Middle East
What life on the Strait of Hormuz is really like
Southern Winds — Bandar Abbas based photographer Morteza Niknahad has been capturing the diverse communities and stories of his local region since he first picked up a camera. His new series highlights the human impact of war.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The global skateboarding crew reshaping Muslim sisterhood
Skater Uktis — Founded in London in 2020, the crew has ballooned across the world, with meetups and members in Pakistan, Palestine and beyond. Zahra Onsori tracks its rise and the powerful community it has created.
Written by: Zahra Onsori
Burning rubber with the Middle East’s women rally racers
Ripping dirt — Across the Middle East and North Africa, women are increasingly chasing the thrill of speed, competition and freedom that comes with driving on gruelling terrain, as well as podium positions. Roxana Diba speaks to trailblazers of the scene, who are reshaping ideas of what women are capable of behind the wheel.
Written by: Roxana Diba
A melancholic portrait of youth, rebellion and womanhood in Iran
And They Laughed At Me — Newsha Tavakolian has worked as a photographer all her adult life, as Iran underwent change, upheaval and conflict. Her new photobook explores the formative years of her eye and art amid generational strife, hope and disappointment.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: Lebanon’s women against a backdrop of war
Where Do I Go? لوين روح — As war breaks out in the Middle East once again, we spotlight Rania Matar’s powerful new photobook, which empowers women of her home country through portraiture.
Written by: Miss Rosen
After Assad’s fall, Syria’s musicians rebuild from the rubble
Spaces Between the Beats — Following decades of dictatorship and 14 years of civil war, the country’s classical and creative scenes have an opportunity to build from scratch. Andrei Popviciu speaks to the people hoping for a flourishing new era of art and sound.
Written by: Andrei Popoviciu
The intricate, intimate interiors of Middle Eastern homes
Living Rooms — Drawn from photographs made over the span of three decades, Middle East Archive has compiled a photobook that explores the insides of homes across the region, spotlighting its family intimacy and hospitality.
Written by: Miss Rosen
BODUR: “I’ve always spoken out rather than assimilating”
What Made Me — In this series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that shaped who they are. Today, it’s SWANA-championing pop experimentalist BODUR.
Written by: BODUR
Exploring the football fanatic culture of the Middle East
New photo book ‘Football كرة القدم’ draws together pictures from over a dozen photographers to explore the region’s vibrant football culture.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The everyday voices silenced in our coverage of the Middle East
Until women and young people are heard, we won’t break this cycle of destruction and dehumanisation, argues director Maysoon Pachachi.
Written by: Maysoon Pachachi
The rise of Ben-Gvir is the product of Israeli apartheid
Free Palestine — While the ascension of far-right politicians in Israel has been met with outrage by the British Jewish press, it is merely the logical conclusion of Israeli colonialism, writes Emily Hilton.
Written by: Emily Hilton
The skatepark providing refuge to Amman’s youth
In a city sorely lacking in public space, 7Hills skatepark is transforming the lives of people in Jordan’s capital.
Written by: Aisha Kherallah and Tom Critchley
