and international exhibitions, winning the GPU Under 25 Years Old grand prize for 2019-2020 and 2023-2024, the Fujifilm Middle East competition in 2021, and the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Photography Award. His recent work was featured at the Xposure Photography Festival 2024.
“ ... inspired by the art of capturing moments and blending them with his own imagination ... ”Mortada Emad
Ahmed Shaaban Elimi: Life Is Colorful (Egypt)
Ahmed Elimi is a media professional and photographer with extensive experience across media outlets in Egypt and Qatar, including Akhbar El-Yom Foundation, Al-Watan newspaper, and the National Planning Council in Qatar. Throughout his career, he has garnered numerous international and local photography awards. In 2015, Ahmed won first prize in the black and white category at the Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image Award. He also clinched first place in the Qatari Amiri Guard Competition for his coverage of the 2016 National Day events and won the Doha UCI Road World Championship in 2016. His work has been nominated for prestigious awards like the Hamdan International Photography Award and has been featured on National Geographic Abu Dhabi's Instagram page.
“ ... media professional and photographer with extensive experience across media outlets ... ”Ahmed Shaaban Elimi
Muthanna Ba Dhares: Joy and Chant (Yemen)
Muthanna Ba Dhares, a former lecturer at the Faculty of Journalism and Media at Hadhramout University, holds a master’s degree in media from Aden University and currently resides in Hadhramout, Yemen. As a photographer, he collaborates with various humanitarian and cultural organizations across Yemen. He has also participated in press team management courses offered by the US Embassy in Yemen and Freedom House NPO. As a cultural and media activist, Muthanna focuses on documenting both tangible and intangible heritage, dedicated to preserving it from change and destruction.
“ ... documenting both tangible and intangible heritage, dedicated to preserving it from change and destruction ... ”Muthanna Ba Dhares
Haitham Imad Nuraldeen: Hope (Palestine)
Haitham Imad Nuraldeen, born in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, is a photojournalist for EANA, specializing in conflicts, wars, and daily life. At the age of 29, he has extensively covered numerous wars in his country and has received several international and local awards for his impactful work. Currently based in the Gaza Strip, Haitham continues to document the ongoing conflict in the region, capturing the realities of life amidst adversity.
“ ... specializing in conflicts, wars, and daily life ... ”Haitham Imad Nuraldeen
Ahmed Hussein Masoud: The Nile: Refuge from Heat (Egypt)
Ahmed Hussein Masoud is an Egyptian photographer who discovered his passion for photography in 2018 and has since participated in several exhibitions. His self-taught approach to photography focuses on analog techniques, particularly 35mm black-and-white film, which he uses to express his inner world and the broader environment. Ahmed finds that black-and-white photography reveals emotions with stark realism, free from the influence of color. He resides in El-Saff, a small village by the Nile River in the Giza Governorate, where he captures daily life and personal reflections in his work. His background in filmmaking further enhances his visual storytelling and emotional expression through photography.
“ ... to express his inner world and the broader environment ... ”Ahmed Hussein Masoud
Ali Mahmoud Abdelwahab Gad: Birds Dream of Better Days (Egypt)
Ali Gad, a 25-year-old visual artist and storyteller from Shabrament Village in Giza Governorate, Egypt, graduated from the Faculty of Commerce in 2021 but has always been passionate about photography. He did not pursue formal studies in the field, instead learning through continuous experimentation and self-exploration. Ali is particularly captivated by the concept of "place," making it the focal point in his images. Even when featuring human elements, the place remains the central character, creating an alternate world that serves as a refuge from real places he feels disconnected from. Ali has showcased his work in several prominent exhibitions in Egypt, including Cairo Design Week 2024 with Phlog, Alexandria Photo Week with "Flowers on Fire" in February 2024, the Fuji Film 2024 Competition, Sync X GLC Exhibition in November 2023, and the Journalists Syndicate Exhibition in December 2022.
“ ... the place remains the central character, creating an alternate world that serves as a refuge from real places ... ”Ali Mahmoud Abdelwahab Gad
Tarek Elmagrbe: Football Shadow (Egypt)
Tarek Elmagrbe, from Alexandria, Egypt, began his photography journey four years ago, specializing in street photography and the interplay of shadow and light. He has received several local and international awards for his work, including being named one of the top 35 photographers of 2022 in the Russian competition 35Awards. Tarek also won third place in the local Street Life competition and earned recognition in the PhotOlympic competition. His work continues to explore and capture the nuanced interactions between light, shadow, and urban life.
