Photo Features

Photo Features
Europe / Middle East / Arts & Culture

Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum

12 April 2012
Lana Asfour
The Ka’ba in Mecca shown as the centre of the world. Illustration from Tarih-i Hind-i Garbi. Turkey, 1650 © Leiden University Library
The Ka’ba in Mecca shown as the centre of the world. Illustration from Tarih-i Hind-i Garbi. Turkey, 1650 © Leiden University Library
Hajj certificate (detail). 17th–18th century AD. © Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (Khalili Family Trust)
Hajj certificate (detail). 17th–18th century AD. © Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (Khalili Family Trust)
Ivory sundial and Qibla pointer, made by Bayram b. Ilyas. Turkey, 1582-3 © The Trustees of the British Museum
Ivory sundial and Qibla pointer, made by Bayram b. Ilyas. Turkey, 1582-3 © The Trustees of the British Museum
Ahmed Mater (b. 1979). Magnetism. Photogravure etching. 2011 © Ahmed Mater and the Trustees of the British Museum
Ahmed Mater (b. 1979). Magnetism. Photogravure etching. 2011 © Ahmed Mater and the Trustees of the British Museum
Curtain for the door of the Ka’ba in the name of Sultan Abd al-Majid Khan. Cairo, 1846-47 © Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (Khalili Family Trust)
Curtain for the door of the Ka’ba in the name of Sultan Abd al-Majid Khan. Cairo, 1846-47 © Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (Khalili Family Trust)

Related article: The British Museum's Hajj Exhibition: A Collective Undertaking

 

BRIC / Arts & Culture / Focus Article

Kerela's Boat Races

21 March 2012
Supriya Sehgal
No time to gauge the strength – just move ahead! // Source: Varkey George
No time to gauge the strength – just move ahead! // Source: Varkey George
A hoarding for one of the leading newspapers of Kerala is a perfect backdrop to one of the boats passing by. // Source: Varkey George
A hoarding for one of the leading newspapers of Kerala is a perfect backdrop to one of the boats passing by. // Source: Varkey George
A house boat captured in motion, with a beautiful blue hue in the evening! // Source: Kumar Abhishek
A house boat captured in motion, with a beautiful blue hue in the evening! // Source: Kumar Abhishek
A patrol boat surveys the competition track during the Snake Boat Race! // Source: Kumar Abhishek
A patrol boat surveys the competition track during the Snake Boat Race! // Source: Kumar Abhishek
Determination at its best! Thousands gather to see the race from the periphery. // Source: Kumar Abhishek
Determination at its best! Thousands gather to see the race from the periphery. // Source: Kumar Abhishek
Asia / Environment & Sustainability

Uda Walawe National Park, Sri Lanka

28 February 2012
Shermin de Silva, PhD
This idyllic scene is typical of the patchwork of subsistence farms surrounding Uda Walawe National Park, Sri Lanka. Rice and bananas are staple crops, together with vegetables. Unfortunately, these same crops are highly attractive to wildlife. // Source: Shermin de Silva
This idyllic scene is typical of the patchwork of subsistence farms surrounding Uda Walawe National Park, Sri Lanka. Rice and bananas are staple crops, together with vegetables. Unfortunately, these same crops are highly attractive to wildlife. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Small-scale mechanization exists here side-by-side with the forest. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Small-scale mechanization exists here side-by-side with the forest. // Source: Shermin de Silva
A young girl proudly shows off her family's paddy fields. // Source: Shermin de Silva
A young girl proudly shows off her family's paddy fields. // Source: Shermin de Silva
A hard-working farmer. // Source: Shermin de Silva
A hard-working farmer. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Modest homes like these on the fringes of wilderness can sometimes be demolished by elephants. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Modest homes like these on the fringes of wilderness can sometimes be demolished by elephants. // Source: Shermin de Silva
A functional well. // Source: Shermin de Silva
A functional well. // Source: Shermin de Silva
An elephant venturing beyond the national park falls victim to an abandoned well. // Source: Shermin de Silva
An elephant venturing beyond the national park falls victim to an abandoned well. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Back yard cultivations are easily damaged by elephants. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Back yard cultivations are easily damaged by elephants. // Source: Shermin de Silva
An adult male with human-inflicted wounds on his forehead. // Source: Shermin de Silva
An adult male with human-inflicted wounds on his forehead. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Just a slim thread of electricity separates the elephant from the casual bystanders. The nonchalance both species exhibit here hides deeper conflicts between them, but at the same time suggests a more peaceful coexistence may be within reach if each accepts the other as part of the landscape. // Source: Shermin de Silva
Just a slim thread of electricity separates the elephant from the casual bystanders. The nonchalance both species exhibit here hides deeper conflicts between them, but at the same time suggests a more peaceful coexistence may be within reach if each accepts the other as part of the landscape. // Source: Shermin de Silva

