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Ali Abbas -The Other Horses
magazine.landscapestories.net
Since the 1850s Lahore has annually witnessed the Shabih-e Zuljinaḥ processions which play a vital role in the mourning rituals of the Yaum-e Ashura. Lahore’s largest and most notable Zuljinaḥ procession emerges from Nisar Haveli in Mochi gate, travels its assigned route around the walled city, Lahore, Pakistan and culminates at Karbala Gamay Shah just as the azan for Maghrib prayer rings out.
Ali’s series, which he started working on in 2014 inspired by essay Why Look At Animals? By John Berger and his memories of participation in these rituals since childhood. He is currently photographing the spaces, people, iconography and other integral elements of these processions on Ashura (The 10th of Muharram) in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. In these processions are “The Zuljinaḥ” (Replicas of the Horse of Imam Hussain) is the center of focus as reincarnation of the Zuljinah horse. What is the significance of these animals in Shia Islam folklore? No one rides them because of devotion. How their relationship revolve backstage with the caretakers. The Zuljinah are meant to be symbols of hope, loyalty and consigner of the prayers for their believers. In Shia Islam, animals mourn too. These horses are kept with special care, trained and prepared throughout the year for their baramdaghi (Projection) in these processions after the curtain is lifted.