MAKKAH — A photographer from Saudi Arabia is offering a fresh artistic interpretation of the holy city of Madinah, blending heritage, architecture, and daily life through a deeply personal photographic journey.
Born and raised in Madinah, photographer Shaker Samargandi is capturing the city through what he describes as a “living memory,” reflecting his intimate connection with its spiritual and cultural identity.
Speaking to Arab News, Samargandi explained that his familiarity with the city’s streets, architecture, and community rhythms has played a key role in shaping his artistic perspective.
Unlike traditional portrayals that often present the holy city as a grand or staged subject, Samargandi focuses on subtle visual elements that reflect the deeper philosophy and meaning embedded in its structures.
His photography highlights intricate details of Islamic architecture, particularly elements associated with the Prophet’s Mosque, which he describes as a source of both spiritual inspiration and aesthetic fascination.
Through his work, Samargandi aims to transform architectural details into narrative elements. By examining textures, patterns, and lighting variations, his photographs encourage viewers to reflect on the connection between form, history, and spiritual symbolism.
He believes architecture should be viewed as a living entity, continuously interacting with light, time, and human presence.
Samargandi also emphasizes the importance of Madinah’s natural landscape in shaping the city’s identity. The surrounding mountains, ancient harrat lava fields, agricultural farms, and palm groves create a unique harmony between urban development and nature.
According to the photographer, this relationship highlights how the identity of a place evolves through the interaction between its environment and its people.
Residents of Madinah have responded positively to Samargandi’s work, often expressing surprise at seeing familiar locations from new and unexpected perspectives.
He noted that such reactions reflect the power of visual storytelling in encouraging individuals to rediscover and appreciate their surroundings.
Currently, Samargandi is working on several long-term creative projects, including a comprehensive photo book documenting Madinah’s architectural, cultural, and social transformation.
He believes visual documentation carries significant cultural responsibility, especially as the city undergoes rapid modernization and urban expansion.
For Samargandi, photography extends beyond simply recording images. He sees it as a tool for preserving the everyday details and aesthetic characteristics that define the city’s identity.
By capturing these elements, he hopes to create a visual archive that will serve future generations and deepen understanding of Madinah’s evolving heritage.
The photographer also highlighted the importance of long-term projects in countering the fast-paced nature of modern visual consumption. He explained that extended documentation allows artists to develop deeper insights into a location’s cultural and historical layers.
Despite years of documenting his hometown, Samargandi believes Madinah still holds countless untold stories and unexplored artistic possibilities. Through his lens, he continues to celebrate the city’s historical roots while presenting a contemporary vision that connects its past, present, and future.