23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Farafar Gate

Through the cracked adobe gateway of Farafar Gate in the ancient city of Saryazd, a lone statue emerges in the distance—frozen mid-motion, yet full of tension and life. The fractured wall frames the sculpture like a silent witness to centuries of history, creating a dialogue between decay and resilience, stillness and movement. This photograph explores the contrast between earth-built architecture and the dynamic form beyond it, revealing how time shapes both art and structure.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: saryazd, Iran
Camera: Galaxy S23 Ultra
Copyright: © danial javadi