The World as We See it

An abridged interpretation of an article published in The Theory Journal (Turkey) Causes of Wars In summarizing the developments of 2023, it is evident from compelling evidence that new centers of power are emerging amid ongoing global changes, signaling the decline of the unipolar world. The inception of these power dynamics is instigating and will continue to fuel conflicts. The root of these tumultuous processes lies in the United States’ reluctance and incapacity to acknowledge the erosion of its global hegemonic role. Prominent nations such as Russia, China, Iran, India, along with regional leaders like Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as the governments of Africa and Central Asia, are no longer content with merely aligning with the United States’ global interests, as outlined in Washington’s doctrinal documents. Instead, they aspire to assert their independent voices in addressing international issues and demand recognition of their national sovereignty. This inherent contradiction lays the groundwork for potential wars or a second, and hopefully conclusive, wave of decolonization. The ongoing wars are fueled by competition for global resources and spheres of influence among the emerging power centers. Regrettably, these conflicts have become the regrettable yet seemingly inevitable means of addressing longstanding issues that persist despite the advancements of modern technology and AI. Even in this era, the resolution of matters still, unfortunately, relies on the application of military force. Illustrating this point is the conflict in Transcaucasia, exemplified by the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia concerning Nagorno-Karabakh. Additionally, the ongoing tensions include the conflict between NATO and Russia in Ukraine, and the sustained hostilities between the Israeli army and Palestinian resistance forces in the Gaza Strip. A notable instance of protracted disregard for UN resolutions is the situation in Azerbaijan, where Armenian-Karabakh troops have occupied seven regions for over 30 years. The failure to implement the UN resolution, which calls for the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of occupying forces, coupled with the challenge of repatriating Azerbaijani refugees and the persistent deferral of addressing the core issue — the status of Nagorno-Karabakh — has led to a situation where Baku, backed by strong support from Turkey, has been compelled to pursue a forceful resolution to the Karabakh matter. The West’s persistent disregard for Russia’s apprehensions regarding escalating threats to its national security from NATO, along with Ukraine losing its neutral status following the 2014 coup orchestrated by the United States, prompted Moscow to initiate a special military operation, subsequently evolving into a conflict in the heart of Europe. Similarly, in the case of the Gaza Strip, Israel’s neglect of the Palestinians’ aspirations for their own sovereign state, the absence of substantial improvements in the enclave’s conditions post the Abraham Accords, provocations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the forced displacement of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem, and Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly speech in September, where he presented a map of the Middle East excluding Palestine, compelled HAMAS to elevate the issue of establishing an independent Palestinian state to the realm of practical politics. The end of the unipolar world and the threat of nuclear war Regarding the parties involved in the conflict, it appears that once a war is underway, halting it becomes nearly impossible. Negotiations typically commence only when one of the parties starts facing setbacks. Until then, there exists a prevailing illusion of victory. However, eventually, all parties will need to come to the table and establish the rules for the game in the new world. Meanwhile, the ongoing process of determining these rules is in progress. The military conflicts witnessed since the start of the twenty-first century have the potential to escalate from local disputes to a global scale, possibly leading to the outbreak of the third world war. A growing concern is the increasing number of countries expressing intentions to acquire nuclear weapons. Beyond military experts, ordinary individuals reading news about countries withdrawing from arms control treaties may harbor an unconscious fear and a sense of anxiety. The perception that the world has become unhinged due to an unlimited proliferation of weapons is exacerbated by a plethora of opinions and forecasts, not always professional, circulating on the internet and social networks. Official news does little to alleviate concerns. For instance, on the same day that the Russian State Duma passed a law annulling the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, information surfaced on the internet about the US Department of Energy reporting underground tests conducted at the Nevada test site, previously used for nuclear weapons testing. Preceding this, the US military declared its intent to develop a new nuclear bomb, surpassing the power of the one dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945 by more than 20 times. Nevada National Security Site tunnel where nuclear weapons test took place Indeed, the United States conducted examinations of the global monitoring system, equipped with seismic sensors capable of swiftly detecting indications not only of earthquakes and natural disasters but also of human-made disasters and emergency incidents. These tests aim to simulate a nuclear explosion, allowing for the anticipation and prevention