Inherited and Reclaimed

‘ This photo series is one of my first elaborate photography projects. It was a moment to look into the beauty of two ancient landscapes that are so rooted and alive …  Egypt and Iran  A moment to look at textiles, jewelry, architecture, lace, makeup, and silhouettes of a group of gorgeous human beings who have a lot more in common than being a diaspora ’ – The Photographer Note

Initiated in response to the tensions surrounding the Iran–Egypt “Pride Match” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the project became a visual exploration of queer identity, cultural heritage and shared diasporic experience.

Studio Role; Set Design and Art Direction

The set emerged through an adaptation of an existing architectural environment, using the space as a starting point rather than a blank canvas. We introduced textiles, carpets, objects, jewelry, color and spatial arrangements to create a visual landscape where references from Egyptian and Iranian heritage could meet and overlap. Rather than reconstructing a specific place, the intervention focused on creating an atmosphere of familiarity, memory and cultural connection.

Creative Team : 

Photography and Art Direction; Islam ElGhazouly 

Set Design; Studio Maren 

Infront of the Camera: 

Saeed Asadsangabi

Omar Sherif

Minu Elsherif

Munira Safia Khuwaja

Najmeh Hemmatyartabatabaei