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  • Bibi Zohra is 15 years old. On her wedding night, she is kept hidden away from the gaze of the people coming into the celebration yurt. Marrying a man twice her age, she is soon expected to become pregnant. She faces a risky future. The mortality rate among Kyrgyz women during childbirth is unmercifully high, estimated at 30% - almost 500 times greater than in the developed world...Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0758_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The morning after the wedding - 15 year old Bibi Zohra (centered, seated) and her husband (in black) and the chaperon sisters. Couples are expected to procreate as soon as they are married...Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0762_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Bibi Zohra is 15 years old. On her wedding night, she is kept hidden away from the gaze of the people coming into the celebration yurt. Marrying a man twice her age, she is soon expected to become pregnant. She faces a risky future. The mortality rate among Kyrgyz women during childbirth is unmercifully high, estimated at 30% - almost 500 times greater than in the developed world...Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0761_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men fight in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?.At the wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0748_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men fight in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?.At the wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0747_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men fight in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?.At the wedding celebration
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0746_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men fight in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?.At the wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0749_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men fight in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?.At the wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0745_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Whip in mouth, a Kyrgyz man steers his horse in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?..Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0750_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz women during a wedding celebration in the Afghan Pamir - camp of Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0741_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A boiled goat is being prepared for the guests, during a wedding ceremony..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0338_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Visiting guests for a wedding are sitting to eat fried dough, candies and drink salty milk tea..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0337_MM8120_120...jpg
  • During a Buzkachi game, a player broke his leg. With the nearest hospital in Faizabad being 2 weeks away, this Kyrgyz man will have no other choice but wait for his injury to heal...Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0752_MM8120_120...jpg
  • "Bortsoq", a fried dough, is brought inside the celebratory yurt, at the wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0743_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz women during a wedding celebration in the Afghan Pamir - camp of Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0742_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Pamiri wedding of Said Ulloh (from Khorog) and Sitora (from Barsem village in Ghund valley). August 09
    179I4408.jpg
  • A boiled goat is being prepared for the guests, during a wedding ceremony.<br />
The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp.<br />
<br />
Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    MM8120_120127_04418.jpg
  • Kyrgyz herders adore their smartphones, which they acquire by bartering and keep charged with solar panels. The gadgets, which first appeared in the Afghan Pamir in 2010, are useless for communication—cellular service doesn’t reach the isolated plateau—so they’re used to play music and take photos. Phones, like all imported goods in the Pamir, are brought on the back of yaks or horses.<br />
<br />
Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga.<br />
<br />
Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    MM8120_120704_04312.jpg
  • Kyrgyz women offering a  prayer, during a wedding celebration in the Afghan Pamir - camp of Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0740_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A sheep is covered in flour, a sign of purification,  before slaughtering it. Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0739_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Visiting guest for the wedding. Ooroon Boi (R), one of the son of the late Khan, is being midly hassled by his sister in laws. It is a Kyrgyz tradition to do so every time they visit each others...At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0413_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Traditions and events (religious, dance, food etc) for the traditional Pamiri wedding of Said Ulloh (from Khorog) and Sitora (from Barsem village in Ghund valley).<br />
<br />
The town of Khorog (2200m), is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO) in Tajikistan. It is situated in the Pamir Mountains (ancient Mount Imeon) at the confluence of the Gunt and Panj rivers.<br />
The city is bounded to the south and to the north by the deltas of the Shakhdara and Gunt rivers, respectively. The two rivers merge in the eastern part of the city flow through the city, dividing it almost evenly until its delta in the river Panj, also being known as Amu Darya, or in antiquity the Oxus on the border with Afghanistan. Khorog is known for its beautiful poplar trees that dominate the flora of the city.<br />
Khorog is one of the poorest areas of Tajikistan, with the charitable organization Aga Khan Foundation providing almost the only source of cash income. Most of its inhabitants are Ismaili Muslims.<br />
<br />
Tajikistan, a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and People's Republic of China to the east. Tajikistan also lies adjacent to Pakistan separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor.<br />
Tajikistan became a republic of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, known as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.<br />
It was the first of the Central Asian republic to gain independence in December 1991.
