UNESCO is pleased to announce the winners of the 7th edition of the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest. Organized within the framework of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme, this year’s edition focused on the theme “Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage”, inviting participants to highlight the essential roles of women in preserving and transmitting the shared heritage of the Silk Roads. 

Held from 26 May to 5 August 2025, the contest offered young people worldwide a platform to share their perspectives on the rich and diverse heritage of the Silk Roads, and received entries from 85 countries. An International Selection Committee of renowned professionals carefully reviewed the submissions to determine the winners. 

Participants competed in two age categories (14-17 and 18-25), with three winners and honourable mentions selected in each group. 

LOOK AT THE WINNERS GALLERY HERE

The contest winners are: 

Winners Category 1: 14-17 years old

1st Prize

Yitian Zhang

China, 15 years old

"A Moment of Tranquillity"

A grandmother in China rests on a hillside with her granddaughter in her arms, holding Buddha beads that glisten softly in the sun as symbols of fortune and faith. Culture and tradition are passed gently from one generation to the next, as they have been for centuries along the Silk Roads, where Buddhism continues to shape the spiritual life of communities.

2nd Prize

Manizha Pulodi

Tajikistan, 17 years old

"Suzani Embroidery Across Generations"

A mother teaches her daughter the art of ‘suzani’ embroidery, a tradition of Silk Roads heritage where every stitch carries the history and care of generations.

3rd Prize

Minh Anh Nguyễn

Viet Nam, 17 years old

"The Colourful Patterns"

The village of An Cư, in central Viet Nam, has practiced the craft of weaving rush and sedge mats for centuries. In this photo, a woman artisan airs out rush strands after dyeing them in vivid green, purple, yellow, and red. These intricate handicrafts, once traded along the Silk Roads, highlight the significance of Vietnamese cultural heritage and the vital role of women in sustaining these traditions across generations. 

Winners Category 2: 18-25 years old

1st Prize

Farbod Bavehie

Iran (Islamic Republic of), 25 years old

"Horseback Rider at the Nowruz Fire"

A young woman on horseback rides past the fire while villagers and visitors observe during the Nowruz celebrations in the village of Cheshmider, near Sanandaj in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Beyond symbolizing the renewal of nature and the start of the new year, the ceremony highlights the cultural traditions celebrated along the Silk Roads and the active role of women and youth in preserving intangible heritage. The strong presence of the younger generation reflects the link between past and present and the importance of passing local cultures to future generations.

2nd Prize

Ahsanul Haque Nayem

Bangladesh, 25 years old

"Drying Paddy"

Five women workers use a traditional method to dry paddy in the sun, spreading and turning it with wooden rakes before dividing it into lines with palm branches. This daily practice, lasting up to ten hours, reflects both the vital role of women in sustaining agricultural life and the continuity of farming traditions along the Silk Roads.

3rd Prize

Ahmad Fahriyadi

Indonesia, 20 years old

"Sustaining the River’s Traditions: Women of Lok Baintan"

The Lok Baintan floating market in South Kalimantan, Indonesia which has existed since the 14th century, is both a centre of trade and a place where communities gather and interact. Women traders paddle their boats across the river to exchange goods, sustaining local livelihoods while strengthening the social and cultural ties passed down for generations, echoing the vibrant exchange traditions of the Silk Roads.

In addition, honourable mentions are selected per category: 

Honourable Mention Category 1: 14-17 years old

Honourable Mention 1

Sona Vardanyan

Armenia, 17 years old

"Sun-born Patterns"

A young woman sits on the grass in a quiet park in Yerevan, Armenia, working on her embroidery. She is wearing a “taraz”, a traditional Armenian dress, and through her hands carries forward the living heritage of craftsmanship sustained along the Silk Roads for generations.

Honourable Mentions Category 2: 18-25 years old

Honourable Mention 1

Morsal Hamidi

Afghanistan/France, 21 years old

"Echoes of the Silk Roads"

A young Afghan musician, dressed in embroidered garments, plays a traditional bowed instrument surrounded by handwoven carpets. Music and craftsmanship merge, creating a timeless harmony that carries cultural traditions forward.

Honourable Mention 2

Nay Thurein

Myanmar, 24 years old

"Traditional Umbrellas"

A woman crafts delicate Pathein umbrellas, a traditional practice that is both an art form and a source of livelihood for her community. These beautifully made umbrellas provide calm, soothing shade and reflect the skills and cultural exchanges sustained along the Silk Roads.

The winning photographs, together with a selection of the best submissions, will feature in the upcoming photo album “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads” and may also be showcased in future exhibitions. 

UNESCO warmly congratulates the winners and thanks all participants of this year’s contest for their creativity and commitment! 

See also:

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

Contact: SilkRoadsPhotoContest@unesco.org