TITLE: Echoes of prayer

Captured in Arafat, Makkah, this photograph reflects a moment of stillness within one of the most spiritually significant gatherings in the world. The minaret rises in quiet solitude, standing as a symbol of permanence and devotion, while a flock of birds moves freely around it, introducing rhythm and life into the open sky.

The contrast between stillness and motion forms the core of this work. Architecture remains grounded and unwavering, while the birds trace fleeting paths above, echoing the human experience of faith — rooted, yet constantly in movement. The absence of visible figures allows the space itself to speak, transforming the scene into a meditation on presence rather than documentation.

Rendered in black and white, the image strips away distraction, emphasizing form, light, and silence. This visual restraint invites contemplation, encouraging the viewer to pause and reflect on the quiet moments where collective devotion and personal introspection intersect.

Echoes of Prayer is not a record of an event, but an exploration of atmosphere, balance, and the unseen dialogue between belief, space, and time.

AUTHOR: Omar Alsuwat (Saudi Arabia)

A visual artist and photographer whose work explores the subtle interplay between light, shadow, and meaning. My lens seeks more than what is immediately visible; it captures moments where the ordinary becomes profound, and where simplicity unfolds into layers of contemplation.