    179I4684.jpg
  • Kyrgyz men coming from surrounding camps, gather at Bibi Zohra's wedding. Following a Kyrgyz tradition, the future husband is given clothes that were sewn by his future wife...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0753_MM8120_120...jpg
  • During a Buzkachi game, a player broke his leg. With the nearest hospital in Faizabad being 2 weeks away, this Kyrgyz man will have no other choice but wait for his injury to heal...Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0751_MM8120_120...jpg
  • At the wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga, Kyrgyz men are passing sheep over a river...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0737_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A woman tries on her Kyrgyz wedding outfit..In and around the camp of Ortobil, Manara (Sufi camp), near the borders with China and Tajikistan...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_117.jpg
  • Pamiri wedding of Said Ulloh (from Khorog) and Sitora (from Barsem village in Ghund valley). Khorog town.
    179I4822.jpg
  • Kyrgyz men coming from surrounding camps, gather at Bibi Zohra's wedding. Following a Kyrgyz tradition, the future husband is given clothes that were sewn by his future wife...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0754_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The end of the wedding celebration of a rich Djiboutian Army Colonel, at the Sheraton hotel...The geostrategical and geopolitical importance of the Republic of Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
    Africa_Djibouti_10_56.jpg
  • Hiding under her brand new white veil, the newly wed Ikhbal (left) arrives with her bride's maid (irasia) near her husband's camp in Tash Sere. The women bow to express humility as they are being greeted by the other women of the camp..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0390_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The future Kyrgyz husband (in black) and a singer are performing the "slow walk" - a Kyrgyz tradition taking place during weddings in which the husband must walk slowly to the ceremonial yurt where he will meet with his wife...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0755_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The future Kyrgyz husband (in black) and a singer are performing the "slow walk" - a Kyrgyz tradition taking place during weddings in which the husband must walk slowly to the ceremonial yurt where he will meet with his wife...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0756_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz herders adore their smartphones, which they acquire by bartering and keep charged with solar panels. The gadgets, which first appeared in the Afghan Pamir in 2010, are useless for communication (cellular service doesn't reach the isolated plateau) so they're used to play music and take photos. Phones, like all imported goods in the Pamir, are brought on the back of yaks or horses...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0738_MM8120_120...jpg
  • After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. On horse back, riding between Andemin camp (Abdul Haq camp) and Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0387_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Still crying, Ikhbal is dressed with a white Burqa to leave her childhood house forever and move to her husband's camp for the first time, a 2 days horse journey, her longest trip ever..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0363_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Still crying, Ikhbal, 15,  is getting ready to leave her childhood house forever and move to her husband's camp for the first time, a 2 days horse journey, her longest trip ever..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0362_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (15, on left) has been crying off and on for two days. Recently married, she is both sad to leave her family nest and anxious about her future at her husband's camp. .The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0335_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (hiding under the white veil) and sister Irasia arriving at Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp) and being welcomed with "Borsot" (fried dough), yoghurt and tea by the local women of Tash Seri.<br />
With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman.<br />
<br />
Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    MM8120_120131_06180.jpg
  • 97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0744_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Girls comparing their jewelry in a yurt. At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0400_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The new husband stands beside his wife..At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp). Ikhbal, 15, wearing a white veil,  is kept hidden being a large red cloth, inside a yurt, where she will stay for a few days. She will sleep here, be fed here etc..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0399_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Cleaning the meat of the sheep and burning the hairs on its head (Right) before cooking it for the guests in the yurt...At the Andemin camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0369_MM8120_120...jpg
  • With Ikhbal, 15, a recently married Kyrgyz woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..Arriving in Andemin. Going on horse back from Ech Keli to Andemin camp. .She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0367_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The best man takes a picture of the bride. After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0365_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Inside the young married couple of Nemat Ullah and Woolook Bu's yurt. They are playing around in front of Nemat's brother (left)...Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0668_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The new husband stands in front of the hangig red cloth behind which his wife is hidden. At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp)..Ikhbal will stay there for a few days. She will sleep here, be fed here etc..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0398_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Mustafa Qol plays with his young wife. His mother stands nearby. Inside Mustafa Qol's house..At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0410_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal, 15, recently married, is kept hidden being a large red hanging cloth, inside a yurt, where she will stay for a few days. She will sleep there with her husband, be fed etc. Later, she will move to her husband's home. At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp). ..Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0396_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (hiding under the white veil) and sister Irasia arriving at Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp) and being welcomed with "Borsot" (fried dough), yoghurt and tea by the local women of Tash Seri..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0393_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (hiding under the white veil) and sister Irasia arriving at Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp) and being welcomed with "Borsot" (fried dough), yoghurt and tea by the local women of Tash Seri..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0391_MM8120_120...jpg
  • After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. On horse back, riding between Andemin camp (Abdul Haq camp) and Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0389_MM8120_120...jpg
