Farbod Bavei, an Iranian photographer from Saqqez, has claimed first place in the 7th UNESCO International Photography Contest, “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads,” with his striking photo titled “Kurdish Horsewoman.”
The 2025 edition of the contest, held from May 26 to August 5 under the theme “Women, Guardians of the Silk Roads Heritage,” invited young photographers worldwide to explore and showcase the shared cultural heritage of the Silk Roads through their lens.
Bavei’s award-winning photograph captures a Nowruz ritual in the village of Cheshmider Sewlawa near Sanandaj. It shows a young woman riding a horse as she leaps through the traditional Nowruz fire, while villagers and visitors watch in admiration.
The image not only celebrates the Nowruz festivities and the renewal of nature but also emphasizes the vital role of women and youth in preserving intangible cultural heritage and sustaining the traditions of the Silk Roads.
The international jury, comprising Hannah Reyes Morales (Philippines), Thandiwe Muriu (Kenya), Emilio Morenatti (Spain), and Zeng Yi (China), selected Bavei as the first-place winner. He received a professional photography camera as his prize.