Related articles:

The Elephant in the Room

The Ivory Trade: Commodities, Controls and Consequences

 

Middle East / Politics / 360° Analysis

One Year After Mubarak: In Pictures

10 February 2012
Hossam Rashad • Ahmed Mobasher
Demonstrators mobilize on Tahrir Street in Dokki before facing police guarding the bridge across the Nile and into Tahrir Square // Source: Hossam Rashad
Demonstrators mobilize on Tahrir Street in Dokki before facing police guarding the bridge across the Nile and into Tahrir Square // Source: Hossam Rashad
Thousands of protesters march across the ‘Asr El Nil Bridge towards Tahrir Square to the frontline of the battle to break Mubarak’s police blockade // Source: Hossam Rashad
Thousands of protesters march across the ‘Asr El Nil Bridge towards Tahrir Square to the frontline of the battle to break Mubarak’s police blockade // Source: Hossam Rashad
Egyptians aid an injured protester on the ‘Asr El Nil Bridge that leads directly to Tahrir Square in wake of clashes with police // Source: Hossam Rashad
Egyptians aid an injured protester on the ‘Asr El Nil Bridge that leads directly to Tahrir Square in wake of clashes with police // Source: Hossam Rashad
Silhouetted soldiers stand guard in Tahrir Square // Source: Hossam Rashad
Silhouetted soldiers stand guard in Tahrir Square // Source: Hossam Rashad
In Tahrir Square, a young boy hoisted on his father’s shoulders leads chants against the regime // Source: Hossam Rashad
In Tahrir Square, a young boy hoisted on his father’s shoulders leads chants against the regime // Source: Hossam Rashad
Protesters gloat atop abandoned Central Security Force transport vehicles in Tahrir Square after successfully driving state security forces out of the revolution’s epicenter // Source: Hossam Rashad
Protesters gloat atop abandoned Central Security Force transport vehicles in Tahrir Square after successfully driving state security forces out of the revolution’s epicenter // Source: Hossam Rashad
Demonstrators take a break in a tent enclave amidst the crowds of Tahrir Square // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Demonstrators take a break in a tent enclave amidst the crowds of Tahrir Square // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Sunset over Tahrir, as this protester demands that Mubarak should “get out.” // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Sunset over Tahrir, as this protester demands that Mubarak should “get out.” // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Egyptian women join chants against Mubarak regime in the center of Tahrir Square // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Egyptian women join chants against Mubarak regime in the center of Tahrir Square // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Demonstrators rest atop burnt police transport vehicles after days of violent clashes with the police // Source: Ahmad Mobasher
Demonstrators rest atop burnt police transport vehicles after days of violent clashes with the police // Source: Ahmad Mobasher

Photographs by Ahmed Basher and Hossam Rashad.

