DIANA MARKOSIAN, RUSSIA
CHECHNYA: BACK TO RELIGION
Nowadays, the Chechen Republic is part of the Russian Federation. While religion was banned during the time when Chechnya was part of the Soviet Union, the current regime of President Ramzan Kadyrov is pursuing a religious agenda based on Islamic traditions. These traditions are supposed to strengthen society’s moral values and act as a bulwark against “moral decline”. Russian photographer Diana Markosian, who lives in the USA, tried to capture the religious influence on the life of teenage girls during her seven-month stay in Chechnya from 2011 to 2012.
All women in Chechnya must now wear headscarves in public schools and state buildings. They are also frequently required to wear a version of the Hijab that covers the whole body. Regular prayers have also become part of the daily routine. Relationships between girls and boys are under strong supervision. Any intimacies prior to marriage are strictly prohibited. In turn, the regime encourages young people to marry early and have many children.

© Diana Markosian/Getty Images emerging photographers
Curriculum Vitae: Diana Markosian
