Photographer’s Note
Another image from Iran. I was at central Tehran at park when the guy in the center caught my attention due to his traditional trousers. He was part of a large group and they saw me shooting and in no time they were all around me and saying something, questions by everyone of them and coming from every direction. Confused and nervous I said something in Urdu to make them realize I am not Iranian. Then I hear a word of English “when”. When? I mumbled. Then someone came up with another word and I hared “Cuntaary” in pure Persian accent. Pakistan I replied and I was showered with hand kisses. They touched my cheeks with their hand and kissed it or opposite to it I don’t remember because I was very nervous by the whole group swarming me like that. Finally I said I want pictures and the guy made this pose. This thumbs down could be actually thumbs up sign, because thumbs up mean sit on the finger in Iran. I came up with the caption because of the history Iran and USA had. Although most Iranians don;t have nothing against americans, they do hate American policies in the region.
Critiques | Translate
rjb874
(595) 2006-11-28 3:44
A picture that could tell a variety of stories! Your note is very useful as it gives us some background. They look like they are having a good time. Great picture.
mzmehr
(917) 2006-11-28 9:28
Hi Kamran,
I read your story. as you said they tought you are Iranian. but this is very strange.I didn't know that actualy. but the pot and plate show that it was a picnic and they want to invite you.
touching the cheeks and kiss the hand (body language) means they were intrested to see you/ they like you/ you said something that they are agree with or something like that.
but this move is specialy for teenagers or very near friends and is not normal use in daily life for everybody.
about Toumb down: maybe he shows the pot for joking.
They were full of enegy in this photo.
thanks for sharing
Mohammad
siamakjafari
(1343) 2006-11-30 0:09 [Comment]
Benedict
(7062) 2006-12-07 23:48
hi kamran,
clear, lively subjects. though it might be a pleasant to some, it also relays ambivalent feelings to others as well about iranian culture. i feel that the tittle you have chosen is also inappropriate (just my 2 cents, actually no other intentions meant).
benedict
Photo Information
-
Copyright: kamran safdar (kami1)
(579) - Genre: People
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2006-08-00
- Categories: Daily Life
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2006-11-28 1:09
Discussions
- To Benedict: Down with USA (2)
by kami1, last updated 12-13 09:19 - To mzmehr: Down with USA (1)
by kami1, last updated 11-29 01:12








