(IN)TANGIBLE HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

The importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next. While fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. In this paper the camera’s journey in Iran as a mean of recording, expressing and safeguarding of cultural heritage specifically Intangible cultural heritage and endeavors of Iranian photographers in this area will be discussed and the effectiveness of their attempts will be studied in throughout the history. One true epitome is Nasrollah Kasraian, called the “father of Iranian ethno-photography”, who traveled around Iran taking pictures of all ethnic groups. He and his wife, anthropologist Ziba Arshi, have documented the lives of various populations living within the borders of Iran. He has had a major contribution to Iran’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Another Prominent example is Reza Deghati. Although he is known as photojournalist, the footsteps of culture, identity and ethnography of Iran are evident in his photos. This approach is also evident in a great deal in documentary photographers from its appearance. Costumes, rituals and beliefs of Iranians in different ethnicities are fully reflected in their photos and have become inalienable part of their photos. Photographers like Bahman Jalali, Kaveh Golestan, Abbas Attar, Alfred Yaghoubzadeh and etc. can be mentioned in this regard. There can also be found an array of photographers in the history of Iran whose photos intentionally or unintentionally carry forms of ethnography, culture and identity. This will be studied in this paper.