Photos

Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh's photography, shaped by his diverse experiences in various countries and subjects, is featured in several collections.

Girls Isfahan Iran Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh FotoGirls Isfahan Iran Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh Foto

Iran stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, torn between the longing for freedom and the agony of repression.

Camerota Italy Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh FotoCamerota Italy Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh Foto

This collection of photos showcases my travels across Italy.

Sari Iran Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh FotoSari Iran Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh Foto
Architectural Photography Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh FotoArchitectural Photography Photo Mohsen Mahmoodzadeh Foto

As you walk through Iran, you'll observe a wide variety of styles among women and girls, but they all have one thing in common: their heads and bodies are covered. It can be difficult to determine whether each Iranian woman or girl chooses to dress this way freely or if they are influenced by societal or governmental expectations.

Turning my passion into a career has brought me joy. I love architectural photography and have had the privilege of working with companies in Iran and Italy. Here are some of my photos.

Iran is caught between tradition and modernity, between the desire for freedom and the pain of repression.

Here, art is my refuge. I don't use it to escape, but to observe and understand better.

These images are based on my observations in Iran between 2010 and 2021.

From the Caspian Sea to the desert silence of Naein, from Shiraz, the city of poetry and wine, to Isfahan, the city of turquoise domes, up to Tehran: complex, noisy, and full of contradictions.

Iran

My Italian photography adventure began on a cold, snowy day in January 2022, marking my first day living here. Since then, I have explored the towns and villages of Emilia-Romagna, journeyed through the northeastern regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto, and discovered the enchanting city of Venice. I traveled south to enjoy the warmth of Cilento and visited Milan and Florence. I experienced the mountainous landscapes of Perugia, explored the cities of Lazio, and soaked in the beauty of Rome.

This photo collection showcases my travels throughout Italy.

Italy

Walking through Iran, you’ll observe a variety of styles among women and girls, all united by the commonality of covered heads and bodies. It’s challenging to know if this choice is made freely or under societal or governmental pressure.

In Iran, laws require women to wear head and body coverings in public spaces, including streets and educational institutions. Following the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic enforced strict dress codes, with noncompliance resulting in fines or harsher penalties.

Historically, Iranian women have protested against the compulsory hijab, with significant demonstrations occurring as early as March 8, 1979. The government has responded with severe crackdowns, often ignoring the country’s diverse cultures and beliefs.

The 2022 uprising, sparked by Mahsa Jina Amini’s death after her arrest for improper hijab wear, has led many Iranian women and girls to openly defy the law. Despite risks of arrest or fines, they are increasingly rejecting governmental dress codes, prompting noticeable changes in public appearances.

Some women feel compelled to adhere to hijab laws, while others interpret them flexibly, and many engage in civil disobedience to assert their right to choose their attire.

From 2010 to 2021, I captured photos across several Iranian cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, Sari, and Naein.

Iran, Dress up, Cover up

Transforming my passion into my profession has always brought me joy. Architectural photography is one of my favorite fields, and I've had the pleasure of collaborating with companies in both Iran and Italy. Here are some of my architectural photographs.

Architectural Photography