When I visited Iran for the first time almost ten years ago, I was overcome by a sense of closeness and connection, which has not changed yet. I am simply overwhelmed by the friendliness and the hospitality rooted in tradition, which laid the foundation for deep friend- and relationships. These have always existed in tension with political events, which is where the name “panjāh / panjāh” (50/50) comes from. Through this photo series, I aim to link the events and what is happening in the public sphere with intimate moments in private life.
Now more than ever, this series serves as a spark of hope and a tribute to the people of Iran. At the same time, it offers insight to all those for whom the country is, except for what is reported in the media, completely unknown and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future.