“ ... specializing in street photography and the interplay of shadow and light ... ”Tarek Elmagrbe
Eslam Ahmed Hamed: Iron Worker (Egypt)
Eslam Ahmed Hamed, born in 1989, is passionate about photographing street life and portraits. He believes that capturing portraits reveals human traits and qualities in a spontaneous and authentic manner, particularly in street photography. This approach highlights both the present and past of individuals without embellishment. Eslam aims to document everyday moments and the inherent beauty within them, telling people's stories through his photos. With studies in photography and film directing, he brings a diverse perspective to his work. His participation in several local exhibitions has refined his skills, and a notable achievement is his nomination for the Tasweer Single Image Award.
“ ... reveals human traits and qualities in a spontaneous and authentic manner ... ”Eslam Ahmed Hamed
Neşe Arı: Kubra and Emine (Turkey)
Neşe Arı, a self-taught photographer born in Istanbul, has turned her hobby into a vital part of her life through her unique perspective. She specializes in documentary, travel, and street photography, capturing moments across Turkey and globally. Neşe views photography as a powerful form of communication, using it to convey the experiences and emotions she encounters to those who were not present. Her work reflects her belief that photography is a tool for sharing the depth of human experiences.
“ ... photography is a tool for sharing the depth of human experiences ... ”Neşe Arı
Salem Sultan Alhajri: Wandering (Oman)
Salem bin Sultan bin Amer bin Salem Al Hajri is an accomplished Omani photographer, lecturer, and workshop organizer. He is a member of prestigious organizations such as the International Federation of Photographic Art, the Union of Arab Photographers, the Photographic Society of Oman, and the Ernst Photography Competition in Iran. His work has been featured in various Arab magazines and on documentary channels including Arab Px, National Geographic Al Arabiya, and National Geographic Global Networks in Britain. Salem has received numerous international, Arab, and local awards and has organized many exhibitions in Oman. He is currently collaborating with National Geographic Global Channel on a documentary about life in the Empty Quarter desert (RubʿAl-Khali).
“ ... documentary about life ... ”Salem Sultan Alhajri
Mohamed Nasr: Baby in Fog (Egypt)
Mohamed Nasr is an Egyptian photographer with a deep passion for travel and street photography, complemented by extensive experience in capturing human subjects. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Media with a focus on Journalism Production. Mohamed has been awarded the EFIAP Excellence title by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and the Crown 2 title from the Global Photographers Union (GPU). His work has garnered 60 international awards in major photography competitions, including those by the Arab Photographers Union, Austria International Competition, Egypt International Competition, and the Al Thani International Competition. Mohamed also serves as a jury member for local competitions and lectures on travel and street photography.
“ ... a deep passion for travel and street photography ... ”Mohamed Nasr
Ahmed Mohamed Hassan: Five Boats (Egypt)
Ahmed Mohamed Hassan (b. 1983) is an Egyptian photographer born in Qatar. After graduating from medical school in Egypt in 2007, he spent three years managing Egyptian army prison clinics before joining the Medical Team at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Qatar as a Public Health Physician in 2011. Driven by a desire to join the ranks of renowned international photographers, Ahmed began his photography journey in October 2015. He views photography as a means to capture human emotions, cultural greatness, and preserve traditions. Specializing in street, travel, and lifestyle photography, he started traveling globally in 2016 to explore diverse cultures. For Ahmed, each image is a story that touches his soul, reflecting his passion for preserving the beauty of the world.
“ ... views photography as a means to capture human emotions, cultural greatness, and preserve traditions ... ”Ahmed Mohamed Hassan
Ahmed Emad: Matariya (Egypt)
Ahmed Emad, born in 1993, is a passionate Egyptian photographer based in Cairo. His journey began at eight years old with a photo taken on his father’s camera, a cherished memory he still holds dear. At 17, Ahmed started exploring Egypt’s beauty and culture, which evolved into a full-time career. By 23, he won his first prize, leading to numerous national and international awards. In 2022, he was chosen as an ambassador for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, amplifying his work's impact. His award-winning photos and videos often go viral for their beauty and authenticity. Ahmed specializes in travel, portraits, landscape, and documentary photography, focusing on capturing human struggle while preserving dignity. He is committed to empowering aspiring photographers to pursue their passion despite challenges, believing that a single photo can positively transform lives.
