Hormuz’s unique world:Women wear moustache-like masks to protect from ‘wind jinn’, people consider trees as their refuge

Amid the war between the US and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has come into focus. But the lives of people living on Iran’s southern islands of Qeshm and Hormuz, and their unique way of life, are equally fascinating. The mineral-rich sands here shimmer in red, pink, and orange hues. As diverse and beautiful as the land is, so are its people, culture, and traditional beliefs. Iranian photographer Hoda Afshar has beautifully documented the region’s culture and spiritual beliefs. Some may consider them superstitions, but for the locals, they are a way of life. Beliefs – some benevolent winds, some evil or jinn-like winds These are residents of Qeshm Island. The woman is wearing a moustache-like mask. It is worn as protection from evil spirits carried by the wind. Locals believe that some winds are evil or inhabited by jinn, while others are benevolent. A wind called “Zar” is believed to enter the body and cause illness or restlessness. The mask is worn to deceive “Zar”. The idea is that the woman should appear like a man. According to belief, women are more vulnerable to “Zar”. Afshar says these wind-related beliefs have ancient roots. These islands were once influenced by Iranian, Arab and European powers. Traders, soldiers and migrants arrived on these coasts, and there was movement between East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent. With them came languages, customs and unique beliefs. Fear of evil spirits — some people live in trees Some people in Qeshm and Hormuz islands are believed to live in trees because of a local belief that sleeping under certain trees can make a person vulnerable to evil spirits. It is thought that the power of the wind or unseen forces can take control of a person. Afshar, in her book Speak the Wind, describes the unique beliefs and traditions of people in Qeshm and Hormuz. She notes that many residents are of African origin, although this identity is often hidden or denied due to long-standing social hierarchies. Now living in Berlin, Afshar says that news from the islands comes in fragments, often about heavy military presence and bombings. A relative described the impact of bombs as “feeling like an earthquake passing through the body.” People there pray to be protected from bombs and explosions.