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This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great’s expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region’s fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival “Joshi,” the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as “Gestak”. The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, the women of this small community retain their freedom wearing their own traditional clothes, dancing and singing in the countryside areas, surrounded by men visitors from all over the country. The Kalash people need more support, especially in terms of healthcare, as the harsh winter snows isolate them from the rest of the world. The community struggles with limited resources, and many children suffer from respiratory diseases and malnutrition. There is a growing need for better sanitation and assistance with farming, as their crops are insufficient. Deforestation poses a serious threat, risking soil erosion and flooding of their villages. Given the unique and fragile beauty of this ancient culture, it is crucial that we take action to protect and preserve the Kalash people for future generations.

Photography & Text: Maro Kouri

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A visitor to the Kalash spring festival “Joshi” enjoys the uniquely beautiful view of the Rumbur valley, waving her shawl, thus giving a little shade to her head, from the strong midday sun of the mountain. For me this photograph symbolises the women into the Islamic regions who take their position, like the Kalash women, who stand out for their beauty, they are proud, free with obvious sociability and active participation in the democratic processes of the Community. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, t Leaving the valleys of Kalas, we are stopped by the police to check our passports. I get out of the jeep and, while waiting, I photograph this proud old man who is happily descending from the snowy mountain, carrying ice in his cart that he is going to use to preserve the meat and the few vegetables now that summer is coming. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, the women of this small community retain their freedom wearing their own traditional clothes, dancing and singing in the countryside areas, surrounded A very old man in his hand-painted truck, drives to transport goods from Chitral, the nearest city, to the Kalash Valleys and back. The driver's and passenger's doors are carved from the outside. This is the tradition in trucks, lorries and even passenger buses in Pakistan. The Kalash festivals are a major event that every year attracts more and more visitors from all over the country as well as from abroad, thus somewhat increasing the income of the people of the tribe who otherwise really need significant help. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights ho During "Tsiripipi", a special, local milk ceremony into the spring festival, women and girls pick the first flowers of the year, while families exchange gifts of cheese and milk which is considered sacred. During this feast, every shepherd shares the milk from his goats. The community struggles with limited resources, and many children suffer from respiratory diseases and malnutrition. There is a growing need for better sanitation and assistance with farming, as their crops are insufficient. Deforestation poses a serious threat, risking soil erosion and flooding of their villages. Given the unique and fragile beauty of this ancient culture, it is crucial that we take action to protect and preserve the Kalash people for future generations. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and po Women stand outside the sacred house of Hestia Greek ancient goddess of housing. In Kalash culture, where ecstasy, love, poetry, shamanism, and the pagan feelings associated with the Greek god Pan still thrive. In one of the most Islamic countries, the women of a small community are free to wear whatever they want, dance embracing each other in small and large circles, openly in nature, and sing ecstatically. They are surrounded by men, who come from all over the country to join in the festivities. The women stand out for their beauty, they are proud, free with obvious sociability and active participation in the democratic processes of the Community. They dress in a long black tunic (Sangachs) embroidered with colorful geometric shapes on the hem, on the edges of the sleeves and on the bodice. They are adorned with necklaces of colored beads, the number of which indicates the degree of their economic status. Their hair is combed into five braids, where the main one, in the center of the head, has been braided since a young age and has never been cut. On their heads they wear a fully embroidered hat (Shusut), which resembles a Greek helmet. It is said that Alexander the Great, on the eve of a battle, expressed to his staff their reservations about its successful outcome. In the end, the battle was won, thanks to the unexpected military intervention of women. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and A little boy from the Kalash tribe carries some watermelons to the dancers at the feast. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, the women of this small community retain their freedom wearing their own traditional clothes, dancing and singing in the countryside areas, surrounded by men visitors from all over the country. The Kalash people need more support, especially in terms of healthcare, as the harsh winter snows isolate them from the rest of the world. The community struggles with limited resources, and ma Kalash woman prepares the fire in order to make her house-wine. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, the women of this small community retain their freedom wearing their own traditional clothes, dancing and singing in the countryside areas, surrounded by men visitors from all over the country. The Kalash people need more support, especially in terms of healthcare, as the harsh winter snows isolate them from the rest of the world. The community struggles with limited resources, and many children suffer from re Two young Kalash women wash their clothes in the river, enjoying their sisterhood, chatting in the bright sunlight to the music of the Chitral River. Kalash women can marry the man they fall in love with, study what they want at the universities of nearby cities, respect the tradition of their tribe and some like to the village, wear their traditional, colorful costumes during holy days and feasts experiencing the unique freedom of women in the entire country. Women stand out for their beauty, they are proud, free with obvious sociability and active participation in the democratic processes of the Community. They dress in a long black tunic (Sangachs) embroidered with colorful geometric shapes on the hem, on the edges of the sleeves and on the jacket. They are adorned with necklaces of colored beads, the number of which indicates the degree of their economic status. Their hair is combed into five braids, where the main one, in the center of the head, has been braided since a young age and has never been cut. It is said that Alexander the Great, on the eve of a battle, doubted its outcome. However, the battle was won thanks to the unexpected intervention of women. To honor their help, he called a meeting and asked his men to give their helmets to the women, who had proven more worthy. A general then placed his helmet Shusut on the head of the female leader. In memory of this, the "Shusut" was established and Kalash women wear at all times to honor the respect given to them. