The two factories together are as big as our local town. Scene of massive fighting in WW2. Apart from a train driver I saw nobody in either. One appeared to be completely shut down and in the other one it seemed just a steel hall was operating.
Div HQ of the 138 Red Banner Rifle Division which held Ludnikov's Island. This was not an island but was a small pocket of Soviet troops cut off from the rest of their army and with the Volga at their backs. There was no escape so they held in the face of the Germans.
carstenw wrote:
....However, it is a couple of steps up from most Middle Eastern countries, for example. .
Could you please mention which Middle Eastern countries you are talking about...Then we can properly compare on the basis of per capita income, infrastructure, health care, education, social net etc. Why not compare these with the west too since we are at it.
Let's not forget the homeless, the %age below poverty level. Oh, yes..how many hungry children?
carstenw wrote:
Have you been to Russia? Have you been to the middle east?
Russia?, no I have not been there.
Middle East..that is my home. I live here.
Now you tell me what makes you an expert on the Middle East. Is it just a camera tooting tourist propagating half truths
or repeating what was heard in some expat bar.
carstenw wrote:
Look, I have been to both. If you have not, the discussion can end here.
No. Being to both countries is like saying that I have visited most countries in the world ( fact ). That does not make me an expert.
You have avoided the question I originally asked.
Which countries of the Middle East have you visited, in what capacity and for how long..which gives you the expertise to
make erroneous and blanket statements about our region.
More importantly, did you personally mix with the local population of the region, visit their homes, share their bread.
Or was is just a guided tour in 5 star hotels..in and out with your camera.
There is a gentleman here posting photos from Dubai. That is not Dubai. He has just ventured into areas of an expat community and gives the impression that that could be Dubai.
So which Middle Eastern country have you spent time in and come to know its people to pass this grand judgement of yours.
I am not interested in some political discussion. You clearly feel wronged because you live in the middle east. This was neither my intention, nor my point. This is the end of the discussion from my side.
carstenw wrote:
I am not interested in some political discussion. You clearly feel wronged because you live in the middle east. This was neither my intention, nor my point. This is the end of the discussion from my side.
Neither do I want to continue this discussion. My issue is that laymen become armchair analysts and pronounce statements based on hearsay or ignorance.
I think I can safely say that I am photographing Dubai. It is Dubai. Bur Dubai and Deira. In Dubai
Where I have lived
For 9 years
Admittedly as a western expat I don't have the opportunity to break bread with the local populace, but my street shots are of workers who do the day to day manual labour, which the locals do not do. Why have a dog and bark yourself, after all.
These areas of town are full of life, energy and hubbub. They are the focal point of the original areas of the city which grew on either side of the creek as a trading hub. And that's where these workers do their work - in the old trading/wholesaling/souk areas of town. So guess what - it is Dubai.
Admittedly I don't shoot many photographs of locals. Do you know why? Cultural barriers. They're there, and I don't over step the mark.
Would you rather see what? 5* hotels, camels, multi million dollar boats, supercars, palaces? I can oblige, if you'd like. That's the more plastic modern version of the city, which has grown from the areas which I shoot street photography in.
I happen to love Phil's pictures and really couldn't care less which particular area of Dubai they were taken. I would also not be bothered if the pics didn't accurately represent what certain individuals feel is "proper" documentary. Besides, who are we to judge? It's funny, when I was an expat in SE Asia, I had a few similar comments on my pics. Some felt that it would somehow be better if I only captured the slums and decrepid areas....
dubaiphil has been in Dubai for 9 years! Must be a better life than where he is from. Better money, better standard of living.. Must be more than a few notches above Russia as Mr. Carsten emphasized.
I know why you don't shoot photos of local..it takes time to get to know them. And then there is indeed the cultural barrier. Living in gated compounds does not afford much local intermix.
You are there only because what you call the ' plastic ' version of the city exists. Else no need for you.
Gary happens to love Phil's pictures. More power to the both of you. I am not discussing the merits of Phil's pics ( some are nice ) but the context that is predominantly focussed on the Indian/Pakistani community in Dubai.
The Middle East is country of traditions. Deep rooted in history. Families can trace their origins to Abraham without going to genealogists. Closed Knit. The Gulf region more so.
Here is my grand uncle being greeted by my sons, my nephews and other of the younger generation.
