Ian Berry | Magnum Photos Novice Tibetan monks on their way to prayer. Xiahe, Gansu Province, China. 1996.
“I began my journey along the fabled Silk Road in Istanbul, Turkey. I continued through Iran to Turkmenistan, then
(...) Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, all Islamic countries. I finally crossed into China for the last leg of my trip toward the city of Xian, the beginning and end of the road.
In western China, I found myself in Muslim Uyghur territory, but not far away I came across the Buddhist town of Xiahe; such is the religious mix in western China.
Passing the monastery where Buddhist monks are trained I encountered this young novice, seemingly oblivious to the world around him, adjusting his robes while preparing to enter the monastery for religious tuition.
For me, this was one of several journeys inspired by George Rodger.”
- Ian Berry © Ian Berry | Magnum Photos
