‘I want my viewer to ask – what is happening here?’: Meysam Hamrang’s best phone picture

Meysam Hamrang, an Iranian photographer, has dedicated years to capturing the essence of traditional rituals through his lens. One of his most significant works was taken in 2019 during a religious ceremony in Masuleh, a historic village located in the Gilan province of northern Iran. The photograph depicts the ritual of Alam Bandan, which takes place on the sixth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. During this solemn occasion, Shia Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at a 1,200-year-old shrine. The unique architecture of Masuleh, characterized by its low-rise buildings where the yard of one house serves as the roof for another, creates an intimate setting that allows participants and observers to congregate closely and engage in the ritual with deep reverence and passion. Hamrang's photograph aims to encapsulate this atmosphere and the collective spirit of the community during the ceremony.

In discussing his artistic intentions, Hamrang emphasizes his desire to evoke curiosity in viewers, prompting them to question the significance of the scene before them. He expresses concern that many traditional ceremonies, like Alam Bandan, risk fading into obscurity in today's fast-paced world. By documenting such moments through photography, he strives to preserve these cultural practices for future generations. Hamrang notes that his image was not a spontaneous capture but the result of years of attending the ritual and patiently waiting for the perfect vantage point and moment to convey the depth of the experience. This thoughtful approach underscores his commitment to not only capturing a moment in time but also to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich traditions that might otherwise be overlooked.