The Probing Image: Urban History and interpreting Nature

"Hussain… I see that you don’t share images of natural landscapes from your travels," is a common comment I receive whenever I share stories about the urban scenes I observe during my journeys, but I have my reasons, which I will explain below.

History, archaeology, architecture, and anthropology; these are the realms of National Geographic, and they are also at the core of my interests, passions, and field of expertise. It is only natural, then, that I document my personal experiences related to these fields during my travels. If we reflect on the aforementioned areas, we find that they are all connected to human activity, whether in ancient or modern times. A brief visit to an archaeological site is often enough for one to grasp the essence of the place and gain at least a partial understanding of its history.

However, the same does not entirely apply to nature. I may be able to understand the essence of a building in a single visit and then share some concise information about it by, for example, identifying its architectural style and highlighting some of its unique features. But when it comes to natural landscapes, one cannot share meaningful insights without fully immersing in and exploring them. No matter how simple a natural landscape may seem, like a desert for instance, it is inherently more complex than anything built by human hands.

This may sound somewhat idealistic, but I find it difficult to truly savor a nature photograph unless the photographer has delved deep into the subject, capturing an image that could not be taken in a fleeting moment. Moreover, sharing such a photograph requires the photographer to have a thorough understanding of its background; geographic, scientific, and cultural. That is what is needed to shed light on the significance of taking said photograph. 

That is why I firmly believe that one cannot truly showcase nature unless they are an explorer of it. This is also why I hold a deep respect for those who walk through nature. They do not take shortcuts to enjoy a breathtaking view; instead, they navigate every path, both accessible and treacherous, to absorb knowledge from its original sources and draw physical and spiritual energy from the environment. As a result, their camera lenses capture images rich in depth and meaning, inspired by mother nature herself.

At National Geographic Al Arabiya, we have always been committed to sharing the creative works of Arab photographers across various fields. We also aspire to nurture a generation of explorers who traverse the vast expanse of the Arab World, sharing with us the wonders of their experiences through words and images. In an era of rapidly advancing knowledge tools such as artificial intelligence, the role of exploration becomes ever more vital. Without it, we would not be able to document experiences that reveal the true nature of our planet, its wonders that deserve celebration, its challenges that demand solutions, and its treasures that must be preserved.

And photography continues to play a significant role in uncovering the history of built environments and interpreting nature.

Hussain AlMoosawi: Acting Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Magazine Al Arabiya and Architectural Photographer.