  • After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. On horse back, riding between Andemin camp (Abdul Haq camp) and Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0388_MM8120_120...jpg
  • With Ikhbal, 15, a recently married Kyrgyz woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..Arriving in Andemin. Going on horse back from Ech Keli to Andemin camp. .She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0366_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Fifteen year-old Ikhbal has been married for two months. Today is the veil ceremony, where she will exchange her childhood crimson veil for a married woman's white headdress. She struggles and cries as the older women around her get ready to fasten the white veil on her head..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0343_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Guests and mother watching the veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0342_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Fifteen year-old Ikhbal has been married for two months. Today is the veil ceremony, where she will exchange her childhood crimson veil for a married woman's white headdress. She struggles and cries as the older women around her get ready to fasten the white veil on her head..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0341_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (15 years old, on left) has been crying off and on for two days, with mother on right. Recently married, she is both sad to leave her family nest and anxious about her future at her husband's camp. Her mother also cries the pain of soon "losing" her daughter to the husband's family...The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0334_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (15 years old) crying, because she will soon live her family to move to her husband's house..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0333_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The bride and friends. In Tchelekand village...Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0056_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Young married couple in Tchelekand village, inhabited by Wakhis people. ..Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0055_MM8120_12...jpg
  • At night, elder women watch the girl who is about to get married, at the Kitshiq Aq Jyrga camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0760_MM8120_120...jpg
  • 97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0757_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The dowry of Woolook Bu, consisting of cloth, dress, bowls etc, is kept, locked in a box under blankets. Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0662_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The muslim prayer before killing a fat-tailed sheep for the venue of Ikhbal, the newly married wife. The young husband is in the middle, wearing a grey jacket. ..At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0401_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal, 15, (white veil) recently married, is kept hidden being a large red hanging cloth, inside a yurt, where she will stay for a few days. She will sleep there with her husband, be fed etc. Later, she will move to her husband's home. At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp). ..Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0397_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Tella Bu (the late Khan's youngest daughter) and her husband Daryo Boi, the shepherd of the camp. The Khan is the tribal leader of the Afghan Kyrgyz community..Inside Ikhbal's house - Ikhbal is the last wife of the late Khan. His two previous wives died in labor. The Afghan Kyrgyz community have the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, estimated at 30%.....Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0425_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (right) arriving at Tash Seri camp, her husband's camp, and kissing on the lip her future mother in law. .With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0395_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (hiding under the white veil) and sister Irasia arriving at Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp) and being welcomed with "Borsot" (fried dough), yoghurt and tea by the local women of Tash Seri..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0394_MM8120_120...jpg
  • After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..Going on horse back from Ech Keli to Andemin camp. ..Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0364_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Fifteen year-old Ikhbal has been married for two months. Today is the veil ceremony, where she will exchange her childhood crimson veil for a married woman's white headdress. She struggles and cries as the older women around her get ready to fasten the white veil on her head..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0344_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Dish of honor, the goat's head, brought to the camp leader's yurt..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0339_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Visiting guests arrive on foot from nearby camp, a 1 hour walk..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0336_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Young married couple in Tchelekand village, inhabited by Wakhis people. ..Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0054_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Ikhbal (hiding under the white veil) and sister Irasia arriving at Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp) and being welcomed with "Borsot" (fried dough), yoghurt and tea by the local women of Tash Seri..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0392_MM8120_120...jpg
  • To the Kyrgyz community, Ikhbal is now a woman, wearing her new white veil for the first time. Still sobbing, she is being watched by her two younger sisters..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0345_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (15, Right) with her younger sister..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0331_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Pamiri wedding taking place at the Marco Polo restaurant.<br />
<br />
The town of Khorog (2200m), is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO) in Tajikistan. It is situated in the Pamir Mountains (ancient Mount Imeon) at the confluence of the Gunt and Panj rivers.<br />
The city is bounded to the south and to the north by the deltas of the Shakhdara and Gunt rivers, respectively. The two rivers merge in the eastern part of the city flow through the city, dividing it almost evenly until its delta in the river Panj, also being known as Amu Darya, or in antiquity the Oxus on the border with Afghanistan. Khorog is known for its beautiful poplar trees that dominate the flora of the city.<br />
Khorog is one of the poorest areas of Tajikistan, with the charitable organization Aga Khan Foundation providing almost the only source of cash income. Most of its inhabitants are Ismaili Muslims.<br />
<br />
Tajikistan, a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and People's Republic of China to the east. Tajikistan also lies adjacent to Pakistan separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor.<br />
Tajikistan became a republic of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, known as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.<br />
It was the first of the Central Asian republic to gain independence in December 1991.
