Tea for the tillerman Photo

Photographer’s Note

English version:

This photo has been taken in old Sana'a, in front of the hash house next to Bab Al Yemen. Mint tea is very popular all around the country and specially delicious in Sana'a.

Most of the men proudly wear jambiya, a curved knife in a leather or metal scabbard, attached at their belt. Nevertheless, if it is spectacular, when you walk among the crowd in the street for the fist time, there is nothing to be afraid of: this is just part of their traditions.

They sometimes use it to hang something: a plastic bag full of purchases from the market, keys, or here: a rosary.

Most of the Yemenis are muslims. It gave me the idea to name this picture after the title of a song (which is also the name of the album in which the track is recorded) written and interpreted by Cat Stevens.

Cat Stevens has been a very popular english musician, singer and songwriter until he converted to Islam at the height of his fame in 1977. Then, he changed his name for Yusuf Islam and stopped his musical career. Since then, he devoted himself to philanthropic causes and promotion of peace in the world.

WS more than ever welcome to correct the problem of light.

Version française:

Cette photo a été prise dans le vieux Sana'a, devant la gargote qui jouxte Bab Al Yemen. Le thé à la menthe est très populaire dans tout le pays et particulièrement délicieux à Sana'a.

La plupart des hommes yéménites portent fièrement la jambiya, un couteau incurvé dans un fourreau en cuir ou en métal, attaché à leur ceinture. Néanmoins, si c'est spectaculaire, quand vous marchez parmi la foule, dans la rue pour la première fois, il n'y pas de quoi avoir peur: ça fait juste partie de leurs traditions.

Ils l'utilisent parfois pour suspendre quelque chose : un sac de courses du marché, des clefs, ou ici : un chapelet.

La plupart des Yéménites sont musulmans. Ce qui m'a donné l'idée de nommer cette image d'après que le titre d'une chanson (qui est également le nom de l'album dans lequel le morceau est enregistré) écrite et interprétée par Cat Stevens.

Cat Stevens a été un musicien, un chanteur et un compositeur de chansons anglais très populaire jusqu'à ce qu'il se convertisse à l'Islam en 1977, au sommet de sa gloire. Il a alors changé son nom en Yusuf Islam et a mis fin à sa carrière musicale. Depuis lors, il s'est consacré aux causes philanthropiques et à la promotion de la paix dans le monde.

WS plus que jamais bienvenus pour corriger le problème de lumière.

leo61 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

leo61 (44112) 2008-06-20 10:50

Hi Marine!
Except the overexposure this is a great portrait of this interesting man.I like it.
I like his pose,gesture,traditional cloth,exuipment and expression.He looks very proud.
Regards,Leo

bdkammi (2) 2008-06-20 12:43

Great job, I like the effect the overexposure gives the background, his face, and arm. The expression on his face is awesome. Good composition. I like your title.

bombilla (3402) 2008-06-20 13:47

Hi, Marine. A very nice portrait. For the most part the overexposure is a plus, I think. Though it's perhaps a problem on his face. It would be very tough, if not impossible, to fix it. Still a worthwhile shot and an interesting commentary. I love the music of Cat Stevens. That album is an especially good one. Best, -Hugh

kensimage (8543) 2008-08-10 17:29

A very colorful image with a lot of character, Marine. He's obviously a very traditional man, for better or worse.

I think you might read a bit more before describing Cat Stevens' activities as "philanthropic causes and the promotion of peace." Here is an excerpt about Stevens from a blog:

"I never forgave him for advocating the execution of Salman Rushdie in 1989. He endorsed Khomeini's "fatwa" or death edict against Rushdie for the novel, Satanic Verses. He later explained this position away by saying that he did not endorse vigilante action against Rushdie, but would rather want the verdict to be carried out by a proper court. These are weasel words, since he was saying that if Khomeini had been able to field some Revolutionary Guards in London to kidnap Rushdie and take him to Tehran, it would have been just dandy if he were then taken out and shot for having written his novel."