UNESCO is pleased to announce the winners of the 6th edition of the "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” international photo contest. This contest is organized within the framework of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme of the Social and Human Sciences Sector. This contest offers young individuals worldwide a platform to showcase their perspectives on the rich, shared heritage of the Silk Roads. This year, the theme was "Life Celebrations", encouraging participants to creatively express the essence of the Silk Roads through their art: photography.

The contest ran from the 2 May to 5 August 2024, attracting photographs from 97 countries. An International Selection Committee of renowned professionals meticulously reviewed the submissions to determine the winners. 

Participants competed in two age groups: 14-17 and 18-25. Three winners and two honorable mentions were chosen from each category. 

LOOK AT THE WINNERS GALLERY HERE

The contest winners are: 

Winners Category 1: 14-17 years old

1st Prize

Armaan Ahmad

India, 17 years old

"Illuminating Joy, India"

Celebrating the Dev Deepawali festival with a heart full of happiness. This vibrant festival, which marks the victory of light over darkness, brings communities together in shared devotion and festivity. It strengthens social bonds as families, neighbours, and visitors gather to light lamps and offer prayers, creating a sense of unity and collective joy. Historically, festivals like Dev Deepawali were influenced by the cultural exchanges along the Silk Roads, where spiritual practices, rituals, and ideas spread across regions. The illumination of lamps and the communal celebrations reflect the local traditions and the broader interconnectedness fostered by the historic Silk Roads, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

2nd Prize

Haining Ma

China, 16 years old

"Love in the Air, China"

A young couple attired in antique scarlet lustrous silk nuptial gown for its engagement ceremony, to be staged in the Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage site in Dongcheng, Beijing, China. Their act of "throwing an embroidered ball" symbolizes the commencement of a shared promising future ahead. Moreover, this ceremony symbolized their union and reflected the deep-rooted social pursuit of communal bonding and family engagement in marriage, serving as a cornerstone of Chinese culture. Silk, an emblem of prosperity and elegance, became a symbol of interconnectedness, uniting the social customs of betrothal celebrations across the regions along the Silk Roads, where cultural and artistic influences intermingled. 

3rd Prize

Adel Hikmatova

Uzbekistan, 17 years old

"Autumn Festival, Bukhara, Uzbekistan"

The Ark Fortress in Bukhara, an ancient monument dating back to the 6th-3rd centuries BC and tied to the legend of Siyavush, serves as the backdrop for the vibrant Mehrjon festival, an age-old celebration of the harvest season. This festival unites the community through music, dancing, and shared joy, reflecting the deep social bonds in the region. This photo captures Bukhara folklore performers dressed in traditional attire: men in kallapushi – head coverings, and women wearing kallapushi zarduzi – skullcaps hand-embroidered with gold thread, symbolizing wealth. The men play the doira, a tambourine-like instrument, a central feature of social gatherings and dances since the 2nd century. 

Winners Category 2: 18-25 years old

1st Prize

Yousef Naser

Egypt, 21 years old

"Upper Egypt"

A picture of the celebration of the people of Qena in Egypt marking the birth of Abdul Rahim Al-Qinawi, where the knights display their skill in driving horses in a traditional game called Al-Marmah. This game displays individual prowess and is a symbol of community pride and cohesion, bringing together people from various tribes and villages in the Qena Governorate. The celebration fosters social bonds, including communal prayers, feasts, and cultural exchanges. It is an important event that preserves local traditions. 

2nd Prize

Abadan Hamidulla

Afghanistan/Canada, 25 years old

"Together in Tradition, Turkmenistan"

The bride’s preparation to leave her family home during this traditional Turkmen wedding is a blend of rituals and heartfelt goodbyes, symbolizing the start of a new chapter. Surrounded by women from her family and community, the moment reflects their strong bonds as they offer wisdom, support, and emotional strength. Every Turkmen wedding celebrates life, culture, and unity, embodying the historical Silk Road exchanges where local customs blended with influences from afar through farewells, blessings, and rituals.

3rd Prize

Tomal Das

Bangladesh, 20 years old

"Festival of Light faith and Devotion, Bangladesh"

This photo shows devotees gathered for Rakher Upobash, a festival of faith and devotion, at Baradi Loknath Brahmachari Ashram in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. During the celebration, oil lamps and incense are lit as prayers fill the air. The gathering represents a spiritual event as well as a strong communal bond, as devotees from various backgrounds come together to share their devotion. This tradition is a reminder of the cultural and religious exchanges that flourished along the historic Silk Roads, where ideas, beliefs, and practices traveled across regions, shaping communities and fostering connections.

In addition, two honourable mentions are selected per category: 

Honourable Mentions Category 1: 14-17 years old

Honourable Mention 1

Aung Khant Kyaw

Myanmar, 17 years old

"Water Festival, Myanmar"

Set amidst the tranquil surroundings of Inle Lake, Myanmar’s traditional water festival unites communities with playful water festivities, lively music, and vibrant dance, celebrating togetherness and joy.

Honourable Mention 2

Abdul Wahab Sheikh

Pakistan, 16 years old

"The Doodh Thali (a small plate carrying a glass of milk), Pakistan"

This picture represents the presentation of the Doodh Pilai tray. During the Doodh Pilai ritual, milk is offered to the groom from the same glass the bride uses. The henna, roses, and milk reflect the rich cultural exchanges that once travelled along the Silk Roads. This meaningful moment, filled with shared joy, symbolizes their new union. The groom is then invited to offer a token of appreciation, celebrating their first shared experience with the drink.

Honourable Mentions Category 2: 18-25 years old

Honourable Mention 1

Dinesh Raj Upadhyay

Nepal, 24 years old

"The Joy of Deuda Performance, Nepal"

The Deuda dance is the most popular performance in regions along the Silk Roads, such as Western Nepal and some of Uttarakhand in India. This photo, taken during the Chaitali Festival in Bajhang, Nepal, shows women joining in dancing and singing Deuda. The Deuda performance is a central part of social celebrations in the region and strengthens communal bonds. Often taking the form of a playful singing exchange between men and women, these performances foster social interaction, connection, and the passing of cultural traditions between generations. Through the exchange of song and laughter, the Deuda dance reinforces unity and shared identity while also reflecting the rich cultural heritage shaped by the Silk Roads.

Honourable Mention 2

Mardin Ahmadi

Iran (Islamic Republic of), 23 years old

"The Palangan Hezar Daf Festival, Iran"

The Palangan Hezar Daf Festival is a ritual and spiritual heritage featuring various Daf instruments and artistic groups in Palangan village, Iran. Beyond its artistic and spiritual dimensions, the festival serves as an important social gathering where locals and visitors come together to celebrate shared cultural traditions. The festival strengthens ties and social cohesion by showcasing the village’s cultural vibrancy and providing a platform for exchanging stories, music, and rituals. 

These winning photographs, along with a shortlist of the best of the contest, will be published in an upcoming photo album "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads". They may also be presented within a potential exhibition.

UNESCO warmly congratulates the winners and thanks all those who participated in this years contest!

See also:

Official Website of the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest

Contact: SilkRoadsPhotoContest@unesco.org