“ ... specializes in travel, portraits, landscape, and documentary photography, focusing on capturing human struggle while preserving dignity ... ”Ahmed Emad
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Alongside this year’s award-winning photographs, we are proud to recognise a selection of outstanding submissions that received Honourable Mentions. These images reflect the creativity, vision, and powerful storytelling of photographers who took part in the 2024 Single Image Open Call, and highlight the diversity of perspectives shaping contemporary photography across our region and beyond.
“ The Art of Tbourida ”Abdelmajid Ait Ahmed
Abdelmajid Ait Ahmed: The Art of Tbourida (Morocco)
Tbourida, or Fantasia, is a traditional equestrian sport practiced in the Maghreb countries. It imitates military attacks and holds symbolic significance, representing the people of the Maghreb's deep connection to horses and horsemanship, which are historical and cultural symbols passed down through generations. The Fantasia scenes include various equestrian games. In the image, the horses appear in a harmonious line, performing a single synchronised shot known as the "Massa," where the gunpowder is fired simultaneously.
“ Scrap Walls ”Ali Sabih Kadhim
Ali Sabih Kadhim: Scrap Walls (Iraq)
A man sits surrounded by towering piles of scrap metal, tools, and household remnants that press in from every side, transforming the room into a labyrinth of objects. Light filters through the clutter, illuminating glints of brass, chrome, and steel. The scene is both overwhelming and intimate—an archive of survival, labour, and resourcefulness in Iraq, where every discarded piece holds potential for reuse and resilience.
“ Knights of Upper Egypt ”Abdulrahman Saad Shabl Ali Ibrahim Al-Zaidi
Abdulrahman Saad Shabl Ali Ibrahim Al-Zaidi: Knights of Upper Egypt (Egypt)
Bathed in golden light and veiled in swirling dust, horsemen of Upper Egypt charge across the field, their raised whips tracing arcs through the haze. This dynamic scene captures the centuries-old equestrian traditions of the region—rituals of pride, strength, and skill performed before gathered crowds. Both intimate and grand, the image evokes the enduring spirit of cultural heritage rooted in movement, rhythm, and spectacle.
“ Sad Celebration ”Ahmad Dawood
Ahmad Dawood: Sad Celebration (Egypt)
In one of the popular celebrations, a street artist decorates the faces of children with bright colors. Yet, captured in this moment, a young child recoils with visible discomfort as the brush paints a mask of joy. The contrast between festive intention and the child’s tearful expression reveals the tension between celebration and vulnerability, exposing a deeper emotional layer beneath the surface of communal festivity.
“ The Remaining Souls of the Jabaish ”Ahmed Ghaleb
Ahmed Ghaleb: The Remaining Souls of the Jabaish (Iraq)
Captured in 2022 during the drought of the Al-Jubayish marshes, this haunting black-and-white image transforms blurred silhouettes into ghostly presences. Figures in boats appear suspended between water and shadow, their forms dissolving into abstraction. The work conveys the stark dryness of the marshes through “the remaining souls,” a poetic testament to fragility, loss, and the fading lifeways of a community bound to this landscape.
“ Manhattan of the Desert ”Ala Askool
Ala Askool: Manhattan of the Desert (Yemen)
The historic city of Shibam, located in the Hadramaut region of Yemen, is also known as the "Manhattan of the Desert." It stands as a timeless and captivating example of Yemen's cultural heritage, still preserved in its magnificent form today. Shibam holds a unique place in the national identity and reflects the depth and diversity of the country’s history. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, the city boasts the world’s oldest skyscrapers, constructed as early as 1532 AD. In 1982, Shibam was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exceptional cultural significance.
“ Harvest ”Alaa Elkassas
Alaa Elkassas: Harvest (Egypt)
Taken in 2020 in Cairo during the harvest season, this photograph reflects the suffering of the human being in this stage of labour—carrying more than they can bear. Against a haze of dust and light, a lone figure is almost consumed by the massive bundle of crops on their back, embodying both endurance and the heavy burden that defines agricultural survival.
