-
Barren South
By Mohanad Hassan Al-Sudani
Part of IMAGE FESTIVAL AMMAN 13TH EDITION
“HUMANITY – INHUMANITY”
12 April – 6 May 2025
This photographic project sheds light on the human suffering caused by the desiccation of the marshlands in southern Iraq—specifically in Maysan, Basra, and Dhi Qar. It captures the tragic shift from the natural beauty of these wetlands to a state of drought and despair. The work documents the efforts of the indigenous communities to adapt to the crisis, whether by seeking new resources or migrating, while also preserving their cultural heritage which is now at risk of vanishing. The project aims to deliver an urgent environmental and humanitarian message, calling for the preservation of this unique and historical landscape.
The marshes are situated in the southern part of Mesopotamia, a region whose history traces back to the Sumerian civilization, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years BCE, as noted by historians.
UNESCO has described the “Iraqi Marshes” as one of the largest inland wetlands in the world, thriving in an extremely hot and arid environment. Due to its ecological and cultural significance, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Mohanad Hassan Al-Sudani is an Iraqi photographer who began his journey at the age of fifteen. He participated in his first group exhibition in 2009 and has since earned 26 awards in the fields of photography and cinema, from both local and international festivals. Notable among these are the Photography Award for Photographic Projects at the Qatar Photo Festival, as well as the Gold Award from the Iraqi Photographic Society at its 41st session. His achievements include recognition in prestigious competitions, such as the Hamdan bin Rashid Photography Competition and the World Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) competition, as well as a Silver Medal from the International American Photographers Association (IAAP).