 

Europe / Arts & Culture

A Look Back at the Oktoberfest 2011

6 October 2011
Daniel Hemel
The Oktoberfest is for young and old. This year 6.9 million people came to participate.© Daniel Hemel
The Oktoberfest is for young and old. This year 6.9 million people came to participate.© Daniel Hemel
Around 500,000 more visitors than last year.© Daniel Hemel
Around 500,000 more visitors than last year.© Daniel Hemel
One of the most bought souvenirs are the gingerbread hearts with words made of icing. © Daniel Hemel
One of the most bought souvenirs are the gingerbread hearts with words made of icing. © Daniel Hemel
4,750 things were lost and found on an area of 77 acres. Even a set of false teeth got lost but were found again.Please click to see the panorama © Daniel Hemel
4,750 things were lost and found on an area of 77 acres. Even a set of false teeth got lost but were found again.Please click to see the panorama © Daniel Hemel
Shooting with pallet guns is very popular on the Oktoberfest. All together there are 275 carny who own rollercoasters, haunted houses and showmen.© Daniel Hemel
Shooting with pallet guns is very popular on the Oktoberfest. All together there are 275 carny who own rollercoasters, haunted houses and showmen.© Daniel Hemel
Around 6000 people can fit into one such a tent. There are an additional 2500 seats in the beergarden around the tent.© Daniel Hemel
Around 6000 people can fit into one such a tent. There are an additional 2500 seats in the beergarden around the tent.© Daniel Hemel
This years visitors drank 7,5 million Maß (traditional 1 liter mugs) of beer. This is 0,4 million Maß more than last year. © Daniel Hemel
This years visitors drank 7,5 million Maß (traditional 1 liter mugs) of beer. This is 0,4 million Maß more than last year. © Daniel Hemel
Proceedings from the sale of beer amounted to 67,5 million Euro.© Daniel Hemel
Proceedings from the sale of beer amounted to 67,5 million Euro.© Daniel Hemel
The last person switches the lights off. This year the Oktoberfest used about 2,95 million kilowatt hours in 17 days, 3% less energy than last year.© Daniel Hemel
The last person switches the lights off. This year the Oktoberfest used about 2,95 million kilowatt hours in 17 days, 3% less energy than last year.© Daniel Hemel

After 17 days of joy and laughter, the 178th Oktoberfest in Munich is already over but was one of the most enjoyable. More visitors, beer, food and sun than last year's festival made it exceptional. See more numbers and figures in the Photo Feature! Please click to enlarge the pictures.

BRIC / Global Security

Nagaland - India

26 August 2011
Supriya Sehgal
A proud tribal gets ready for the traditional dance at the annual ‘Hornbill’ Festival in Kohima.
A proud tribal gets ready for the traditional dance at the annual ‘Hornbill’ Festival in Kohima.
Tribal women cradle ‘dummy’ babies in their arms as they line up for a mellow performance at the venue of the Hornbill Festival.
Tribal women cradle ‘dummy’ babies in their arms as they line up for a mellow performance at the venue of the Hornbill Festival.
A lone Assamese drum awaits its turn to be part of the joyful clamour for a dance performance.
A lone Assamese drum awaits its turn to be part of the joyful clamour for a dance performance.
More than just a feathered headgear! For one of the Naga tribes, the number of quills on his headgear might refer to the heads a man has hunted in his lifetime or jestfully his romantic meanderings.
More than just a feathered headgear! For one of the Naga tribes, the number of quills on his headgear might refer to the heads a man has hunted in his lifetime or jestfully his romantic meanderings.
Weathered but certainly not tired feet of the tribesman at the Nagaland Hornbill Festival.
Weathered but certainly not tired feet of the tribesman at the Nagaland Hornbill Festival.
A variety of jewellery and accessories make a perfect foreground to the venue of the Hornbill Festival.
A variety of jewellery and accessories make a perfect foreground to the venue of the Hornbill Festival.
The festival is not only for the old. A young ‘Angami’ boy looks on to the finale with great pride. It’s different that his shiny white Converse sneakers give away his urban leaning.
The festival is not only for the old. A young ‘Angami’ boy looks on to the finale with great pride. It’s different that his shiny white Converse sneakers give away his urban leaning.
Gearing up for the final bonfire. A determined clasp of the hands portrays the resolute association of the tribals with their past.
Gearing up for the final bonfire. A determined clasp of the hands portrays the resolute association of the tribals with their past.
The only guard in-charge of the VIP podium at the festival looks up at the flames rising from a distant bonfire.
The only guard in-charge of the VIP podium at the festival looks up at the flames rising from a distant bonfire.