“ Window to History ”Alaa Nour
Alaa Nour: Window to History (Egypt)
The image represents a window through time, where a person gazes at the pyramids through a vast glass wall inside the Grand Egyptian Museum. As if bridging the past and the present, the scene captures Egypt’s enduring dialogue between ancient civilisation and modern architecture. Taken with a phone, the photograph reframes one of the world’s oldest wonders through a contemporary lens of reflection and scale.
“ The Past Beats Inside Me Like A Second Heart ”Amal Gharib
Amal Gharib: The Past Beats Inside Me Like A Second Heart (Egypt)
In a quiet monochrome scene, a striped shirt is draped across a round table, its emptiness echoing absence. Above, a small mirror reflects a figure slumped in exhaustion, doubling the sense of loss and memory within the frame. With its restrained composition and stark textures, the image becomes a meditation on presence, absence, and the weight of personal history that continues to pulse within us.
“ After School ”Amr Fayek
Amr Fayek: After School (Egypt)
After a long day at school, the children eagerly scatter to their favourite spots, sharing stories and enjoying unstructured play. Set against the backdrop of the sunset, their boundless energy creates a vibrant tableau of youthful abundance and close friendship.
“ Green Lake and Flamingos ”Ekrem Şahin
Ekrem Şahin: Green Lake and Flamingos (Turkey)
From above, a flock of flamingos gathers in a striking oval formation on the dark waters of a green-hued lake. The vivid contrast between the birds’ delicate pink bodies and the swirling aquatic patterns creates a scene that feels almost abstract. This aerial perspective transforms the natural gathering into a living artwork, where movement, colour, and form merge into a surreal vision of harmony.
“ Shepherd ”F. Yurdakul
F. Yurdakul: Shepherd (Turkey)
The dusty and arduous journey of sheep herds in Bitlis. Each day, the herds travel this path to reach the highlands, where they graze after milking until mid-July.
“ I'm Alive ”Haider Al-Mangoshi
Haider Al-Mangoshi: I'm Alive (Iraq)
A child from a village in southern Iraq lives in a mud house. In this haunting image, a face peers through a small opening in the cracked wall, one eye wide with intensity as a hand stretches outward. The stark black-and-white tones heighten the sense of confinement and survival, transforming a humble dwelling into a powerful metaphor of resilience, presence, and the will to be seen.
“ The Two Sides of It ”Haidi Faraj
Haidi Faraj: The Two Sides of It (Syrian - United Arab Emirates)
“Everyone suffers alone, and then we merge our loneliness, trying to mend it through human relationships. Yet each of us still holds our own version of the story.”
The image was taken during the filming of a kinetic music video. It centres on two characters locked in conflict over their differing perspectives, each too focused on their own view to pay attention to the other. In doing so, they forget the affection that once united them, closing their eyes to it and concentrating only on the struggle—the struggle of needs and expectations each has constructed. While they share the same subject and desire, they ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of opinion.
Captured on iPhone 7.
“ Enjoyment Knows No Age ”Hanaa Alrashed
Hanaa Alrashed: Enjoyment Knows No Age (Yemen)
Taken in one of the alleys of Taiz, a city under siege due to the ongoing war in Yemen. It depicts an elderly man playing on a swing, or “margihah” as it is called locally. Before the image was captured, he paused and said, “Take my picture, daughter, while I play.” The resulting photograph radiates both challenge and joy, affirming that age is just a number and that enjoyment knows no limits. Despite the hardships created by war, it reflects the enduring human desire to continue, to survive, and to embrace life.
“ A Searching Look for an Unknown Hope ”Hisham Abdullah Saeed
Hisham Abdullah Saeed: A Searching Look for an Unknown Hope (Yemen)
Taken at a displacement camp school in Marib, Yemen, conveys the message that a painful gaze does not signify acceptance of circumstances as they are. Instead, it reflects an awareness of pain and suffering while embodying a determination to strive for change—a gaze that inspires action and transformation.
“ Salt Maker ”Hussein Alaamri
Hussein Alaamri: Salt Maker (Oman)
From above, the salt fields unfold in geometric precision, broken only by the playful circles drawn in the soft pink surface. The solitary figure of the salt maker stands at the centre, shovel in hand. He lives alone with a lot of salt, working hard each day—yet in the rhythm of his labour, he creates circles that transform toil into an artful gesture of resilience and play.