    Wedding_179I4255.jpg
  • A Pamiri wedding taking place at the Marco Polo restaurant.<br />
<br />
The town of Khorog (2200m), is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO) in Tajikistan. It is situated in the Pamir Mountains (ancient Mount Imeon) at the confluence of the Gunt and Panj rivers.<br />
The city is bounded to the south and to the north by the deltas of the Shakhdara and Gunt rivers, respectively. The two rivers merge in the eastern part of the city flow through the city, dividing it almost evenly until its delta in the river Panj, also being known as Amu Darya, or in antiquity the Oxus on the border with Afghanistan. Khorog is known for its beautiful poplar trees that dominate the flora of the city.<br />
Khorog is one of the poorest areas of Tajikistan, with the charitable organization Aga Khan Foundation providing almost the only source of cash income. Most of its inhabitants are Ismaili Muslims.<br />
<br />
Tajikistan, a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and People's Republic of China to the east. Tajikistan also lies adjacent to Pakistan separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor.<br />
Tajikistan became a republic of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, known as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.<br />
It was the first of the Central Asian republic to gain independence in December 1991.
    Wedding_179I4289.jpg
  • The groom (white turban), his elder sister (white veil) and the wedding organizer (black hat), walk slowly one step at a time, to the yurt where the bride and groom will spend their first night. After each step taken, they wave the red cloth in their hand, saying “Tulkulututum Pogolotchutun”, which, in Kyrgyz, means "Congratulation for your wedding".<br />
<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_282.jpg
  • Decorated wedding car. Wedding from Akriti Shrestha (Newari tribe) with Saumitra Dixit (Indian man from Jaipur, Rajasthan).<br />
Last day of the Hindu wedding. The Bride leave her home.
    DSCF4988.jpg
  • The groom (white turban), his elder sister (white veil) and the wedding organizer (black hat), walk slowly one step at a time, to the yurt where the bride and groom will spend their first night. Meanwhile, some of the bride's dowry is displayed: three white horses.  After each step taken, they wave the red cloth in their hand, saying “Tulkulututum Pogolotchutun”, which, in Kyrgyz, means "Congratulation for your wedding".<br />
<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_280.jpg
  • The bride, along with her sisters and other close female relatives are squatting under a red cloth in front of the ceremonial yurt while the men around the cloth are throwing candies on the cloth and distributing "bortsok" (fried dough), to bring good luck to the wedding. Meanwhile, the girls are weeping and crying, signifying the upcoming "loss" of the bride to her husdand's family.<br />
<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_266.jpg
  • An elderly wearing a Chapan walks toward where the wedding ceremony will take place, after a game of Buzkachi.<br />
Buzkachi (traditional afghan horse game) played in Utsch Delgha ("three valleys") previous to a Kyrgyz wedding ceremony. Due to the high altitude, horses can not be bred in the Little Pamir. They are brought from the lower elevations especially Badakhshan region and the Wakhan corridor.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_261.jpg
  • The bride, along with her sisters and other close female relatives are squatting under a red cloth in front of the ceremonial yurt while the men around the cloth are throwing candies on the cloth and distributing "bortsok" (fried dough), to bring good luck to the wedding. Meanwhile, the girls are weeping and crying, signifying the upcoming "loss" of the bride to her husdand's family.<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_265.jpg
  • Wedding from Prabodh Shahi's with Aditi Rana (both are from the Kshetriya tribe).<br />
First day, initial reception of the wedding at a Banquet.