of its potential consequences. It appears that the inaccurate information about the supposed nuclear test at the Nevada test site may have stemmed from such simulations. Had an actual test occurred, the global response would likely have been different, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) playing a significant role. In a similar vein, during the onset of the Ukrainian war last year, certain individuals in Russia, led by a controversial State Duma deputy, issued threats to the world involving an inflatable Sarmat rocket. More recently, Israeli Heritage Minister Eliyahu openly acknowledged Tel Aviv’s possession of nuclear weapons, even suggesting the possibility of deploying a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip. Upon encountering such news, an ordinary individual may perceive the looming inevitability of a nuclear catastrophe. Recently, the Turkish president has urged for the control of Israel’s nuclear weapons “before it is too late,” thereby intensifying the discourse on the public acknowledgment of Israel’s possession of nuclear arms. Erdogan’s statement coincided with the UN conference on establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, held in New York. Regrettably, Israel remains indifferent to discussions regarding the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction. View of the Israeli nuclear facility in the Negev desert outside Dimona Nonetheless, there is a crucial ongoing dialogue aimed at fostering trust among the countries in the region. Initiated in 2018 under the auspices of the United Nations after years of unsuccessful attempts, this dialogue seeks to advance a ban on the use of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Achieving this objective is undoubtedly challenging without the active participation of Israel and the United States, both of which have repeatedly blocked the adoption of relevant resolutions in the UN Security Council. However, the difficulty of the task does not diminish its significance. Furthermore, it’s evident that the UN’s agenda may not be featured prominently in the news consumed by individuals such as a Turkish businessman or a Kazakh livestock breeder. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply a lack of concern for the future. The collective sentiments, whether positive or negative, contribute to a general tension since we all inhabit the same interconnected energy space of the Earth, ultimately influencing events and the course of history. Nuclear war must not happen The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), a pivotal agreement in the realm of international security and strategic stability, has effectively maintained peace for several decades since its signing in 1968. Presently, 190 countries are party to the NPT, with notable exceptions including Israel, India, Pakistan, and South Sudan. North Korea withdrew from the NPT in 2003, citing it as a protest against the violation of its sovereignty. The nuclear powers stemming from the USSR, including Russia, and the United States have ratified the NPT. However, there have been recent developments challenging the commitment to non-proliferation. Russia, for instance, withdrew its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), while the United States has not ratified it at all. Moscow’s decision was a response to the U.S. withdrawal from various bilateral treaties and the cancellation of the “nuclear deal” with Iran. Consequently, this has led to an increased temptation for other countries to pursue nuclear weapons. The central tenet of the NPT, focused on curbing the nuclear arms race, appears challenging to enforce. Nevertheless, this does not imply that the international community lacks mechanisms to mitigate such risks. Hence, building upon the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), over 93 countries signed and 69, constituting more than one-third of the world’s states, ratified the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) agreement — the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017. Under this treaty, signatory nations commit to “never and under no circumstances” develop, test, produce, or stockpile nuclear weapons. Additionally, they pledge not to use or threaten to use such weapons and are barred from hosting nuclear weapons of other states on their territories. It’s noteworthy that the “nuclear club” members — the United States, Russia, China, Great Britain, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel — opted not to participate in developing this document. In fact, the United States, Great Britain, and France jointly declared their intention never to become parties to the treaty. Russia, too, declined to sign, citing that it contradicts the national interests of the country. The United Nations General Assembly First Committee meets to discuss the historic 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. “Nuclear club” members — United States, China, Russia, Great Britain, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel — opted not to participate. Regrettably, the simultaneous dismantling of nuclear weapons alone will not address the challenges of global strategic security. Despite their terrifying capabilities, it may seem paradoxical, but the possession of nuclear weapons by two major powers, the United States and the USSR, served as a deterrent, helping humanity avert World War III in the 20th century. It is evident that the contemporary international relations system operates not on trust and a sense of responsibility but rather on the display of military might and the fear of mutual destruction. However, this reality should not undermine the exploration of