10 Beautiful Photographs Captured by the Arab World

posted on: Sep 11, 2020

By: Nana Osei/Arab America Contributing Writer

Photography may sound easy for some, but it actually takes a lot of skill to get the right shot. The Arab world is the perfect muse for photographers, as its sites are enchanting and gorgeous. Many travels from all over the world to Arab countries in order to capture a piece of its beauty, documenting a time of history and a hope for the future.

We reveal to you 10 beautiful photographs from the Arab world:

1. Chair From the Ashes Series

This is a work of art done by Wafaa Bilal. It was made in 2003 and is part of what is called his “Chair From the Ashes Series”. Wafaa Bilal captured this photo as a way to depict the suffering of war. It shows the impact that the destructiveness of war has on the personal lives of people. Specifically, it is a tribute to Iraq, as he is actually an Iraqi refugee.

2. Fight

This is another powerful photo that shows how much photography can truly show at the right moment. The photographer, Ahmed Jadallah, took these in Palestine. It shows people fighting against authority for their beliefs. Also, it shows strength and conviction, which isn’t easy to portray without skill.

3. Look Over

This work of art shows how abstract photography can be layered with interpretation. Hazem Harb, who is from Palestine, took and created this alluring photo. It portrays a man climbing out of a suitcase in search of something new. Some may wonder what about the intrigue that has captured his attention over the wall.

4. 1900 Egypt

This is actually a very special photograph because it comes from the 1900s from Egypt showing a woman riding a horse. They retrieved this photo by digitally converting an image through a gelatin silver negative on glass. The exhibit is by the Arab Image Foundation whose goals are to retrieve old Arab photos and renew them. The photographers are Fouad Elkoury and Samer Mohdad.

5. Stillness

From a series called “Women of Gaza,” this photo was taken in 2009 and was featured in the Tanya Habjouqa/Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This particular exhibit only showcased female photographers’ work of arts.

6. Abstract Wording

This beautiful work of abstract photography is by Camille Zakharia from Lebanon. The first thing that stands when you look at this photo is the writing in the back. This allows for a stunning contrast with the buildings and woman walking.

7. Children at Play

This moment captures the innocence of children at play. You can feel the energy they have as they jump, run, climb, and play ball. Likewise, the black and white color plays up the striking contrast. This photo was taken by Samer Mohdad who is from Lebanon.

8. Riding

Egyptian artist and photographer, Wael Shawky, captures this group of people riding donkeys in the desert living their simple daily life in the Arab world. In the background, we witness the beautiful sea, which seems to mold with the lighter blue sky.

9. Self Portrait with Roots

Photographer Youssef Nabil from Egypt took this amazing photo of a man lying at the foot of a tree. Peaceful with his eyes closed, most notable are the strong roots from the tree. The green from the earth’s grass brings life to the contrasting grey.

10. Watching

Depicting sadness and despair, this photo captures the innocence of children in poverty watching across the city while they stand in the rubble. Taken by Ahmed Mater who is from Saudi Arabia, the photo tells a thousand stories between the rich and the poor. How do you read this image?

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