Shiraz is renowned for Hafez and Saadi, poetry, wine, and the scent of orange blossoms, while a darker reality exists beneath the beauty. A photographer from a middle-class, sheltered background began exploring older districts after studying architecture and buying a camera. A southern neighbourhood with homeless people and drug-users provoked frequent visits and long-term documentation. The work focuses on individuals struggling with addiction, as well as drug-dealers and criminals living in marginalised areas. Addiction in Iran commonly involves heroin and crystal meth and is rising. The aim is to portray these people with nuance, capturing subcultures such as hypermasculinity, patriarchy, and tradition.
I was born into a middle-class family, and grew up quite isolated from the outside world. My grandfather had been addicted to drugs and alcohol, and my mother's childhood was often filled with conflict and violence. Her deep-seated fear of harmful people and bad influences led her to become extremely distrustful of others, and she built a metaphorical wall around us.
I was studying architecture and bought a camera for my coursework. One day, while photographing the southern parts of the city, I came across a neighbourhood filled with homeless people and drug-users. The scene was strange and shocking and deeply affected me. From then on, I frequently visited the area with my camera. Initially, I focused on individuals dealing with addiction those who are often abandoned by their families, society and the state.
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