mechanisms and concepts that can contribute to halting the nuclear arms race in the future. As nuclear powers, currently engaged in the reconfiguration of spheres of influence, inevitably come to the negotiation table, discussions must revolve around determining the future structure of the world, the role of weapons of mass destruction, measures to deter their use, and, more broadly, the establishment of a global architecture of indivisible security. The War of Meanings The growing number of global military conflicts, the disregard for international laws by various actors, and the rapid dissemination of battlefield information to the public contribute to a heightened fear of an impending Third World War. Simultaneously, there is a sense of inevitability surrounding it. In reality, the conflict is already underway, but it takes the form of a war of meanings. This is evident in the widespread involvement of countries, global media coverage, and numerous mass demonstrations worldwide in support of Palestine. In the past, Israeli authorities supported the establishment of HAMAS, initially presented as a charitable organization focused on religious education and social assistance. Tel Aviv perceived the Palestine Liberation Organization, led by Yasser Arafat and encompassing both Muslims and Christians with the goal of national independence, as a greater threat to Israel. Consequently, HAMAS was created and empowered in the Gaza Strip by the CIA and Israel to splinter the national movement for the liberation of Palestine. In essence, Netanyahu and the far-right Zionists he represents have consistently needed an enemy to justify the demolition of Palestinian villages and the construction of new Jewish settlements in the occupied territories. Simultaneously, one cannot dismiss Elon Musk’s statement during his interview with Lex Friedman, where he mentioned that “by killing one child in Gaza, you have made several people HAMAS militants at once, who will then die just to kill an Israeli.” This perspective also applies to the victims of HAMAS, as each casualty can fuel a desire for revenge among Jews. Even in Israeli media outlets like Yedioth Ahronoth and Haaretz, unsettling investigations have been published, revealing instances where Israeli security forces were implicated in shooting and causing harm to Israeli settlers in kibbutzim and attendees of music festivals. Unfortunately, these revelations have not halted the escalation of the spiral of hatred. “Am I for the tank or for the child?” We also observe condemnation of Israel’s actions from Sunni Turkey, Shiite Iran, the Catholic Vatican, and Orthodox Russia. The resonance of the Palestinian issue worldwide, involving people of diverse nationalities and faiths, goes beyond considerations of land, nationality, religion, or statehood. The Palestinian cause has become a universal moral benchmark, a matter of justice. The image of a child with a stone confronting an Israeli tank, symbolizing Palestinian resistance, now serves as a litmus test for human ethics. For any rational individual, the question isn’t “Am I for HAMAS or for Israel?” but rather, “Am I for a tank or for a child?” The prevailing choice leans towards the child. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan rightly pointed out that “Remaining silent in the face of Israel’s lawlessness in Gaza is tantamount to giving the green light to violations of the law in other parts of the world.” He is correct; impunity breeds corruption. Although expectations were high for the joint summit of the Arab League and the OIC, the presence of an American flotilla with over 60 ships and three aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean at that time made it unrealistic to anticipate a positive, pro-Palestinian resolution from the “Arab brothers” under such coercive circumstances. Changes in public opinion The only factor capable of influencing the situation in Gaza is the global populace’s reaction, manifested through widespread protests numbering in the thousands. Shifts in attitudes towards Israel are also noticeable in the United States. Even before October 7, major corporate media outlets, traditionally viewed as not entirely impartial, began adjusting their tone in discussions surrounding the Palestinian issue. Presently, Palestinian perspectives find space on the front pages of publications like “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post,” and Palestinian voices are featured on television channels. Globally, organizations with names akin to “Not On My Name” are emerging, predominantly comprising young Jews who are incensed by Israel’s policies. It appears that following the conflict in Gaza, their ranks will likely swell. Over the past three to four years, prominent international human rights organizations like Amnesty International and The Human Rights Watch, alongside key Israeli human rights entities such as B’Tselem and others, have increasingly addressed the Palestinian issue. They have concluded that Israel is in violation of the international Covenant and anti-apartheid laws. These organizations have acknowledged that Palestinian refugees or exiles, residing globally and denied their internationally guaranteed right to return to their homes, are also victims of the crime of apartheid. This acknowledgment has had a profound impact on public opinion within the media, among members of Congress, and among the clergy. The rise of the Jewish Voice for Peace movement is also noteworthy. It is currently the fastest-growing movement, boasting around 20,000 subscribers and approximately 300,000 regular supporters online, an unprecedented development that carries significant importance. The brutal