    DSCF5423.jpg
  • Wedding from Prabodh Shahi's with Aditi Rana (both are from the Kshetriya tribe).<br />
First day, initial reception of the wedding at a Banquet.
    DSCF5343.jpg
  • The bride before the start of the last part of her wedding ceremony. This is the last day of a Hindu wedding that lasted 7 days. Soon, the Bride will leave her home.
    DSCF4634.jpg
  • Wedding from Prabodh Shahi's with Aditi Rana (both are from the Kshetriya tribe).<br />
First day, initial reception of the wedding at a Banquet.
    DSCF5200.jpg
  • Wedding from Akriti Shrestha (Newari tribe) with Saumitra Dixit (Indian man from Jaipur, Rajasthan).<br />
Last day of the Hindu wedding. The Bride leave her home.
    DSCF4612.jpg
  • Koormoochoo Saira waits outside the yurt while the wedding ceremony takes place inside the yurt. He then drank water that the Mullah spat into a bowl, after reading passage of the holy Koran.<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_278.jpg
  • Inside the yurt, shortly before the wedding ceremony takes place, the bride is hidden from view behind this red cloth. This way, she can listen to the ceremony held by the Mullah, without being seen by the other men attending it.<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_275.jpg
  • The bride, along with her sisters and other close female relatives are squatting under a red cloth in front of the ceremonial yurt while the men around the cloth are throwing candies on the cloth and distributing "bortsok" (fried dough), to bring good luck to the wedding. Meanwhile, the girls are weeping and crying, signifying the upcoming "loss" of the bride to her husdand's family.<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_264.jpg
  • Wedding guests at a traditional wedding in the Himalaya.
    DSCF05165.jpg
  • Wedding from Prabodh Shahi's with Aditi Rana (both are from the Kshetriya tribe).<br />
First day, initial reception of the wedding at a Banquet.
    DSCF5327.jpg
  • Wedding from Prabodh Shahi's with Aditi Rana (both are from the Kshetriya tribe).<br />
First day, initial reception of the wedding at a Banquet.
    DSCF5291.jpg
  • Wedding from Akriti Shrestha (Newari tribe) with Saumitra Dixit (Indian man from Jaipur, Rajasthan).<br />
Last day of the Hindu wedding. The Bride leave her home.
    DSCF4946.jpg
  • Wedding from Akriti Shrestha (Newari tribe) with Saumitra Dixit (Indian man from Jaipur, Rajasthan).<br />
Last day of the Hindu wedding. The Bride leave her home.
    DSCF5058.jpg
  • Wedding from Akriti Shrestha (Newari tribe) with Saumitra Dixit (Indian man from Jaipur, Rajasthan).<br />
Last day of the Hindu wedding. The Bride leave her home.
    DSCF4713.jpg
  • Koormoochoo Saira puts on his wedding coat and white turban.<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_263.jpg
  • The bride, along with her sisters and other close female relatives are squatting under a red cloth in front of the ceremonial yurt while the men around the cloth are throwing candies on the cloth and distributing "bortsok" (fried dough), to bring good luck to the wedding. Meanwhile, the girls are weeping and crying, signifying the upcoming "loss" of the bride to her husdand's family.<br />
<br />
The Kyrgyz wedding ceremony of Koormoochoo Saïra (son of Yunus Amid) in Utch Djelgha summer camp, 5th August 20005.<br />
<br />
Adventure through the Afghan Pamir mountains, among the Afghan Kyrgyz and into Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. July/August 2005. Afghanistan / Pakistan.
    Afgh_Kyrg_266.jpg
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