Today, Google pays tribute to Abbas Attar, the French-Iranian photographer and journalist whose lens captured the essence of conflicts, religions, and the human condition across the globe. Born on this day in 1944 in southeast Iran, Abbas embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photojournalism.
Abbas’s passion for photography blossomed early, eventually leading him to Paris, where he honed his craft and began his quest to document social developments in developing nations. His career took him to the front lines of history, where he covered wars, revolutions, and societal upheavals in places like Biafra, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the Middle East, including the Yom Kippur War of 1973, among others.
One of the pivotal moments in Abbas’s career was his coverage of the Iranian Revolution in 1978-1979. His groundbreaking work during this time was published in the influential book “Iran: the Confiscated Revolution,” shedding light on the rise of religious fundamentalism.
In the years that followed, Abbas turned his lens towards documenting the world’s major religions, starting with radical Islam in 1987. His work took on greater significance after 9/11, as he embarked on a seven-year journey through 16 countries in the Islamic world, capturing the aftermath and impact of the tragic event.
Abbas’s dedication to his craft and his profound humanistic approach to photography made him one of the greatest photographers of all time. His images continue to inspire and enlighten, encouraging future generations to seek clarity and understanding of our complex world.
Today, we celebrate Abbas Attar’s life and work, remembering his legacy as a visionary photojournalist who showed us the power of images to shape our understanding of the world and its people. Happy birthday, Abbas!