actions of the Israeli Defence Forces against the civilian population of Gaza have galvanized legal associations from around the world, forming an army of over 300 lawyers and human rights defenders. They are gearing up to accuse the Netanyahu government of war crimes, a move mirrored by certain states. In the midst of this, Palestinian Christians are urging their Muslim compatriots to unite and avoid turning the struggle for a national state into a religious war, recognizing the potential harm to their common cause. Within Israel, there are factions both in favor of and against the continuation of the war. Those advocating for a just and peaceful resolution for both peoples, calling for an end to the endless and senseless violence that is undermining the future of both Israelis and Palestinians, exist on both sides. The destiny of living side by side with mutual recognition of their human and national rights seems to have been overshadowed by a prevailing sentiment reminiscent of Cain, the biblical figure who was the first to shed his brother’s blood thousands of years ago. Numerous countries worldwide endorse adherence to the UN resolution calling for the creation of two states and the return of Palestine to its 1967 borders. However, practical questions arise. Would Jordan and Egypt be amenable to altering their current borders in this scenario? Additionally, how would the more than 700,000 foreign settlers, residing in illegally constructed Israeli “kibbutzim” for decades, be addressed? Some Palestinians and Israelis suggest an alternative approach: establishing a single state, named the Holy Land, with Jerusalem as its capital — a proposition that resonates with the shared heritage of three world religions. “Gaza is not a humanitarian crisis, it is a crisis of humanity” “Gaza is not a humanitarian crisis; it is a crisis of humanity,” asserted China’s representative to the UN, and his words hold truth. The rapid and dramatic global transformation necessitates the urgent establishment of a new system of international relations and treaties. This system should ensure that current circumstances leading to the outbreak of wars do not result in irreparable consequences. There is a pressing need to restore and fortify moral norms across all aspects of human activity, including in the realm of international relations and mass media. It is particularly crucial to institutionalize ethical values within politics. The resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict holds the potential to shape the historical trajectory of human development. The choice between continuing down the path of hatred, financial gain, and war or opting for the path of peace, forgiveness, and healing is critical. It appears that Judgment Day is unfolding on Earth at this very moment, and the destiny of the entire world hinges on the inner choices made by each of us. Akmaral Batalova Akmaral Bаtalova is an expert in the Middle East, a film producer and a humanitarian activist. Akmaral was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, graduated from the Mass Media Faculty of Kazakh State University, the Diplomatic School of Madrid and has a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Complutense University (Spain) Vincent Lyn CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children Deputy Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC) Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts

I grew up in Tehran, moved to Germany during my childhood, returned to Tehran, and established myself there. From my adolescence onwards, I’ve been deeply passionate about travel. These journeys have taken me from exploring the far East to residing with the Maasai tribe in Kenya, mingling with the Nenets in Siberia, and engaging with the Kalash people in Pakistan. These experiences have revealed that every society offers a facade to tourists and researchers, concealing certain aspects of its way of life while highlighting aspects unfamiliar to outsiders. One of my enduring interests as a photographer and documentarian is delving into the lives of women in these societies. Conversations with women often offer a more authentic glimpse into these cultures. They unveil the hidden dynamics, including freedoms, power dynamics, conflicts, alliances, and solidarity. As a woman who has predominantly lived in Iran, I can relate to these intricate dynamics. It may appear that the world of women is filled with restrictions and no visible escape, but women have the capacity to carve out new paths and challenge societal norms from within these relationships. This project was initiated half a year prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A year ago, I relocated to Dubai, a city renowned for its immigrant-friendly atmosphere, which afforded me the opportunity to engage with women from the Middle East, hailing from places like Syria, Lebanon, and Oman. During this half-year duration, my objective was to capture the daily lives of women residing in the vibrant urban landscape of Tehran. In recent years, Iran has grappled with an array of economic, cultural, social, and political challenges, with women being disproportionately affected compared to men. The central inquiry guiding our project was how these women have coped with the multifaceted challenges of recent years. What specific issues have they encountered, and what individual solutions have these women adopted? We initiated a photographic storytelling project, accompanied by a research assistant. Our primary objective was to identify subjects from various socio-economic backgrounds, including high, middle, and low strata. To achieve this, we designated a key informant for each group