Some twelve million Islamic pilgrims flock to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina annually in a voyage that is bidden of them by the fifth of the five pillars of Islam. Funds permitting, it is a religious duty upon them to make the pilgrimage before they die. This photographic celebration of the Hajj pilgrimage will establish itself as the essential keepsake – a treasured tool in presenting the sights the traveller will encounter in the holy cities. Newsha Tavakolian’s remarkable photography is reproduced here with full captions that detail the events and rituals that form part of the pilgrimage.
The award-winning photographer Newsha Tavakolian takes us with her on her own pilgrimage to the ancient holy places, sharing the journey of discovery she witnesses. Her lens brings us a tale of human drama - the confluence of the rich and poor, arrogant and meek, all levelled as they make the spiritual journey together.
Newsha Tavakolian's photography has already dazzled audiences internationally, but this is the first time her material on the Hajj pilgrimage has been published in volume form.
The images are reproduced here with a commentary detailing the events and rituals that form part of the religious pilgrimage.
About the Author A self-taught photographer, Newsha began working professionally in Iran at the age of 16. At 21 she began working internationally, covering wars, natural disasters and social documentary stories in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Yemen.
Her images have been published by international magazines and newspapers, including The Times, Newsweek, Stern, Le Figaro, New York Times Magazine, Der Spiegel, Le Monde, NRC Handelsblad and National Geographic.
Her award-winning work is particularly known for its focus women's issues, falling between art and documentary photography, and has been exhibited worldwide.
More recently, her work has been featured as part of the British Museum's exhibition: Hajj, Journey to the Heart of Islam.
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