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, my very first day living here. I've explored the towns and villages of Emilia-Romagna, journeyed from the northeast near Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto, and discovered the enchanting city of Venice. I've ventured south to the inviting warmth of Cilento. I've seen Milan and Florence, experienced the mountainous landscapes of Perugia, discovered the cities of Lazio, and soaked in the beauty of Rome.

This photo collection represents my travels throughout Italy.

Italy

Walking through Iran, you'll notice a diverse range of styles among women and girls, but they all share a common thread: their heads and bodies are covered. It's hard to know if each Iranian woman or girl chooses to dress this way freely, or if they're influenced by societal or governmental expectations.

Understanding women's rights in Iran requires recognizing that the law mandates head and body covering in public areas, including streets, parks, government buildings, and educational institutions. Following the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic enforced this dress code, requiring women to conceal their hair and bodies down to their wrists and ankles. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, and in some instances, more severe penalties like flogging and imprisonment.

But Iranian women, who have always protested against the compulsory hijab, thousands of whom protested on March 8, 1979, just a month after the Islamic government came to power, and who have long challenged the mandatory hijab law. Because of this, they faced strong opposition and harsh crackdowns from the government. When the Islamic Republic enforced the hijab in Iran, they didn't take into account the country's diverse mix of religions, beliefs, ethnicities, and traditions.

After the 2022 uprising, triggered by the death of Mahsa-Jina Amini, who was arrested by morality police for not wearing her hijab properly, an increasing number of Iranian women and girls are openly defying the law. They are unwilling to abide by government dress codes, even if it means facing arrest, fines, or imprisonment. The appearance of Iran's cities and its people is changing daily.

It's clear that some women in Iran feel they have no choice but to accept the mandatory hijab laws. Others interpret the rules more liberally, adapting their clothing to different situations. And some are openly engaging in civil disobedience, determined to maintain their right to choose what they wear.

From 2010 to 2021, I captured these photos across Iran, in cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, Sari and Naein.

Iran, Dress up, Cover up

Turning my passion into my work has always made me happier. Architectural photography is one of my favorite areas, and I've had the pleasure of working with companies in both Iran and Italy.

Here are some of my architectural photos.

Architectural Photography