and employed a snowball sampling technique. In snowball sampling, each interviewee suggests another person to be interviewed, a method commonly used in projects where subjects need to have complete confidence in the research team. Photography served as the central element of our work, and overall, our sampling method proved to be highly effective. Regarding our methodology, we adopted a qualitative approach and employed semi-structured interviews from a technical perspective. In this project, our goal was not to seek out women entrepreneurs or those celebrated for their societal achievements. Instead, we sought women who had encountered significant challenges but, through their personal efforts, had managed to instigate changes in their own lives and the lives of others. Despite facing hardships, they had kindled personal and societal aspirations. We encountered women engaged in social support groups, those striving to create their own livelihoods, individuals linked to spiritual, literary, or yoga circles, and women who had initiated discussions of social importance. We also met women who had demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, prioritizing the well-being of their children over personal gain. At times, we encountered women who, despite their efforts for change, had not succeeded. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was temporarily suspended, but my connection with the photography subjects persisted. The pandemic upended the lives of many of these individuals. In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of these women faced a severe health condition and tragically passed away. Her life had been marked by enduring hardship. She resided in a subterranean dwelling on the outskirts of Tehran, struggling alongside her husband with addiction and relying solely on their children for support. For years, she had worked as a domestic laborer, but with age, her capacity to work dwindled. When I inquired about her foremost concern, she expressed constant apprehension about her own death, dreading the idea of passing away alone on a street corner. Following her demise, I discovered that she had passed away in a hospital with her children by her side, which brought some solace to her story. Two of the subjects, who had been employed in domestic roles as cleaners or caregivers for the elderly, lost their jobs due to the spread of COVID-19 and underwent trying months. Nonetheless, they eventually managed to secure alternative employment. Among the subjects, we encountered a woman who had previously held a high-ranking government position. Armed with a doctorate in sociology, she eventually stepped away from her career due to the need to conceal aspects of her life that did not align with government standards, such as her clothing and appearance. She had been a part-time social researcher, dedicating her free time to establishing a social group that hosted monthly open discussions focused on books. Through these gatherings, she created a social haven for many to connect with her world. The advent of COVID-19 led to the suspension of her sessions, and virtual discussions couldn’t quite replicate the experience. However, as the pandemic eased somewhat, she resumed her sessions. We encountered another woman who had tragically lost her parents during the early post-revolution violence in 1979. Her father had been executed, and she witnessed her mother’s death in a confrontation. The government did not hand her over to her extended family, resulting in her spending years in a state-run orphanage. It wasn’t until much later that her maternal family managed to adopt her. She had worked as a municipal employee but was eventually dismissed from her job due to her family’s political history. All the adversities she had faced prompted her to join a storytelling group, where she attempted to grapple with her experiences through writing. After a year, I learned that her book had not received approval for publication, yet she continued to write tenaciously. Among the other heartening updates, I learned that the young lady we interviewed successfully secured admission to university. She had endured years of abuse from her father, leading her to run away from home for a period and subsequently return to school after a two-year hiatus. When I first encountered her, she bore the scars of her experiences. Her dream was to study photography, and with the assistance of some friends, she became part of a women’s support group. Through their support, she managed to secure a scholarship for her education, purchase a camera, and pursue her passion for photography at the university. In addition, we conducted an in-depth interview with a sex worker who candidly shared the difficulties that had compelled her to enter this profession despite her desire not to do so. She was a mother of three and had divorced her addicted husband. For four years, she had hidden her profession from her family and daughters. At the time of our meeting, she had been working in a hotel for about a year and a half. Unfortunately, she lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to return to sex work to make ends meet. Through her, we were introduced to her close friend, a woman living with a suspicious husband who restricted her from leaving their home. She had made two suicide attempts, clandestinely made pickles to hide her activities from her husband, and used his money to support their daughters, son, and elderly mother. Despite these challenges, she held onto hope for a better future for her three children. All three of her daughters excelled in school, and she endured these hardships with the vision of a brighter tomorrow for them. The