The turban is the most powerful and obvious symbol of the Sikh identity.
For centuries the turban was worn in South Asia. Adorned by kings, wealthy landowners and holy men alike, the turban commanded respect and over the ages it became a signifier of power and status.
With the birth of Sikhism, the role of the turban took on a different meaning. It established a new way of life, helping eradicate notions of inequality and class and led to caste liberation and gender equality.
Historically, Sikhs were persecuted because of the turban and unshorn hair, but today these are symbols of revolution, non-conformity and style.
London exhibition private view
Turbans and Tales is the last chapter of a project we created titled the Sikh Project, it explored the way the turban was worn but modern Sikhs.
We photographed thirty four UK Sikhs and thirty six US Sikhs and held exhibitions in London, New York and across America.
Combining the seventy two portraits into a two hundred and forty five page best selling book, Turbans and Tales was released through Unbound Publishing and funded by the Ford Foundation.
The book launch was held at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London to a full house.
Turbans and Tales book launch
To give context to the significance of the turban, through previously unpublished and rare pictures, Turban and Tales also documents the journey of the turban from its roots in early India, to its evolution through the Mughal, Sikh and British Empires.
Shooting the project - New York
With the combination of eye catching imagery and the unbelievable true stories of the Sikh subjects photographed, the message Turban and Tales promotes is very significant for today’s socio-economic climate.
BBC World interview
Identity, individualism and inclusiveness should be promoted and respected. Diversity is the fabric of life. Organisations and society need the courage to embrace the ever changing face of today’s world. It takes strength to stay together. It takes resilience to stick to ones values.
Turbans and Tales provokes positive conversations about identity and will reframe the way minorities are seen.
