23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A Rooted Competition in the Heart of Nature

The story belongs to the Bakhtiari Lur horsemen, who during a festive ceremony place a piece of cloth on top of a stick in the center of an open field. The riders are then asked to grab the red cloth while galloping. This ritual has ancient roots and symbolizes the coming of age of tribal boys. Whoever succeeds in taking the red cloth receives a reward and is regarded as a worthy young man.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Chaharmahal Bakhtiari, Kohrang Mountains, Iran
Camera: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Copyright: © Shirkoo MAMAGHA