day following our encounter with these women, we conducted two photography sessions in some of Tehran’s most upscale areas. In our first session, we met a woman who was part of a mystical circle. Although the activities of this mystical group had been prohibited in Iran, its followers continued to gather. Financially, she lived in complete comfort, but after her children had grown up, she experienced a profound sense of emptiness. Joining this group provided her with the motivation to overcome her depression. We also encountered another young woman who divulged very little about her family circumstances. Despite her financial prosperity and both her parents being doctors, she harbored deep dissatisfaction with her life. Her attempt to share her story ended in tears, leading us to make an ethical decision not to press further. However, she did mention her struggles with excessive alcohol consumption and her battle with depression, including a failed suicide attempt. The pandemic had brought the loss of both her father and mother, which had a profound impact on her. She shared her journey of making lifestyle changes and how she had managed to improve her mental well-being through yoga, integrating her practice into her life. Through her, we got to know a young woman whose family had Afghan immigrant roots and resided in Iran. Although she was born in Iran, she did not possess Iranian citizenship, which left her without access to many social rights. She used to work at an underground beauty salon where her earnings were meager due to the unofficial nature of her work. However, she managed to establish connections with a group of women in Tehran. Most of these women avoided public salons and opted for beauty services at home, albeit at a higher cost. As a result, her income improved significantly. She held a strong interest in yoga and attempted to learn it through social media. She also had plans to immigrate. Later, I discovered that she had succeeded in relocating to Germany and was teaching yoga at a migrant shelter. In the midst of these encounters, we were introduced to a pregnant woman who had overcome her doubts and, despite her fears about her child’s future, had made the decision to become a mother. We met her in her studio; she was a sculptor and lamented that her profession was not recognized as legitimate by those around her. During the pandemic, she became a mother, and she occasionally sends me pictures of her child. Amidst all these experiences, we decided to explore one of the well-known suburban areas around Tehran. This district had been developed through land acquisition, and disputes over ownership documents had long been a source of contention between the residents and the government. It was here that we encountered two remarkable women. The first woman, in collaboration with her husband, operated a shop where they sold homemade food products. The second woman had overcome substantial challenges to establish her own hair salon. While my contact with them has ceased, their stories continue to fill me with immense joy. They both held a strong passion for generating income and achieving financial independence, and I hope they persist in forging their own paths with resilience. In the most recent update I received about the group of women I had photographed, there was a woman who specialized in crafting homemade food products. She was a spirited and dynamic woman who had raised seven children after her husband’s passing. Tragically, she passed away on the first day of the Persian New Year. One of the most haunting memories from this project was the encounter with a woman stranded behind one of the women’s shelters, standing in the pouring rain. She was battling a meth addiction, and her children had abandoned her. She had lost her way on the metro, arriving at the shelter after the designated hours. The rain was relentless. She candidly shared her life story but declined financial assistance for a night’s stay in a budget hotel, instead choosing to spend the night under the sheltered cover of a wall. These were the stories I heard — lessons in resilience and effort, tales of victory and defeat, patience, and the endurance of life. Lives that appeared broken but had somehow risen anew, brimming with hidden narratives. People with interconnected stories, carrying both fear and hope. As the Women Life Freedom Movement unfolded on the streets of Iran, I found myself in Dubai. Due to my support for the protesters on my personal Instagram page, I received security threats. I watched these brave women on the streets from behind the screen of my phone, yet it felt as though I knew them. I sensed the hope beneath their courage, the courage of women who, despite severe oppression, were determined to transform their lives and break free from the dominance of male family members and the government. Although I couldn’t physically travel to Iran, my heart was heavy with sorrow and concern for those who were being killed, injured, or detained. Nevertheless, I hold onto hope. This photo story project has taught me that the Iranian women’s desire for change is so astonishing that they can overcome any obstacle. Sogol Khalkhalian Adventurer/ Documentarian/ Yogi National Geographic Magazine Explorer Vincent Lyn CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children Deputy Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC) Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts

