The fictional Hunchback of Notre Dame suffered from his hump. But here, 180 kilometres from the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi, a really large growth is considered the height of beauty. And if black, bristly hairs sprout from it—even better. Add puffy, drooping lips, and the ideal of beauty is complete. We are talking about camels here—female camels.
In December 2021, German photographer Caspar Wündrich travelled to the United Arab Emirates to attend the Al Dhafra Festival’s camel beauty contest in the Gulf. What sounds bizarre to us is a big thing in the Arab world, because it’s all about glamour, honour and a lot of money. A total of ₹117 crores is up for grabs as the region’s uber-wealthy camel owners send their extremely valuable even-toed ungulates to compete on the camel catwalk.
The action takes place at the edge of the Rub al Khali, the world’s largest sand desert, a two-hour drive southwest of Abu Dhabi. All around there is hectic activity; photographers, TV crews, curious spectators and excited competitors.
From inside the gates of this huge festival that celebrates Bedouin culture, a very old-fashioned smell wafts out—an aroma of stables and camels. Entry to the competition is strictly guarded. After waiting a while, Wündrich was finally led through the entrance gate—a wire fence covered with hessian—by attentive guards.
There he entered a world where modern-day big money and Arab history combine to form an intriguing mixture of old and new culture.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
From the King's Table to Street Food: A Food History of Delhi
Pushpesh Pant, one of India’s pre-eminent food writers, is back with a comprehensive food history of the capital.
Who Wants Coffee?
It’s bitter—but beloved around the world
Prevent The Pain Of Shingles
You don't have to suffer, as long as you take two important steps
The Best And Worst Diets For Your Heart
Dozens of diets are touted as ‘best’, but it’s easy to lose track of the fact that healthy eating needs to be about overall wellness, not just weight loss.
ME & MY SHELF
Journalist Sopan Joshi has worked in a science and environment framework for nearly three decades. His book Mangifera indica: A Biography of the Mango (Aleph Book Company) synthesizes the sensory appeal of India's favourite fruit with its elaborate cultural roots and natural history. He writes in English and Hindi.
SWITCHED
In 1962, nurses at a small Canadian hospital sent home two women with the wrong babies. Then, 50 years later, their children discovered the shocking mistake.
ECHOES OF THE PAST
A VISIT TO THE ANCIENT BARABAR CAVES IN BIHAR REVEALS A SURPRISING CONNECTION TO A LITERARY CLASSIC
Fathers of the Bride
A young woman finds a unique way to honour the many men who helped her survive her childhood
Fiction's Foresight
British-Bangladeshi author Manzu Islam's works reveal startling parallels to recent political upheavals in Bangladesh, begging the question: Besides helping us make sense of our world, can stories also offer a glimpse into the future?
It Happens ONLY IN INDIA
The Divine Defence Picture this: A tractor in Rajasthan‘s Banswara district,a group of loan agents closing in to seize it and the defaulting farmer and his family standing by.