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th cen Salim (on the left) and his colleague Farman are the jeep drivers who took us to the Kalasha Valleys. The dirt road is very narrow and steep, requiring a lot of experience, as sometimes it rains heavily, snows, or large rocks fall. Salim enjoys the Kalasha celebrations and, although he is Muslim, he greatly appreciates this tribe and has formed genuine friendships with some of the Kalasha people. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, the women of this small community retain their freedom wearing their own trad Α Kalash young man plays the traditional drum that is decorated with flowers, symbols of the fertility, to accompany the women into their circle dance. The music of the Kalash is connected to the cycle of life. During all religious festivals attended by women, women's circular dances are performed. The women are held in a circle with their hands clasped behind their backs and accompany the dance with song. The instrumental accompaniment in the center of the circle is a large tambourine. The Kalas, despite the occasional persecution and decimation of their tribe by various invaders (Mongols, Chinese, Tatars, Persians and Muslims), remain a peace-loving and amnesiac people. They are cheerful people and love music, songs and dance. In fact, being a good dancer is a special honor, just as it was in ancient Greece. The son of Achilles, Pyrrhus, was glorified because he danced beautifully. Kalash people during traditional Spring Joshi feast, celebrate, drink wine of their own production, together with women, offering them a small branch of a fertile tree at the end of the ceremony, symbolizing fertility. The women stand out for their beauty, they are proud, free with obvious sociability and active participation in the democratic processes of the Community. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border a A young Kalash woman comes in ecstasy dancing all day till the sunset, during the 3 days Spring celebations named Joshi. Despite the strong influence of Islam in their region, the Kalash women of all ages, managed to retain their colorful traditional clothing, in contrast to the conservative attire worn by women in neighboring cities, such as the burqa. Their festive hats are adorned with feathers and aromatic branches, reminiscent of the plumes of Macedonian helmets. The sea shells in their attire remind them of their maritime origins. The number of the colored beads of their necklaces, indicates the degree of their economic status. Their hair is combed into five braids, where the main one, in the center of the head, has been braided since a young age and has never been cut. The next day all the women will sing a song to thank the walnut trees for their abundance of fruits. Furthermore, the young women of the Kalash, despite living in a conservative Muslim area, choose to study at nearby universities, pursuing subjects such as botany. Their goal is to stay close to their community while integrating the ancient wisdom of their tribe into their professional lives. The Kalash follow their own calendar, with the seasons determined by the Moon and the rhythms of Nature. Kalash women can marry the man they fall in love with. Women stand out for their beauty, they are proud, free with obvious sociability and active participation in the democratic processes of the Community. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century Two little boys dance and play in the center of the women's dance, during the Joshi Spring festival of the Kalash tribe. In this way, men grow up in a small society accepting women as equals to them. Kalash women dance in small and large open circles, in nature, with gratitude to the Fertility of Nature and Spring, murmuring, humming and singing, listening to the loud, rhythmic beats of the percussion for many hours, so much so that they sometimes enter a trance. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering peaks. With a population of approximately 3,000 the Kalash continue to practice an ancient religion, the origins of which remain unclear. Legend has it that the Greek god Dionysus founded a settlement in the region known for its festivals and orgies. During Alexander the Great's expedition to the East, many of his soldiers deserted, captivated by the region's fragrance of grapes. Kalash culture still carries remnants of Greek influence, with traditions centered around ecstasy, love and poetry. During the three-day Spring festival "Joshi," the Kalash women, sing in their native language and perform traditional dances. They honor the Greek Goddess of hearth Hestia, known locally as "Gestak". The story highlights how, in one of the most Islamic countries, the women In Kalash culture, ecstasy, love, poetry, shamanism, and the pagan feelings associated with the Greek god Pan still live on. In one of the most Islamic countries, the women of a small community are free to wear whatever they want, to dance embracing each other, creating smaller and larger circles, openly in nature, and to sing ecstatically. They are surrounded by men, who come from all over the country to join in the festivities. In the heart of the Muslim-majority regions of Asia, this small tribe remains the only one that produces and enjoys wine during their celebrations and gatherings. Despite the strong influence of Islam in their region, the women of the Kalash have managed to preserve their colorful traditional clothing, in stark contrast to the more conservative attire worn by women in neighboring areas, such as the burqa. Their festive hats, adorned with feathers and aromatic branches, evoke of the plumes of ancient Macedonian helmets. The sea shells in their clothing serve as a reminder of their maritime origins. The spring Joshi festival lasts throughout the day, pausing at sunset and resuming the following. During this celebration, they sing a song of gratitude to the walnut tree for its abundance of fruits. This portfolio showcases my personal work in the Kalash Valleys, located in the mountains of Pakistan, just a few kilometers from Taliban-controlled areas, during the Spring Celebration. Kalash is a small ethnic group, believed to trace its origins back to Alexander the Great, lives here in relative isolation. For centuries, invaders forced them into remote areas, where they fiercely resisted the Arab conquerors and their religion. After the creation of the Durand Line at the end of the 19th century, which separated Afghanistan from India, the Kalash managed to survive in the three valleys Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbur of the eastern Hindu Kushrange, now part of Pakistan. These valleys lie near the Afghanistan border and are surrounded by towering p
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