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Huda Abdulmughni

Nowruz Sayadeen

Once a year, during the searing summer heat on the Iranian island of Qeshm, a magical spectacle unfolds. The celebration of Nowruz Sayadeen, Persian New Year, brings a cast of extraordinary characters to the beach near the village of Salakh. On this day, all fishing — the village's primary source of livelihood — comes to a standstill out of respect to nature’s bounty. Families from Qeshm, residents of all ages, gather together to enjoy the festivities.

Huda Abdulmughni Nowruz Sayadeen 2018

Amidst the celebrations, a figure wearing white face paint and palm leaves weaves through the crowd. He is quickly joined by a second, and together they tease and startle everyone in their path. Known as shushis, they mock their audience and dance along the beach, waving their palm leaves with the sea as a backdrop. The tall, plaited reed hats on their heads ensure they are never lost in the crowd. Alongside the shushis, other characters also make their appearance on this beach stage: shtoor (camel), asb (horse), rooba (bird), and the booye saroom (the pastor’s son). Together they tell a story that has no specific plot, yet is understood by all those present.

Huda Abdulmughni portrays the various characters, offering us a glimpse into how the inhabitants of this fishing community find solidarity and resilience in tradition, community, and nature.

Location: XXL-plein

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