In the Shadow of Mountains
A Portfolio of Images from Afghanistan
Classroom in Kunduz, Afghanistan, 2002
Allah is the mountain above the mountain, and it is He who entertains the idea — or not — of our next hour on the earth.
Girls High School, Bamiyan, 2006
This is why Afghans are reluctant to bet on tomorrow. Tomorrow is not ours to presume upon. Tomorrow is the pleasure of Allah alone.
Hazara women at grave in Bamiyan, 2007
Insha’Allah. The pervasive, overpowering feeling that is difficult to describe about Afghanistan.
Bread Vendor, Kabul, 1992
It is the stubborn and unassailable conviction – the ability to endure almost anything – that defines the Afghan soul and my fascination with it.
Father and daughter at home with folk art on the wall, Kamdesh, Nuristan, Afghanistan, 1992
It is this powerful feeling that draws me there again and again.
Herat Ruins, 1992
Kabul, Afghanistan, 1992
Former soldier in facility for mentally ill patients, Kabul, 1992
The Afghanistan Dilemma – http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/393/
October 14, 2010 at 02:44
sincere sympathy towards the subjects makes your photography breathe powerfully. God bless and thanks for this blog.
April 22, 2010 at 12:49
I think you might enjoy the Cities of Peace work Ellen Frank . Cities of Peace honors the history and culture of various cities that have experienced major conflict and trauma, including Jerusalem, Baghdad, Kabul, Beijing, Hiroshima, New York, and Lhasa. Frank’s visit to Jerusalem in 1999 inspired her to produce the first painting in the series and to visualize the creation of other works representing additional cities that have survived strife. The series directs action through hopeful energy by celebrating the best of the human spirit, transforming anguish into beauty.
April 22, 2010 at 03:24
Nice works sir …you are one of my fav photographer , your doing great job , i look forward for your next journey and photos …may god bless you^^.
December 30, 2009 at 09:20
Thank you for an amazing journey you just took me on. It might sound strange but just meeting a few Afghans when my parents lived in Pakistan for a while made me want to go there. Old souls, I think.
Anyway, much gratitude to you as always.
December 27, 2009 at 20:21
I just wanted to let you know three things:
a. I love your work and have for quite some time.
b. Based on your extensive traveling and photographic documentation of such, you live the life I want to live. Seriously.
c. I am so, so happy I stumbled upon this blog so I can look at great photos on a regular basis. Thanks!
December 22, 2009 at 18:59
Great stuff. I always look forward to your updates.
December 22, 2009 at 18:56
Mr. McCurry, your photo of the Afghan girl had always defined the soviet invasion of Afghanistan to me at a very young age, the child of immigrants to America. Now in my 20′s, I am fully aware of what is happening in the world, and your posts and your dedication to my parents’ homeland is both inspiring and encouraging. No one should forget what is happening there and how much those less fortunate suffer every minute. Thank you for using your talents for the betterment and awareness of society.
Sincerely,
Homaira
December 22, 2009 at 07:42
Excellent pictures as always
December 22, 2009 at 00:15
hye steve, i’m from malaysia and i’m so impress with your work. i do make a posting on my blog about this, and i hope you dont mind. looking forward to see more marvelous pics from you ..
December 19, 2009 at 22:55
It’s unimaginable what the Afgan people have and are going through! Deep down it’s created a sense of humbleness & special type of patience called ‘sabhur’ in the many Afgani languages; there’s only one thing that makes the Afgan people strive on no matter what thier condition; and that’s thier conviction and love for Allah! And there’s two ways of loving him – through fear and through true love!
December 17, 2009 at 08:09
I’ve always enjoyed your images, but this time around I was taken back by the words too! Amazing, amazing work!
December 17, 2009 at 01:19
Excellent photographs,
I like “Herat Ruins” the most… Crutches adds a lot feel and sense to photograph.
You are the best!
-Pawan
December 16, 2009 at 19:56
Enjoyed this post immensely- not just for the images but also for the insight you provide into your fascination with the Afghan life.
The first image is so raw… and feels so here and now! As if that child was staring at me.
December 16, 2009 at 19:45
Fantastic Photo… Great