23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Pilgrims of the Road

A group portrait of pilgrims walking on foot from Neyshabur to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, Iran. Every year, devotees undertake this arduous multi-day journey across the desert roads to participate in religious ceremonies. The image captures the camaraderie, determination, and diversity of ages among the men and boys, pausing for a moment on the hot

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Neyshabur, Iran
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Seyyed Mostafa Yousefi