Thracian icons

Greek Muslims may be the minority, but their presence within the community is deeply visible. Thrace, an agricultural region situated at the crossroads between East and West, is framed by majestic mountains and seas. Yet, while nature never fails to impress, it is the inhabitants who remain the true core of this land.

Hardworking, proud, and deeply rooted in their heritage, the people of Thrace keep their traditions alive. Observing from the perspective of a respectful outsider how diverse cultures, traditions, and faiths coexist in daily peace within a shared space is a deeply compelling experience. Classic black-and-white photography invites you to travel through Thrace to meet its human icons—only to realize that you want to experience its living reality in full color.

Created over months of field exploration with analogue Leica M cameras and classic black-and-white Tri-X film, Thracian icons investigates the cultural and human geography of Northeastern Greece. From the vibrant markets of Xanthi, Rodopi, and Evros to the isolated Pomak villages along the Rhodope mountains, the camera records the rhythms of daily labor, shared public spaces, and sacred routines.

Developed hand-in-hand with the Foundation for Thracian Art and Tradition, the series served as the foundation for a special collector's publication, featuring insightful commentary by social anthropologist Marika Rombou-Levidi. The project stands as an artistic and ethnographic tribute to one of the Balkans' most complex and captivating multicultural landscapes.