Zaria, Nigeria

Zaria is a city in northern Nigeria you can no longer access these days as a foreigner. Years ago, the atmosphere was already heavy. In the streets, you would meet boys on their way to the Koranic school. They were forced to memorise the Quran. March 1990. Zaria est une ville du Nord du Nigeria…

Ankpa, Nigeria

Masquerades are a traditional cultural expression in many parts of Nigeria. I took this picture in the small town of Ankpa in Kogi state. Masked people may even go into a trance and as a photographer you do not always feel comfortable. March 1990. Les processions masquées sont une expression culturelle traditionnelle dans beaucoup de…

Cairo, Egypt

Khan el-Khalili is the old bazaar in Cairo. The bazaar district used to be one of the city’s main attractions for tourists. I am not sure nowadays you still feel safe walking there on your own. November 2002. Khan el-Khalili est le vieux bazar du Caire. Le quartier du bazar a été longtemps une des…

Geji, Nigeria

According to Joshua Project stats, there are no more than 6,000 representatives of the Geji ethnic group in the world. I still remember the day I met them in 1990. Like all other women, this grandmother had some tattoos and holes on her face, above and below her lips. I remember people commenting she looked…

Ouarzazate, Morocco

Ouarzazate is mostly inhabited by Berbers, who built many of the prominent kasbahs for which the town is known. Since ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ in 1962, the area is a noted film making location. However, it seems this industry did not benefit the whole population. November 1997. Ourzazate est principalement habitée par des Berbères qui ont…

Saint-Leu, Reunion

Even though they may not be very rich, creole women in the Reunion island know how to dress with elegance. I liked the way this lady’s blouse matched her sun umbrella. November 2013. Même si elles ne sont pas très riches, les femmes créoles de l’île de la Réunion savent s’habiller avec élégance. J’ai aimé…