In 1998, Steve McCurry visited Kashmir, determined to explore every aspect of this remote and extraordinarily beautiful region—long at the heart of the conflict between India and Pakistan, divided by Hindu and Muslim faiths.
The photographs from this journey reveal the daily life of those who inhabit this extreme land: timeless images of rituals and customs that have survived despite years of turmoil, in a place once known as “paradise.”
The person portrayed here is a Kuchi nomad, a Muslim.
In Persian, Kuchi means “migration.” These nomads live in northern India with their herds of goats, cattle, horses, and camels. McCurry decided to document their ancient lifestyle—one likely destined to disappear.
His beard, dyed in bright orange, reflects a common custom among older men who use henna for this purpose.
McCurry noticed him while passing through the center of Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir.
The man was leading his camels through the busy streets; McCurry stopped him amid the traffic and the animals, and the man agreed to pose for a few portraits.