Portraits of Kashmir
Kashmir is a wide region in the Northern India that includes three very different regions divided by three different religions. With a Hindu majority population, the part of the south borders is hot and dusty as any other Indian territory. On the northernmost side, among high Himalayan peaks is Ladach. It is where India meets Tibet, dominated by Tibetan people and their culture. Kashmir, as I intend it to be the subject for these photos is the land between these two divisions. It has a 98% Muslim majority and in its largest territory it extends into Pakistan, which is part of a long dispute.
In November 2014 I visited the valley formed by the Jhelum River and a small portion of the high Himalayan Northwest territories (in an unsuccessfully attempt to move towards the “Tibetan” lands, due to extreme weather conditions)
One of the world’s most heavily militarized regions Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir: a heavenly place sitting on the banks of the Dal Lake. It is a fertile land with unbelievable landscapes, also known as “Paradise on Earth”. Kashmir is a unique area not only because of its natural beauty but also because the people are so special. Their warmth, good humor, generosity and patience reflect in their philosophy of “Kashmiriyat” – their ancient code as a way of life and expression of solidarity and resilience. This is a journey among its people. I tried to know and understand as much of their lives. I visited their homes and their mosques and in spite of prejudices, I found a lovely and welcoming community. I came in peace, I looked for peace, I met peaceful people and now I can witness a Kashmir that really deserved its name.
Portraits of Kashmir
Kashmir is a wide region in the Northern India that includes three very different regions divided by three different religions. With a Hindu majority population, the part of the south borders is hot and dusty as any other Indian territory. On the northernmost side, among high Himalayan peaks is Ladach. It is where India meets Tibet, dominated by Tibetan people and their culture. Kashmir, as I intend it to be the subject for these photos is the land between these two divisions. It has a 98% Muslim majority and in its largest territory it extends into Pakistan, which is part of a long dispute.
In November 2014 I visited the valley formed by the Jhelum River and a small portion of the high Himalayan Northwest territories (in an unsuccessfully attempt to move towards the “Tibetan” lands, due to extreme weather conditions)
One of the world’s most heavily militarized regions Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir: a heavenly place sitting on the banks of the Dal Lake. It is a fertile land with unbelievable landscapes, also known as “Paradise on Earth”. Kashmir is a unique area not only because of its natural beauty but also because the people are so special. Their warmth, good humor, generosity and patience reflect in their philosophy of “Kashmiriyat” – their ancient code as a way of life and expression of solidarity and resilience. This is a journey among its people. I tried to know and understand as much of their lives. I visited their homes and their mosques and in spite of prejudices, I found a lovely and welcoming community. I came in peace, I looked for peace, I met peaceful people and now I can witness a Kashmir that really deserved its name.
