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Middle Eastern Photographers Redefining Cultural Stereotypes

David Davidson04 mins

Everyday Middle East: A Glimpse into Daily Life

Everyday Middle East, founded by photojournalist Lindsay Mackenzie, aims to depict the beauty of everyday life in the Middle East. The project highlights the region’s diverse culture and challenges the often-negative stereotypes associated with its portrayal in media.

Revealing the Real Middle East

Through stunning photography, Everyday Middle East captures the nuances of daily life. For instance, one striking image features a family engaged in the Minion game at an amusement center in Dubai, illustrating the joy found in everyday moments.

Founded by photojournalist Lindsay Mackenzie, the project seeks to show the the beauty of everyday life in the Middle East. Here, a family plays the Minion game at an amusement center in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
Founded by photojournalist Lindsay Mackenzie, the project seeks to show the beauty of everyday life in the Middle East.

Challenging Stereotypes

The project features over 156,000 Instagram followers and showcases work from 23 talented photographers across the region. For many, the representation of Middle Eastern individuals tends to be polarizing, often portraying them as victims or proponents of violence. However, Everyday Middle East presents a more balanced view.

Everyday Middle East has over 156,000 Instagram followers and features work from 23 photographers in the region.
Everyday Middle East has over 156,000 Instagram followers and features work from 23 photographers in the region.

Everyday Moments Captured

Additionally, many simple but profound moments are often absent from mainstream narratives. One example is a scene portraying men joyfully engaging in a chess game in Shariati Park, Tehran, emphasizing community and relaxation in everyday life.

Simple, peaceful moments such as this scene of a group of men playing chess in Shariati park in Tehran, Iran, are rarely depicted in the international press, Mackenzie says.
Simple, peaceful moments such as this scene of a group of men playing chess in Shariati park in Tehran, Iran, are rarely depicted in the international press, Mackenzie says.

Inspiration from the Everyday Projects Movement

Mackenzie draws inspiration from the Everyday Projects movement, which redefines perceptions of areas often associated with conflict. By spotlighting ordinary activities, such as a florist preparing bouquets in Erbil, Iraq, the project reveals a side of life that is typically overlooked.

In this picture a florist in Erbil, Iraq, gets a bouquet ready for a client.
In this picture a florist in Erbil, Iraq, gets a bouquet ready for a client.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Everyday Middle East provides a valuable platform for showcasing the richness of daily life in the region. As Mackenzie notes, elevating the everyday through photography can serve as a powerful tool in changing perceptions and fostering understanding.

Reflecting on the importance of the Everyday Projects, Mackenzie recalls a quote from Peter DiCampo from Everyday Africa: 'At times like these, it seems the only sane action left is to elevate the everyday, to use our social media presence as our own barrage of imagery, tearing down the imaginary barriers that separate us.'
Reflecting on the importance of the Everyday Projects, Mackenzie recalls a quote from Peter DiCampo from Everyday Africa: ‘At times like these, it seems the only sane action left is to elevate the everyday, to use our social media presence as our own barrage of imagery, tearing down the imaginary barriers that separate us.’


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