FROM BAKU TO BEYOND

In this special issue celebrating women photographers worldwide, we are thrilled to present an intimate interview with Rena Effendi, a photographer whose evocative work sheds light on environmental and social issues. Effendi’s journey from Baku’s transforming landscapes to documenting Mahatma Gandhi's enduring legacy in India exemplifies her dedication to storytelling through photography. As a trailblazer for female photographers, her insights offer invaluable inspiration for the next generation. Dive into the world of Rena Effendi, where every picture tells a story of resilience, change, and the power of a woman’s lens.

What inspired you to start your photography journey focussing on environmental and social issues?

It all started from a walk in the Baku neighbourhood of Mahalla, where I was living at the time. In Azerbaijan, most people have not seen the promise of oil wealth turn into anything other than a rapidly altered city skyline – product of an unregulated construction boom which has replaced historical neighbourhoods with luxury high-rise apartments erected in a money laundering rush. Located in the centre of Baku, Mahalla was a historically poor neighbourhood where people lived their entire lives in small, flat-roofed houses. In response to new opportunities for personal gain, Mahalla’s ancient courtyards were sold off and razed to accommodate luxurious high-rise apartment buildings. The traditional community was destroyed, and with it the cultural, historical and architectural image of an entire city transformed forever. In my first few years as a photographer, I was keen to document these changes.

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career that helped shape the direction of your work?