Abdullah Al-Malki: Makkah Behind the Scenes
On social media, Abdullah Al-Malki’s profile photo shows a black and white side profile shot with headphones on and a short-cropped artists’ beard. He instantly gives off a cool, hipster vibe. He cares deeply about his work and conveying emotion through his artistic expressions.
Abdullah grew up in Abha, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, but moved in the holy city of Makkah as a teenager to pursue his education. He has been based there ever since.
As an artist, Abdullah seeks to establish a real connection with his subjects before he uses his camera. He sees his camera as a tool to transmit these human emotions: “I want to tell the story about these people— these frames in time using a visual medium like photography— to bring out the emotions in a photograph. For me, this usually reflects a spiritual connection that has been experienced.”
Makkah is an excellent place for combining cultural street photography with spirituality. The city attracts two million Muslim pilgrims a year from all over the world as they partake in the Hajj, one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. Abdullah’s work brings viewers behind the scenes in Islam’s holiest city to get a sense for what it feels like to be there, wrapped up in the emotions and spirituality of a pilgrimage.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. People line up in prayer during the Hajj pilgrimage. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Where did you grow up and how has your upbringing helped shape your photographic style?
I grew up in Abha, Asir Province, in the south of Saudi Arabia. Growing up in Abha had a lot to do in shaping my personality, but the biggest influence in my life so far has been moving to Makkah to study and find more stability. This has enhanced my true character.
Most of the struggles I faced have been in the street, learning how to connect with my subjects. This became a prominent part of my work in Makkah because of its nature as a religious sanctuary, and one can find all kinds of people here. However, starting a natural, comfortable conversation with people on the street wasn’t that easy, but I slowly got over this awkwardness with time and practice.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The face of a pilgrim from Tajikistan. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Up close portrait of an old man pilgrim in Mecca. Abdullah Al-Malki.
How did you first get into photography and where does your inspiration come from?
My introduction to photography came in two dimensions. The first dimension has to do with my father. In the 80s he had a camera and would photograph every one of our family events, everywhere we went. I think his love for the camera took a hold on me in a way or another.
The second dimension happened when I changed cities. When I moved to Makkah I witnessed a lot of emotions and scenes made me wonder: “Why are people not able to see these feelings and how can I transmit these emotional scenes to other people?” From here, I thought about how to use my camera to translate my visual experiences in this great city to others.
Watching people— simply watching humans for hours in the streets of Makkah just for the sake of seeing how they act and behave, the situations they were in, and how their different cultures reflected on their behaviours— is my passion and my inspiration too!
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A group of people gather to watch a volleyball game on the outskirts of the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. An African pilgrim rests with prayer beads. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A pilgrim rests on the rocks. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Your portraits show an incredible level of expression and intimacy with your subjects. What is your approach to capturing these images and what do you seek to depict through these connective, human moments in time?
I believe that my approach is found in mutual human connection and spiritual bonds between me and the subject. Sometimes I am able to get to know my subjects in a very deep way, and other times it is more about a simple human connection between them and me, which proved to be more than enough.
I want to tell the story about these people— these frames in time using a visual medium like photography— to bring out the emotions in a photograph. For me, this usually reflects a spiritual connection that has been experienced— this is exactly what I’m aiming for when I go for a photography walk. I seek to build a real connection with people.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. An old man sits on a stoop. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The face of an old pilgrim. Abdullah Al-Malki.
What have been some of the most emotionally moving places and subjects you have photographed in Saudi Arabia?
The most emotional moment I’ve experienced with my camera was in Makkah, on a holiday called Arafa. On this day, people gather at the Grand Mosque to participate in the ceremonies of the Hajj pilgrimage. The gathering is majestic, and there’s huge spiritual energy, it’s like no one can ignore this feeling.
Why did I feel this way I ask myself.
Besides being a Muslim, I believe this gathering has a lot of meaning for all human spirituality and shows the power of collective emotion, which I think can be seen in the picture and can be felt by being present during this ceremony.
I have yet to miss an opportunity to document the Hajj since I moved to Makkah, but in the last 3 years, I found myself getting lost in the moment and feeling the presence of a higher dimension of the people’s souls more than being aware to take a picture. And this is a great feeling.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A man prays at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Abdullah Al-Malki.
What are some places in the Kingdom you are looking to explore and what about these places do you find to be special?
I believe that there are many places in Saudi Arabia worth exploring, some I already know and some I have yet to experience. Maybe in the future, I am thinking about moving between these places, specifically in the southern areas like Asir, Jazan, and Najran.
Some of these places I’ve been to before, but not in my current mindset and new artistic and social awareness. Now I want to explore them again. One of them is the village I grew up in, the place where my father and ancestors also grew up in. This village is filled with stories and myths that I want to explore. It’s a small village between Al Abha and Taif, with a great cultural legacy and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The face of an Indian pilgrim in Mecca. Abdullah Al-Malki.
Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A couple take a rest during their pilgrimage to Mecca. Abdullah Al-Malki.
After visiting Saudi Arabia myself this year, I believe in showing people a different side to the country— a human side— that is not so often seen in Western media. How do you think your photographs can play a role in shifting outside perspectives of the Kingdom?
I agree with you, there is a certain “pattern” people look when it comes to Saudi Arabia, and it’s normally not a positive thing.
I believe it’s on us photographers and artists here to show the variety of Saudi Arabia’s educational and cultural sides, and help depict the depth and diversity of our people here in Saudi Arabia. That would lead to a better understanding of this spot on earth.
