Encounter Zone: Alfred Yaghobzadeh Photographs from the Iran-Iraq War: A Requiem (1980-1988)

Alfred Yaghobzadeh, born and raised in Tehran, Iran, emerged from the diverse cultural tapestry of an Armenian father and an Assyrian mother. In 1979, the Iranian revolution disrupted his studies in interior design, prompting him to redirect his focus towards capturing the tumultuous streets of Tehran through the lens of his camera. At the tender age of nineteen, he delved into the heart of the Iran-Iraq War, documenting its harrowing repercussions. This formative experience not only steered the course of his career but also dictated the avenues through which his work found representation. He embarked on his journey with Associated Press before transitioning to the esteemed Paris-based agencies, Gamma and Sigma. Subsequently, he spent two pivotal years chronicling Lebanon’s civil strife for Newsweek before finding his home at Sipa Press, where he dedicated twenty-three years to his craft.

Alfred’s assignments have propelled him across the globe, where he has borne witness to breaking news and major conflicts in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. He has braved the perils of war, enduring injuries and captivity during Lebanon’s tumultuous period. His unwavering resolve led him to the frontlines of Chechnya, where he narrowly escaped life-threatening danger. Beyond conflict zones, he has documented humanitarian crises, political upheavals, and an array of subjects, showcasing his versatility as a photojournalist.

His early work in Iran is prominently featured in two books, War Iran-Iraq (1980) and Faces of War (1981). His extensive coverage of Palestine and Israel over thirteen years culminated in the publication of Paix promise [Promised Peace] (1994). Inspired by the collapse of Communism and the dawn of religious freedom in Eastern Europe, Alfred embarked on an exhaustive exploration of Christianity across twenty-four countries. This monumental project spanned a decade and resulted in numerous magazine features, complemented by exhibitions in Perpignan, Milan, and Budapest. Additionally, he published a comprehensive book titled Les Chrétiens du monde [Christianity around the World] (2002).

Alfred’s contributions to photojournalism have earned him accolades such as the World Press Photo first prize, first place in the American Overseas Press Club, and the NPPA Best of Photojournalism award. He has also been honored with the top prize at the International Festival of Journalism and Scoop in Angers, as well as the Fuji Europe Awards. Having served as a member of the World Press Photo jury, Alfred continues to inspire with his exemplary storytelling through the lens.

His captivating photographs have been featured in renowned international publications like Stern, Time, Geo, Newsweek, Paris Match, Elle, Figaro Magazine, National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Life, El Pais, The Guardian, and Oggi, gracing their covers and pages with compelling imagery.

In 2024, Alfred unveiled a poignant testament to his early photographic odyssey with the publication of War (Photographs from the Iran-Iraq War; A Requiem: 1980–1988). This seminal work encapsulates the haunting imagery of a conflict that shaped a generation, offering a solemn tribute to the lives lost and the enduring scars of war. Alfred emphasizes that the photos in this book represent all the people of Iran: “All of Iran is present in this book.”

Project Manager: Atoosa Alebouyeh
Project Team: Javid Ghaem Maghami, Shakiba Abdollahian, Reza Hasani, Erfan Aghighi,  Sahand Lavasani, Mehrnaz Nourozian and Sharzin Hajilou