Siberia-Yamal-Salekhard - 2021 For some people, traveling may merely represent a change in surroundings. But for me, it embodies the very essence of existence—a harmonious fusion of body and soul amidst vast landscapes. My journeys often beckon me towards disparities: from serene hideaways to bustling urban cores, the visible disparities within society, the extremities of our planet's climates, and the majestic interplay of mountains and oceans. I've come to regard contrast as the wellspring of creativity. It's within these distinctions that I find myself most invigorated, most impassioned. This profound urge to explore has driven me to capture moments through photography, narrate tales in documentaries, and even discover design inspiration. Yet, at its core, it's a craving—a yearning to witness, to listen, to experience the world in its unfiltered immediacy. My connection with travel runs profound and intricate. I've frequently pondered: Why does the routine of everyday life fail to captivate me? Why do I experience a sense of detachment from city living, seeking solace solely in the arms of nature? Each expedition seems like a step deeper into self-discovery, with each stride shaping facets of my being. Chapter One: During my childhood, I was an inexhaustible wellspring of energy. I was a spirited young girl, often discovering myself outside the confines of the classroom, much to the bewilderment of my family, who sometimes reacted strongly to redirect my enthusiasm. During such moments, I would seek refuge in quiet corners, finding companionship in animals and engaging in wordless conversations. This was my serene escape. My early years unfolded in a residence located in Tehran's Darroos district. It was there, within its garden, that I constructed a small brick sanctuary—a space where I cared for the animals I stumbled upon. This profound connection with nature planted the seeds of a greater passion for exploring its marvels. These experiences felt like chapters in a childhood adventure set against the backdrop of nature's expansive canvas. The intricacies of a leaf, the textures of trees, the graceful movements of water, or the tales concealed within a grain of sand—all of them taught me the art of concentration, the ability to truly perceive. Nature, in all its restorative magnificence, provided a sanctuary from the whirlwinds of my vivacious childhood. Chapter Two: Boundaries and Their Essence My first glimpse of the Berlin Wall crumbling came through a Pink Floyd music video. Later, a family friend who had witnessed this historic event recounted the euphoria of that moment. They emphasized that borders were not merely physical structures; they were the threads that wove thousands of lives together before tearing them apart. Borders and travel had always been intertwined in my mind. Borders, after all, were nothing more than lines on paper, separating people and delineating territories. It was this very concept that ignited my desire to explore these demarcated divisions firsthand. For me, borders had always been a source of fascination, turning travel into more than just an adventure or a historical expedition; it became a profound exploration of societal dynamics. Borders weren't confined to lines on maps alone. Invisible barriers, separating genders, ethnicities, religions, and social classes, often wielded more power than the visible ones. They existed within cities, molding an individual's world. Wandering through a city was a way to challenge these boundaries, unveiling microcultures, lifestyles, labels, and exclusions. Borders had taught me that in order to truly expand our horizons, to understand people from diverse cultures, and to eradicate bias in our judgments, we must transcend both visible and invisible societal boundaries. We should lend an ear to stories from different worlds, embracing coexistence, empathy, and tolerance. Pakistan-Kalash - 2022 Chapter Three: Confronting Our Apprehensions Since childhood, there have always been individuals discouraging me from venturing into the unfamiliar. I've hurdled over all the fears and the discouragements I've encountered—those stemming from my gender, those attempting to confine me, a woman, within the domestic sphere and confined spaces, and various apprehensions such as the fear of getting lost, encountering harm, encountering deception, and various forms of exploitation. Travel inevitably comes with geographical, cultural, and cognitive disorientation. Some of these fears have legitimate foundations, and I, too, experienced trepidation. My antidote to these fears was diligent research. What lay ahead of me? Reading travel accounts, studying ethnographies, perusing online accounts by amateur travelers, delving into the intricacies of local customs, and discovering methods to comprehend indigenous cultures offered me some guidance. It pointed out areas where I should avoid venturing alone or proceed with caution. Always, I sought insights from locals that would illuminate my path, forging friendships made more accessible through digital tools, and adopting numerous strategies to protect women from various potential hazards. When we position ourselves against the unfamiliar while traveling, we inevitably embrace a certain degree of risk. Nevertheless, immersing ourselves in resources at times makes us so well-acquainted with a society that it feels as though we are stepping into familiar territory. Chapter Four: The Adventurous Motherhood As a mother with a zest for adventure, when my daughter was a mere five months old, I secured her in a backpack and ventured off to enjoy a skiing trip. This marked the most formidable aspect of my expedition: surmounting a societal framework that typically confines motherhood to the domestic sphere, tethering the nurturing of a child exclusively to the home's four walls. These societal pressures coalesce to ensure the preservation of the taboos surrounding the archetype of