“ Gergaoun Has Returned ”Ishaq Madan
Ishaq Madan: Gergaoun Has Returned (Bahrain)
Reflecting on how culture and tradition can be presented in new ways to engage and spark the curiosity of younger generations. In this work, the photographer playfully explored the beauty of Gergaoun, a celebration for children marking the halfway point of Ramadan. In Bahrain, one of its key elements is the dance of the fraysa—a figure crafted from white wood and covered in intricate fabrics in the shape of a horse. Teenagers and adults animate it through the streets, accompanied by bands singing folklore songs and beating traditional drums, as children follow collecting sweets and money.
Gergaoun is a night of joy and remembrance, often celebrated on the 14th night of Ramadan. Children roam the streets wearing embroidered jalabiyas and thobes, their voices filling the night with melodic chants. The photographer sought to capture this tradition in a modern way, while preserving its nuanced beauty. By incorporating the element of skateboarding—symbolising fluidity, freedom, and carefree joy—the work metaphorically conveys the rawness and simplicity of cultural roots that resurface during the holy month.
The image was created using the panning technique, in which a slower shutter speed introduces intentional motion blur, emphasising movement and vitality.
“ The Lone Traveler ”Kawthar Alghasham
Kawthar Alghasham: The Lone Traveler (Saudi Arabia)
Bathed in long shadows across patterned carpet, a solitary figure sits among rows of empty airport seats. The traveller, dressed in traditional white attire, is dwarfed by the scale of the hall, evoking themes of solitude, waiting, and transience. With its play of light, geometry, and stillness, the image becomes a quiet meditation on modern journeys and the inner landscapes of those who travel alone.
“ Hope ”Mohamed Eldor
Mohamed Eldor: Hope (Egypt)
This image combines preparation and hope on the anniversary of the Day of Peace and the Cessation of War in Siwa, an Egyptian city where conflict between two tribes ended more than 100 years ago after a long period of bloodshed.
“ Al Chaikh ”Mohssein Hadj
Mohssein Hadj: Al Chaikh (Algeria)
In the city, the heritage of Tbourida—the traditional horsemen’s ceremony—is still preserved. Crowds of horsemen gather with their horses in preparation for the display, an event that requires skilled organizers. While documenting the festival, the photographer was drawn to the nobility and dignity of one of the senior organizers and captured this expressive portrait.
This photograph was taken during the Fantasia, or Tbourida, festival and focuses on an elderly man, one of the prominent participants in the traditional celebration. He is placed firmly in the foreground, dressed in a white djellaba and turban, his strong features reflecting authenticity and heritage. Behind him, knights on horseback, dressed in traditional garments, add depth and atmosphere, evoking a sense of antiquity. The interplay of light and shadow brings a dramatic dimension to the scene, while the use of black and white lends a timeless, classic quality that echoes the character of the occasion.
“ Amar ”Mostafa Abdel Aty
Mostafa Abdel Aty: Amar (Egypt)
This image is part of a collection from the Studio Flash project, produced with a grant from the Cultural Resource in 2022.
The project aimed to challenge the prevailing stereotypical image of local animals—such as donkeys, cows, and buffaloes—often regarded as creatures of little value, subject to harm, or destined for slaughter. Unlike cats and dogs, they are rarely seen as suitable companions or beloved pets. The work seeks to reframe these animals as beautiful beings that deserve to exist in an environment of care and respect. By shifting this perspective, even slightly, the project aspires to contribute to changing the reality in which they live.
“ Up on the Roof ”Noureddine Ait Mouden
Noureddine Ait Mouden: Up on the Roof (Moroccan - United Arab Emirates)
A young figure rests on a rooftop overlooking a cityscape, their body draped across the concrete ledge in quiet exhaustion. The minaret rising in the distance becomes a counterpoint to the stillness of the foreground, suggesting reflection and resilience. As the artist notes, “Behind everyone is a story, and there are always ups and downs.” The image captures that fragile space between weariness and perseverance, where personal histories meet the broader rhythms of urban life.
“ In the Mosque ”Rahma Ibrahem
Rahma Ibrahem: In the Mosque (Egypt)
A day at Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. In this serene black-and-white scene, a teacher addresses a circle of students seated attentively on the mosque floor, their white garments echoing the arches and columns around them. To the side, a young boy leans against a pillar, absorbed in his own reading. The composition captures the harmony of tradition and learning, evoking the enduring role of the mosque as both a spiritual and educational space.