If you have read Pico Iyer's 'Falling off the Map', you will immediately connect with the 'lonely places' that he talks about. Holding onto its traditions with vivacious tenacity, Nagaland sits refreshingly aloof on the eastern edge of India.

Middle East

Jordan and Syria

3 August 2011
fairobserver
Mosque in Jordan. With this blue sky and the white walls, prayers have to reach heaven immediately.// Janell Peske
Mosque in Jordan. With this blue sky and the white walls, prayers have to reach heaven immediately.// Janell Peske
mpressions from Wadi Rum, the largest Wadi in Jordan. // Janell Peske
mpressions from Wadi Rum, the largest Wadi in Jordan. // Janell Peske
Modern Arabs? // Janell Peske
Modern Arabs? // Janell Peske
Wadi Rum. Many places to hide, nowhere to go. // Janell Peske
Wadi Rum. Many places to hide, nowhere to go. // Janell Peske
Dead Sea. Still life. // Janell Peske
Dead Sea. Still life. // Janell Peske
Dead Sea, shaken sky. // Janell Peske
Dead Sea, shaken sky. // Janell Peske
Mosque in Damascus, Syria. Life is beautiful // Janell Peske
Mosque in Damascus, Syria. Life is beautiful // Janell Peske
Middle East / Politics

Middle East Timeline

2 August 2011
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski

Indian Himalayan

2 August 2011
Fair Observer
The Gangotri Glacier from camp beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi II, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
The Gangotri Glacier from camp beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi II, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
The Gangotri Glacier from camp beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi II, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
The Gangotri Glacier from camp beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi II, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
Puja at Laxmanjhula Ghat, Rishikesh, India (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
Puja at Laxmanjhula Ghat, Rishikesh, India (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
The Gangotri Glacier from Tapovan meadow beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
The Gangotri Glacier from Tapovan meadow beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
Source of the Ganges - Hindu prayer flags on the way to the face of the Gangotri Glacier beneath the towering peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)
Source of the Ganges - Hindu prayer flags on the way to the face of the Gangotri Glacier beneath the towering peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III (Ran Chakrabarti, October 2005)

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Annet Aris
Netherlands
Former Co-Head of McKinsey's German Media Practice, and INSEAD Professor
Alfred Gusenbauer
Austria
former Federal Chancellor of Austria
David Brady
United States
Emeritus and Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and Deputy...
Donald Marron
United States
Former member of President’s Council of Economic Advisers, and Director of Tax Policy Center
Glenn Carle
United States
Former Deputy National Intelligence Officer of the USA, and acclaimed author of, The Interrogator:...
Gilead Sher
Israel
Former Head of Bureau and Policy Coordinator of Israel's Prime Minister. Co-Chief negotiator...
Joachim Bitterlich
Germany
Ambassador (ret), Executive Vice President International Affairs Veolia Environnement
Jianxun Shi
China
Management Professor at Tongji University at Shanghai, and author of a blog on Economics with over...
Jaswant Singh
India
Former Foreign, Finance and Defense Minister of India, current Member of Parliament, and acclaimed...
John Bruton
Ireland
John Bruton, President of IFSC Ireland, former Irish Prime Minister, former Ambassador, Delegation...
John Rowett
United States
Former CEO of the Rhodes Trust and Secretary General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities
Klaus F. Zimmermann
Germany
Former Director of the German Institute for Economy, and Director of the Institute on Future of...
Richard Herring
United States
Co-Director, Wharton Financial Institutions Center, and author of over 100 articles on financial...
Subodh Agrawal
India
Chairman and Co-Founder of Euromax Capital Group, and pioneer in the investment sector with...
Sanjay Sarma
India
Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Sanjay co-founded the Auto-ID Center at MIT and...
Vikram Sood
India
Former Head of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence service
Wolfgang Ischinger
Germany
Former German Ambassador to the USA and the UK, and Head of the Munich Security Conference

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