a 'good mother.' The influence of familial structures, entrenched patriarchal ideals, and various cultural norms that pertain to both women and men can be burdensome. Even when you defy these conventions, the pervasive patriarchal culture keeps you entangled in the web of maternal guilt. My motives were not overly intricate. I was a young mother, driven by two fundamental convictions: firstly, if Eskimo children could thrive in the Arctic or African children could endure adverse conditions, why couldn't my child? Secondly, I believed that the most valuable lesson I could impart to my daughter as a mother was to demonstrate how people from diverse cultures and religions could peacefully coexist. In due course, during her own upbringing, my daughter conveyed an even more profound lesson to me. Observing children of different nationalities and races playing together, and her innate inclination to form friendships with strangers, revealed to me how our minds harbor a preconceived hierarchy laden with labels. Together, my daughter and I embarked on an extensive journey, successfully challenging numerous gender stereotypes along the way. China - 2018 Chapter Five: The Allure of The Expedition The journey exerts a magical allure, casting a spell that eclipses the enchantment of everything else. When I set out for the Maasai community in Kenya, I had not foreseen the profound impact it would have on me. After years of travel, watching documentaries, and following the work of photographers, I believed I had grown adept in my voyages. Accompanied by a local guide I had befriended during a prior visit to the Maasai, I ventured into their village. They had promised me an opportunity to witness a rite-of-passage ceremony. I donned traditional attire and partook in their dances. Young men entered the arena, engaging in wrestling matches, and we indulged in a feast featuring hunted meat. Slowly, I began to discern something extraordinary: women changing from their customary clothing into modern garments, the village chief engaging with the young men, and eventual farewells. These were moments concealed from the gaze of the average tourist. I ran my fingers over the walls and realized their ornamental purpose. In subsequent journeys, I became more vigilant, diligently seeking the demarcation between authenticity and performance. Initially, I was taken aback, as though genuine cultures were eroding. However, I soon came to understand that we often suffer from a form of cultural shortsightedness, unable to perceive the unadulterated essence of cultures during our travels. Travel compels us to scrutinize everything rigorously, to question, to delve until we attain the desired depth—an understanding of culture that separates us from the superficial pleasures of the stereotypical tourist. Chapter Six: Navigating the Abyss The tumultuous waters of the Drake Passage have forever beckoned daring sailors, enticing them with visions of the South Pole. To navigate these waters, one must endure three relentless days on a ship that never truly finds respite. The waves and storms are so ferocious that the ship is in a perpetual state of upheaval, with everything thrown into disarray. Seasickness becomes an unwelcome companion, and even tightly secured belts offer little solace as they're lifted by the turbulence. Amidst these tempests, I found myself pondering: Was my journey merely a quest to check off uncharted territories on my map? Had I unwittingly entered into a race? Most importantly, thoughts of my daughter, waiting for my return far away at home, haunted me. I wished I had left her a note. In the whirlwind of emotions, I confronted a profound fear—the fear of death. It was a fear I had always casually brushed aside, but now it stared me in the face. If my life were to be cut short, had I truly savored its myriad experiences? Why had I willingly plunged into such peril? In that tumultuous abyss, I came face to face with the deepest layers of my soul. It was as if life had held up a mirror to my innermost self. Yet, as the journey drew to a close, the storm within me subsided. Unbeknownst to myself, each expedition had been a quest to confront my innermost fears and voids: descending into the depths of the ocean to conquer my childhood fear of confined spaces, confronting other fears rooted in my youth, and even addressing the fear of homelessness that led me to choose a life under tents and makeshift shelters. Papua New Guinea - 2023 The Final Step: A verse from the renowned Persian poet Hafez resonates deeply within me: "In the end, you'll become the clay in the potter's hands." Fate has blessed me with a supportive family who understood my dreams, a daughter who forgave my absences, and opportunities to collaborate with esteemed institutions like National Geographic. While my determination and strategies, such as promoting airline brands in exchange for free trips, paved the way, there are moments when destiny gently rests upon one's shoulder, granting cherished desires. I pen this final chapter as a reminder to myself: many aspire to make travel their life's work but remain unfulfilled. It's not always about qualifications; others may even surpass me in merit. I cherish this privilege and aspire to inspire others with my stories, offering insights and solutions. I, too, am a devotee of travel narratives, eternally pursuing the dream of turning the impossible into reality. Sogol Khalkhalian Addventurer/ Documentarian/ Yogi National Geographic Magazine Exlporer Vincent Lyn CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children Deputy Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC) Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts