Iain Davidson
Photographs, 35mm film

An edited selection of my father’s photographs from inside the Hajj Terminal. There are a few distinct categories: the Dedication Ceremony (a daytime event) on April 12th, 1981; the ‘incoming’ and ‘outgoing’ phases of Hajj ‘81 and Hajj ‘82 (these were first two Hajj events following completion of the Terminal); airside (depicting the exterior) and an evening event, for which there is, unusually, no written documentation.

One of the biggest questions I faced over the course of the project was whether or not to feature images of pilgrims inside the Terminal. I sought guidance from a number of practising Muslims from different backgrounds, including a local Umrah Tour Operator, my neighbour Mr. Amin, who has completed Hajj and Umrah several times and of course my friend, Bash Khan. All described attitudes towards photography, and Hajj, as having changed dramatically over the 40 years since these photographs were taken. Nevertheless I do think it is still my responsibility to be mindful of the time, context and place.

There are some pictures I’ve decided not to show: such as close-ups of pilgrims in the state of Ihram and weary travellers who, whilst aware of my dad’s presence, may not have welcomed his camera lens. The photos I’ve decided to present reveal the scale of the events, and of the Terminal. They depict the hustle and bustle of the souk areas and travellers who are looking directly at my father’s lens and not shying away from it.

The evening photos within the Terminal are more of a mystery. My father was ordinarily very fastidious with his written descriptions, yet I found these by chance, at the back of a family album. The Dedication ceremony programme I have does not make reference to any evening event. My neighbour, Mr. Amin kindly translated the only clue for me - a placard written in Arabic that welcomes the King and the Royal Family.