“ The Construction of the Sumerian Reed Mudhif ”Saif Saif Asaad
Saif Saif Asaad: The Construction of the Sumerian Reed Mudhif (Iraq)
One of the enduring traditions of the people of southern Iraq is the construction of the Sumerian reed guesthouse. In this image, a man carefully positions tall bundles of reeds against the intricate woven structure, continuing a craft that has been passed down through generations. These guesthouses serve as central gathering places where elders and villagers meet to exchange conversations and resolve community matters. The photograph captures both the labour and the cultural heritage embedded in this architectural tradition.
“ Untitled ”Salah Eddine Belboudali
Salah Eddine Belboudali: Untitled (Morocco)
In stark black and white, a sheep lies lifeless in the foreground while a herd gathers in the distance, their watchful stares fixed on the fallen animal. The composition creates a powerful contrast between death and survival, individual loss and collective presence. With its raw realism and silence, the image evokes themes of fragility, sacrifice, and the unspoken ties between life, death, and community.
“ City of Peace ”Salih K.M.
Salih K.M.: City of Peace (Indian - Qatar)
A man is playing with a cat on the Corniche in Qatar on a rainy day. Holding an umbrella in one hand and gently lifting the cat with the other, he creates a tender moment of connection against the misty silhouette of the city skyline. The scene transforms an ordinary encounter into a quiet symbol of peace, intimacy, and coexistence within the rhythms of urban life.
“ Conflict of Instincts ”Sherif Abdallah
Sherif Abdallah: Conflict of Instincts (Egypt)
The image depicts a lanner falcon feeding its chick with a sparrow it has caught. The struggle of instincts is evident: the mother, driven by care, offers food to her hungry chick, while beneath her feet lies the small bird she has killed without mercy.
“ Native Colors ”Wafaa Samir
Wafaa Samir: Native Colors (Egypt)
Taken in Jodhpur, India. The harmony of colours and the city’s bold embrace of vibrant tones caught the photographer’s attention, with the composition completed by the presence of a local resident in a vivid yellow turban. For the photographer, the image epitomises the mutual influence between architecture and its inhabitants, and how the visual identity of each city is shaped through this interplay.
“ The Tbourida ”Youness Hamiddine
Youness Hamiddine: The Tbourida (Morocco)
This image vividly embodies the spirit of Tbourida, an authentic Moroccan tradition that celebrates equestrian skill and collective harmony at its finest. Captured in El Jadida, it portrays horsemen adorned in intricate traditional attire, uniting with their noble horses to form a dynamic and life-filled tableau. The performance is defined by the synchronized discharge of gunpowder rifles, executed with impeccable timing, leaving behind clouds of smoke and flame.
This visual spectacle not only highlights the grandeur of the tradition but also reflects the courage, passion, and vitality that sustain Moroccan culture. The photograph narrates a story of heritage and authenticity, preserving a practice that continues to inspire awe across generations.
“ Mother Aisha ”Youssef Elbelghiti
Youssef Elbelghiti: Mother Aisha (Morocco)
In this image, the features of Mother Aisha reflect stories of suffering and patience, as though time has etched a map of pain and struggle across her face. Every wrinkle in her skin speaks of years of hardship, of events harsher than life’s gifts. Her eyes, heavy with sorrow, meet the camera as if recounting the immense loss she endured in the days following the Al-Houz earthquake in Morocco.
That gaze is not only a reflection of the destruction and displacement she witnessed, but also a silent cry of deep betrayal and grief after the collapse of the room that had been her only refuge.
Her closed lips, weary from unspoken words, convey hidden sorrow and a quiet resistance to collapse. Her face bears the marks of accumulated fatigue, blending the scars of disaster with the endurance of a long life of struggle.
Mother Aisha is not simply a woman worn by time; she stands as a living testimony to human fragility before the forces of nature, and as a symbol of resilience despite profound loss. Her portrait tells, in silence, the story that words cannot capture: how a person confronts collapse with eyes brimming with melancholy and a heart still resisting, even when shelter has vanished and safety has faded.
“ Silence ”Zienab Adel
Zienab Adel: Silence (Egypt)
A woman works in the pottery industry in the village of Jeris, Egypt. She carefully stacks the pottery under the warm sun to complete the drying process. Supporting her husband in both production and sales at the market, she helps to ease his burden and contributes to achieving a better standard of living for their family.