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I defend my roots


I defend my roots
Information sur la photo
Copyright: Luca Belis (Mistral) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 583 W: 70 N: 1849] (12127)
Genre: Gens
Média: Couleur
Date de prise de vue: 2007-06-16
Catégories: Vie quotidienne, Moment décisif
Appareil photographique: Nikon D200, Nikon 80-200 f2.8D ED
Exposition: f/2.8, 1/40 secondes
Versions: version originale
Date de soumission: 2007-07-01 13:51
Vue: 2429
Favoris: 3 [voir]
Points: 36
[Ligne directrice - Note] Note du photographe
Hi all, I'm back after an interesting journey in the North west region of Pakistan.

One of the area I enjoyed mostly is the Kafiristan "the land of infidels" (non islamic) nonetheless a sort of paradise with forests, lakes and greenery.

When walking in the village of Guru in Birir valley I had the chance of spotting this sight of a kalash girl (on the left side) that looks like afraid of her muslim converted friend close to her.

The culture kalash has to be preserved and experts warn that this one will become extinct in the next 20 years as 15 per cent of the Kalash people convert to Islam every year. from Daily Times

_________________________
About Kalash ethnic group

Religion
Although there are heavy Kafiristani (today known as Nuristani) influences in the language, religion and ethnicity of the Kalash, their unique culture and belief system differs drastically from the various ethnic groups surrounding them. They believe in various deities Mahadev (Khodai, the Khowar word for God is also used), and worship other deities that offer protection to different aspects of life (such as Jeshtak, who represents family, pregnant mothers, and marriage). It is suggested that they are based on the Proto-Indo-European religion, similar to the twelve Olympian gods of Ancient Greece. Nature plays a highly significant and spiritual role in their daily life. As part of their religious tradition, sacrifices are offered and festivals held to give thanks for the abundant resources of their three valleys.

Travellers should refrain from interfering with or patronizing the locals. The villages are more heavily visited by tourists (possibly due to the "Palin effect" when Michael Palin visited in 2004 as part of his Himalaya series, in which he states this may happen) than ever before and the Kalash people may not enjoy getting their picture taken. Holy festivals are very serious to them and joining in or gawking at their practices is considered very rude. Also, because they are surrounded by Muslim peoples on all sides, pressure to convert to Islam has been strong. Preaching any religion is considered to be in bad taste.

Customs
Kalash women usually wear long black robes, often embroidered with cowrie shells. For this reason, they are known in Chitral as "The Black Kafirs". Men have adopted the Pakistani salwar kameez, while children wear small versions of adult clothing after the age of four.

History
The Kalash have been ruled by the Mehtar of Chitral since the 1700s and have enjoyed a cordial relationship with the major ethnic group of Chitral, the Kho who are Sunni and Ismaili Muslims. The multi-ethnic and multi-religious State of Chitral ensured that the Kalash were able to live in peace and harmony and practice their culture and religion. The Nuristani, their neighbors in the region of former Kafiristan east of the border, were invaded in the 1890s and converted to Islam by Amir Abdur-Rahman of Afghanistan and their land was renamed Nuristan.

Prior to that event, the people of Kafiristan had paid tribute to the Mehtar of Chitral and accepted his suzerainty. This came to an end with the Durand Agreement when Kafiristan fell under the Afghan sphere of Influence. Recently, the Kalash have been able to stop their demographic and cultural spiral towards extinction and have, for the past 30 years, been on the rebound. Increased international awareness, a more tolerant government, and monetary assistance has allowed them to continue their way of life.

Nevertheless the pressure of radical Muslim organizations increases more and more.

Location, climate and geography
Located in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan, the Kalash people live in three isolated mountain valleys: Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir. The region is extremely fertile, covering the mountainside in rich oak forests and allowing for intensive agriculture, despite the fact that most of the work is done not by machinery, but by hand. The powerful and dangerous rivers that flow through the valleys have been harnessed to power grinding mills and to water the farm fields through the use of ingenious irrigation channels. Wheat, maize, grapes (generally used for wine), apples, and walnuts are among the many foodstuffs grown in the area, along with surplus fodder used for feeding the livestock.
from Wikipedia
brevbrev14, happypoppeye, rigoletto, delic, leo61, kozak, bostankorkulugu, e30mike, sarahnatalie, shirgold, grigand, vincz, yasoda-nandana, john_c trouve(nt) cette note utile
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Discussions
Enchaînement de réflexionsInitiateur de la discussion Messages Modifié
A bostankorkulugu: Don't impose your political views...Sheraz 2 07-03 13:46
Vous devez vous authentifier pour démarrer une discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Luca,

Hope your trip was good...and you brought back lots of photos.

The most interesting aspect of this photo for me is the girls expression. Great catch. Great daily life photo. Colors are excellent. A composition like this is usually a little "cluttered" for my taste but this actually works well with the main subject looking at the secondary girl (for lack of better words concerning the two girls). The note is excellent also.

Great work.
John

  • Great 
  • delic Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1368 W: 64 N: 1844] (6574)
  • [2007-07-01 14:05]

Her eyes are so captivating, reminded me of McCurry's Afghan girl. She does look intimidated, which makes the viewer beg for answers. This is a fantastic photograph, Luca, in every sense of the word. Look forward to seeing more from your travel.
Best wishes,
Hakan

  • Great 
  • faubry Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3690 W: 358 N: 4455] (28951)
  • [2007-07-01 14:12]

hello luca, very nice portrait.. i like expression from this girl...superb shot, thanks
francine

  • Great 
  • kozak Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 121 W: 8 N: 93] (711)
  • [2007-07-01 14:22]

Wow, excellent picture and an excellent note to go with it.

What a glance!!!
superb capture, really...lot of meaning...

regards

Wow, beautiful eyes, great capture. Must have been a workout lugging around a d200+80-200/2.8 haha.

Fascinating post, Luca! It makes me want to do more research and learn more about this ethnic group. I also like the photo, which shows an interesting dynamic between the two little girls. Once again, you've shared a top-notch post with us!
Thanks,
Sarah

Hello Luca,
What a moment of recognition and rejection!
You pressed the button at the exact time. I think the expressions on the girls' faces could not be any better. Very impressive, almost theatratic photo. Congrats!
Deniz

:D tomorrow

  • Great 
  • leo61 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3760 W: 373 N: 7869] (34434)
  • [2007-07-02 1:02]

Hi Luca,welome back!
I hope you had a great time in Pakistan and brought back some gigabyte of good shots like this one.
Together with your well explaining note this is a good and very interesting shot.You clicked at the right moment.I like the expressions of both,and of course her big eyes.
Have a good week,
good night,Leo

ciao Luca, ben tornato allora!
non vedo l' ora di vedere i tuoi capolavori!
spero sia andato tutto bene e che tu sia tornato pieno di fantastiche emozioni!
bellissime le espressioni che hai colto!
bravo!
ciao!
Valeria

Hi Luca,
Great capture and very interesting note.
I hope to see more of the trip's images.
TFS - Shir

Ciao Luca,
Superlativi i volti di queste ragazze, ottima l'espressione e gli sguardi, mi piace moltissimo: và subito nei miei preferiti! complimenti.
Ciao
andrea
PS.. resto in trepidazione per altre immagini di questo tuo viaggio, è unn luogo che ho sempre pensato di visitare.

well, the expression on the kalash girl's face represents the way the world looks at islam... a bit curious and scared a lot... very symbolic shot, a real good job luca, congrats...

all the best

korkut

I think this shot is fine but the title and note is partly exaggerated. Copying and pasting from Wikipedia isn’t good enough I’m afraid… Some independent research would've been appreciated.

Indeed, in the past there has been conversion of these people. However, that’s the past and not true anymore in current circumstances. I know many Christian NGO’s that operate in these regions and have been involved in forced religious conversions. These people are Pakistani and part of our demographics. We consider them to be our brethren no mater what creed, religion etc. How can such an immature Kalash girl have such a perverse judgment? I defend my roots? Come on give me a break! I guess that must be your assumption based on the wikipedia source... The girl seems to be more clueless about a stranger photographing her rather than being terrified by her "converted" friend. On another note, just because the other girl is wearing a veil doesn't necessarly mean she's a Muslim. This is a big misconception. In our culture women like to dress modestly, Kalash or no Kalash. That also goes for Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and other minorities. Being in Pakistan I’d hoped you were aware of their customs and traditions.

Just to add, the Kalash people are remnants of Alexander the Great and his army. Macedonian influence.

@bostankorkulugu: The expression of the Kalash girl hasn’t got anything to do with the world perception of Islam. That's just totally irrelevant and biased. Let’s refrain from politicizing this pic. I could adjoin many presumptions to this pic myself which may or may not be true. Besides, by the looks of the pic the girl seems to be acquainted with the veiled girl. You know just like girlfriends? You see her hand that’s holding the elbow of the girl? It seems she’s trying to get her attention and willing to converse about the stranger that is photographing her… Hope you get the point.

  • Great 
  • vincz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2964 W: 85 N: 5038] (17528)
  • [2007-07-04 0:53]

I love her eyes. You got such a wonderful light right there. Excellent compsotion and colours as well. A very beautiful picture, a great note.

Hi Luca,
welcome back! A nice shot to start your new series, the two friends, her astonished look...what did you do to her:)
Looking forward to seeign more from this not so well photogrpahed area.

Hello Lucas,
Great double portrait... I love the expression of this little girl. Compo and colors are very very attractive. Very interesting note!
Vincent

Hello my friend, this was such a wonderful shot to start your Pakistan series. You are definitely my great inspiration how to focus on the people photography and how to convince people to take picture of them. I really like your note, even taken from wikipedia. Probably not everyone is gonna read the long text, however those that do will learn something new about different world. Wonderful catch of moment and with beautiful colors. Well done. Lucie

Beautiful eyes.. and beautiful expression captured...

the image is very sharp and colorful..
the beads and the "kodi's" that she has on the thing on her head looks so beautiful and reflective of their customs culture

i love the way her small "Choti" her tied hair.. just hanging around.. great image indeed..
Regards

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