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Born of Sand and Sun
Petra Basnakova
Series description

In 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to leave their homes during the Palestine war. The same fate befell the desert tribes of the Bedouin, but their strong bond with the desert – the heart of their culture – failed to be broken. Today, the number of Bedouin people inhabiting their original territories is shrinking, and many are gradually losing their distinct identity. Born of Sand and Sun is a visual metaphor of the gradual evaporation of these brave desert people – all that is left for them are fragments covered with sand, which in time they will themselves become.

Biography

Graduated from a bachelor's degree at the photography studio at Tomáš Bata University in Zlín, where she is currently continuing her master's program. In his work, he works with the question of the nature of man in society. In 2022, she won the Slovak Press Photo in the category Students and young photographers and also became one of the 2 winners of the Ian Parry Scholarship.

View over Jabal al-Baba
View over Jabal al-Baba
A mother of seven looks towards the mountains near Jerusalem.
A Swing
A Swing
The only fragment left after the demolition of Nasreen and her family's home. An ordinary swing that became a symbol of the resistance of the Bedouin Nation.
Hidden Treasures
Hidden Treasures
The demolition of Bedouin villages and dwellings is commonplace. Many Bedouin people subconsciously expect it, which is why they keep their most valued possessions packed and ready to rescue.
The Oldest
The Oldest
The oldest of the old. A sheikh from the village of Jabal al-Baba.
Mirage
Mirage
Several years ago, during my wanderings in the Judean desert, I met a Bedouin with a large herd of goats. Two years later, I met him again: the same herd, the same clothes, the same facial expression. His name is Mohammed.
Desert Flower
Desert Flower
Chaula, dandelion, desert flower. A little girl dreaming of one day being able to walk freely on a blossoming meadow.
To Build a Home
To Build a Home
No one knows what the future holds for the brave Bedouin people. At the moment it is so uncertain that it is impossible for them to plan in any detail.