Mysaa Balfaqih

Spiritual Mornings

Bread, incense, and a cup of tea… different mornings converge in a moment of calm, where each Hadhrami finds her or his own way to begin the day with a quiet, steady spirit. In one scene, a boat cuts through the sea at first light; in another, a man sips his warm tea, while someone else prepares for the day ahead.
Amid the scent of frankincense and the quiet gathering of elders playing the traditional game of Dhamina, a fisherman heads out early in search of his livelihood. This project documents the morning rituals that offer the people of Hadhramaut moments of peace. Whether in solitude, with friends, or over a simple cup of tea.
The series consists of nine photographs, each telling a unique morning story, revealing intimate glimpses into the spirit of Hadhrami daily life.
Mysaa Balfaqih is an architect and photographer based in Yemen. She also works across other creative fields such as storytelling and creative writing. Mysaa’s photography focuses on capturing the spontaneity of people and places, aiming to present them as they truly are. Her work highlights Yemen’s natural beauty and cultural diversity, from landscapes to everyday moments and traditional food. Mysaa has participated in several local and international exhibitions, including Her Lens, Her Story in Berlin, and her work has been featured in regional art publications such as Al-Yamaniyah and Zain magazines.
 

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