Ramadan reflections

A solo photography exhibition of German photographer Christel Becker-Rau ,titled “Ramadan Reflections” , is on at Goethe Institute, Dhanmondi. Rau was born in 1948 in Germany. She studied photography and visual communication in Cologne and Essen in Germany. At the exhibition, 58 images depict the cultural diversity of Ramadan in different countries of the Middle East such as Egypt , Jordan and Palestine. She is particularly adept in utilising natural light to create pleasing photographs of her subjects. Her images are very vivid and simple, but thought provoking.
Lt. Gen. Nooruddin Khan PSC, President of Institute of Hazrat Mohammad (SAW) was present as chief guest at the inauguration on August 12. Italian Catholic Father Mimmo Pietanza, chief in charge of the Xaverian Congregation in Bangladesh, Father Benjamin Gomez, Catholic Church Mymensingh were present as guests.
One of her photos depicts tiny boys selling lettuce for Iftar on a street market. The photo has been taken in Palestine.
Another picture portrays a busy life. Everybody has the same goal: to get home in time and enjoy breaking the fast with the family. The photo has been taken in Jerusalem. Light is the predominant aspect in the image.
One of her image has a different focus. The crescent of the new moon can be seen and the Islamic Scholar announces the beginning of Ramadan which was awaited with enthusiasm and impatience.
A Cairo night is very special for its citizens. During the Ramadan, the city is immersed in festivity. People gather here and there. Evening feasts, family celebrations and mutual visits after sunset make Ramadan nights an exhausting yet unique experience.
Some of her images depict people enjoying iftar in different streets of Jordan, the daily chaos in the streets, the traffic jams, shortly before the fast breaking, when everybody tries to get home as quickly as possible.
One of her images show at dawn the whole city gathers in overcrowded mosques and under the open sky in order to offer prayers together.
Another image shows family visitors in countryside areas in Cairo. In this photograph she has captured the unique beauty of nature.
The photographer also
focuses on iftar menus, like steaming pots filled with lentil soup, fried chicken, grilled dove, beans with tomato sauce, different custards, spicy foods and different kinds of drinks which are on display in the streets.
“What I also remember deeply from that time in the Middle East is the social dimension of Ramadan: charity and welfare for the poor who are invited to long tables covered with delicious meals so that they can satisfy their hunger. Impressed by the deep belief, I can still hear “Allah Hu Akbar”, the call to prayer of the Muezzins,” said the photographer.