Nadjib Rahmani's photo exhibition documents the ancient equestrian art of "Fantasia."
Nadjib Rahmani's photo exhibition documents the ancient equestrian art of "Fantasia."
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
He traveled across Algeria, capturing images of hundreds of riders.
He traveled across Algeria, capturing images of hundreds of riders.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"Fantasia is an old equestrian art that has existed since the first wars in the Maghreb (a region of north Africa)," Rahmani says.<br />
"Fantasia is an old equestrian art that has existed since the first wars in the Maghreb (a region of north Africa)," Rahmani says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"We witness the reproduction of various war charges -- called the 'Game of Gunpowder,'" he adds.<br />
"We witness the reproduction of various war charges -- called the 'Game of Gunpowder,'" he adds.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"The role of women is very important, insofar as people who travel with their horses and tents to stay for a week at an event move as a family," Rahmani says. "It is an event where everyone is cordially invited. Nevertheless, the woman doesn't participate in equestrian games as much as a rider, but she does as far as logistics go."<br />
"The role of women is very important, insofar as people who travel with their horses and tents to stay for a week at an event move as a family," Rahmani says. "It is an event where everyone is cordially invited. Nevertheless, the woman doesn't participate in equestrian games as much as a rider, but she does as far as logistics go."
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"Algeria and the Maghreb in particular have a strong equestrian culture -- the tradition is passed from father to son for generations," the 38-year-old photographer says.
"Algeria and the Maghreb in particular have a strong equestrian culture -- the tradition is passed from father to son for generations," the 38-year-old photographer says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"There is a feeling of brotherhood, welcoming, and sharing at these events," he adds.
"There is a feeling of brotherhood, welcoming, and sharing at these events," he adds.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
Rahmani captured the drama of Fantasia, traveling to events across Algeria from spring to summer.
Rahmani captured the drama of Fantasia, traveling to events across Algeria from spring to summer.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
Each event might have anywhere between 50 and 400 riders taking part.
Each event might have anywhere between 50 and 400 riders taking part.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"My greatest happiness would be to show these photos around the world and discover our equestrian traditions," Rahmani says.
"My greatest happiness would be to show these photos around the world and discover our equestrian traditions," Rahmani says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani
"Fantasia exists all over Algeria -- the difference of suits is used to identify each region," he says.
"Fantasia exists all over Algeria -- the difference of suits is used to identify each region," he says.
Courtesy Nadjib Rahmani