Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The renowned British photographer, Peter Sanders, visited Uzbekistan for the first time from 1 to 7 May 2024. He is known as one of the 500 influencers of the Islamic world and is a permanent Ambassador of the charity MOSAIC which was established by HRH King Charles and prior to that was on the Board of Trustees of MOSAIC. 

Originally from London, Sanders is among the world’s most well-known photographers, having started his career by working with international celebrities such as Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. He converted to Islam in the 1970s and began reflecting Islamic art and culture in his works, collaborating with figures such as Muhammad Ali, Sami Yusuf, and Cat Stevens, famous in the Islamic world. Sanders’s work has been highly acknowledged by figures such as King Charles, the Dalai Lama, and Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum.

During his visit to Uzbekistan, Peter Sanders toured Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand. The primary purpose of his trip was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, discover the country’s holy places significant in the Islamic world, and explore the unique Islamic art of the region.

"I had dreamt of coming to Uzbekistan for almost 50 years, and finally, I have been honored with this opportunity. Upon arriving here, I felt that Uzbekistan is a place where one stands with one foot in history and the other in the future, feeling happiness and inspiration in both realms. Throughout my life, I have visited many countries, experienced various cultures, but I can confidently say that I have never encountered such cultural and spiritual harmony, sincerity, and tolerance among people anywhere else," said the living legend.

Peter Sanders’s visit commenced with a visit to the Center for Islamic Civilization. "The architecture of the centre and its mission are astonishing. Undoubtedly, this will be a significant event for Islamic culture globally.” After visiting the Imam Bukhari International Research Center in Samarkand and the expansive Imam Bukhari Pilgrimage Complex under construction, Sanders expressed his belief that Uzbekistan will become one of the major cultural and pilgrimage centers in the coming years.

The photographer also participated as an VIP guest at the II International Festival of Gold Embroidery and Jewelry in Bukhara. This festival provided him with an insight into Uzbekistan’s applied art and its deep philosophy. Sanders concluded, "I intend to showcase to the world the Islamic art of Uzbekistan, its harmony, diversity, and spiritual foundation, which brings a special peace to the hearts."

Peter’s metaphorical journey of discovery started 50 years ago. Over that time, he has amassed a photographic archive of more than 500,000 images.

In the 1970s, his attention shifted, which led him to the traditional and spiritual universe of Islam. He converted to Islam in 1971. The same year, Sanders was given a unique opportunity to record the warmth of the world’s largest worship gathering in Mecca during the Hajj season. These pictures have appeared in major UK and European magazines such as The Sunday Times, The Observer and Paris Match. Sanders travelled around the world to meet and capture the images of saints and sages of Islam which he has later published in a book titled ‘Meetings with Mountains’. 

Peter’s physical journey ran in parallel with his spiritual exploration of faith. These journeys led him to document the Islamic world of peoples, architecture and geography. It also provided him the opportunity to meet with people around the world and photographed aspects of life and society.

It is the personal and spiritual insight that Peter gained that allows him to produce images that truly encapsulate the subject. More recently, Peter has been active in numerous ways to facilitate a greater understanding of the Islamic faith in the western world.

As a result of his activities Peter has been named as one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. He continues to act as a translator of Islam to those interested in acquiring a greater understanding and to encourage broader and deeper interactions between people of different races and faith. 

He is a permanent Ambassador of the charity MOSAIC which was established by HRH Prince Charles and prior to that was on the Board of Trustees of MOSAIC for five years. 

As an illustration of the breadth of influence, Peter received the ‘Fashion and Islamic Art 2013 award from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum in Dubai.