Five Years Later, a Photographer Revisits the Arab Spring

Moises Saman's "Discordia" takes us on a poetic—and personal—journey through the embattled Middle East.

Moises Saman's new book, Discordia, is a visual account of the events of the Arab Spring, compiled over four years living in the Middle East. We recently spoke to him about how this project–and his work–have evolved.

And at some point, you, as a photographer, have to come to terms with the fact that there's limitations to what you do, especially if you’re a Westerner shooting in another country. The moment you realize your limitations, your work also becomes honest.

My images may not read as straight news photography anymore but I am really enjoying working on stories that require me to be flexible and read between the lines.

I also did not want to have a Middle Eastern title because it was

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet