Photography is a universal language that tells unique stories with unparalleled emotional power. Among the emerging talents in the world of documentary photography, Anush Babajanian, an Armenian photographer, stands out for her ability to capture the essence of social messages. Her remarkable work has been recognized internationally with her recent prestigious 2023 World Press Photo Long Term Project Award.
In the project titled “Battered Waters,” a series of photographs address the pressing issue of water scarcity in Central Asia. Created in collaboration with VII Photo and the National Geographic Society, the series was unanimously praised for its ability to raise awareness of a crucial issue of our time. The images Babajanian captures immerse us in the harsh realities of communities affected by the environmental crisis, while shedding light on the beauty and resilience of people struggling to survive.
Access to water is one of the most debated local issues in Central Asia today. Four landlocked countries are competing for water supplies, a situation intensified by the climate crisis. For decades, the interdependence between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, upstream on the Sirdarya and Amudarya rivers, and Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, downstream, has encouraged peaceful interaction over the use of water resources.
But drought, conflicting needs and poor resource management are disrupting long-standing cooperation. The post-Soviet independence of the four countries, the subsequent rise of nationalist sentiments, and the rise of privatised industries further contribute to this imbalance.
The dissolution of the Soviet subsidy system has had cascading effects on water management in Central Asia. Upstream countries, in a bid to generate more power during winter, have been releasing greater volumes of water, resulting in downstream flooding. This also means there’s less water available for irrigation during the crucial summer months. The situation is further exacerbated by recent severe droughts.
By February 2022, the alarming state of water scarcity became evident when the Toktogul dam in Kyrgyzstan held a mere 8.6 billion cubic meters (bcm) of water. This is significantly below its full capacity of 19.5 bcm and perilously close to the critical 5.5 bcm mark, beyond which the dam is deemed “dead” and can no longer produce hydropower.
Compounding the issue, glaciers in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, vital reservoirs of freshwater, are in retreat. While this initially results in a surge of water flow, it’s a deceptive boon. In the long run, as these glaciers diminish, the region will likely face even more acute water shortages.
The work of Anush Babajanyan
The photographer documents the struggles of people living in this region who have been dealing with water management issues for many years.
"Water is intertwined with existence. People's lives are changing because the climate is changing and they have to adapt to that too. I wanted to capture that powerful spirit. One of the reasons I'm glad this project was the winner is that it means I can share the story with a wider audience. Stories from Central Asia aren't covered enough."
– Anush Babajanyan
Upon viewing Anush Babajanyan’s captivating imagery, it’s evident that she possesses an innate ability to convey profound messages. Her photographs pulsate with emotion, capturing raw moments of vulnerability, bravery, and optimism in the faces of those she encounters. Their expressions and gestures resonate universally, transcending linguistic confines and forging an immediate connection with the observer.
Central to Babajanyan’s artistry is her unwavering dedication to the communities she captures. She immerses herself, taking the time to genuinely listen, comprehend, and bond with her subjects. This deep engagement enables her to craft images that surpass traditional documentary confines, emerging as genuine reflections of the daily realities of those who grace her frames.
Before delving into the pressing issue of water scarcity in Central Asia, Anush Babajanyan dedicated over six years to capturing the essence of Nagorno-Karabakh. Her poignant collection, titled “Restless Home,” chronicles the harrowing aftermath of conflict and forced displacement on communities. Yet, amidst the devastation, the project also illuminates the indomitable spirit and resilience of these communities as they confront myriad challenges.
Anush Babajanyan, a distinguished member of the Photo Agency VII and an esteemed explorer for National Geographic, has seen her evocative photographs grace the pages of prominent media outlets. Publications like The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, and Foreign Policy Magazine have showcased her work, attesting to its global resonance. In recognition of her unparalleled talent and dedication, she was honored with the Canon Award for Female Photojournalist in 2019.
Born in Yerevan, Armenia in 1983, Anush pursued her passion for storytelling by studying journalism at the American University in Bulgaria. Upon graduating in 2006, she embarked on her professional journey with the BBC Monitoring Service in Yerevan as an independent contractor. Here, she delved into women’s issues in Armenia and chronicled the aftermath of the devastating Gyumri earthquake.
A significant portion of Anush’s photographic narrative revolves around the intricate peace-building processes between Armenia and its neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan. One of her enduring projects captures the poignant tales of young Armenians in Istanbul, as they navigate the complexities of their identity.
In 2013, Anush’s dedication to fostering understanding and unity was recognized when she was awarded a grant from the Open Society Foundation. This grant supported her vision for a documentary photography project aimed at identifying common ground between Armenia and Turkey. Stemming from this vision, she co-founded the #BridgingStories project. This initiative unites budding photographers from both Turkey and Armenia, using the universal language of imagery to bridge the divide between the two nations.
Through Anush’s evocative imagery, she compels us to pause, feel, and educate ourselves about the pressing social and environmental challenges that transcend national boundaries. Her work serves as a poignant reminder and a clarion call for introspection and action. In an era where global interconnectedness is becoming ever more evident, artists like Babajanian play a pivotal role in highlighting these links.
Explore the compelling images from the “Battered Waters” series here.
For a deeper dive into Anush Babajanyan’s diverse projects, visit her personal website at https://anushbabajanyan.org/.
