An Afghan girl named Shargha calmly milks a giant yak in a photograph by Daniel Malikyar, taken in the remote Pamir Mountains. The image, part of Malikyar's project to showcase Afghanistan's beauty beyond war and terrorism, shows the girl in a red veil, a sign she is unmarried, against a stark landscape.
Photographer's personal journey
Malikyar, born in Los Angeles in 1995 to Afghan parents who fled the Soviet invasion in 1979, grew up with a dual perspective: negative media portrayals of Afghanistan and the rich culture his family preserved. His grandfather's enthusiasm for capturing everyday moments sparked his interest in photography. After 9/11, Malikyar felt compelled to document Afghanistan's other side, making multiple trips since 2018.
The Pamir Mountains and Kyrgyz nomads
The photograph was taken in a village in the Pamir Mountains, one of the highest inhabited elevations, where Kyrgyz nomads move three to four times a year following grazing lands. Malikyar notes the people have few visitors and no agendas for posing, resulting in candid images. He stayed in yurts, eating salted yak milk for breakfast and burning yak dung for warmth.
Approach and significance
Malikyar speaks fluent Dari, allowing him to discuss his intentions and gain trust. He photographs children at their eye level, which he says creates a heroic, larger-than-life feel. The image aims to present Afghans with dignity and honesty, countering the villain-victim narrative. As restrictions tighten, his work becomes more important; his mother, who hasn't returned since 1979, now considers visiting after seeing his images.
Impact and future
Malikyar's book 'Afghanistan' is published by teNeues on 4 August. He describes the project as the most fulfilling of his career, combining a book, documentary, exhibition and philanthropic work. His top tip: 'There's no better time than now,' a philosophy that keeps him present in the moment.
