For her debut photobook, Hafiz, Sabiha Çimen photographed girls attending Quran Schools in Turkey. The title, Hafiz, refers to one who has memorized all 604 pages of the Holy Quran. The individual process can take up to four years and is usually done by girls ranging in age from eight to nineteen. Çimen herself attended one of these schools. Now, she returned as a photographer and documented students at five Quran Schools over three years with a uniquely familiar perspective. Hafiz offers an intimate view into the daily life and dreams of these young students.
Hardback/Open-spine binding
with Handmade Ebru Endpapers
140 pages
Printed in Italy
2023
99 medium-format color photographs
20 x 27 cm (7.9 x 10.6 in)