When looking through the pages, without knowing what the work is about, I get a feeling of sadness, abandon, melancholy of human presence, glimpses of light and joy, and the question of why, of wonder if this world will one day become a world of peace.

There is not much text in the book, but it is essential to understand, to place the story within history. To understand Ilkin’s yesterday placed within today. Seems not much has changed.

I found this copy of Mühit, 2nd edition, in Arles and was drawn to it because of the handmade look and feel, and bought it because of the strong work I found inside.

Text, design and photography by Ilkin Huseynov, published by Riot Books.