Google Doodle Marks Abbas Attar's 80th Birthday, Celebrates His Photographic Journey

Today, Google's Doodle honors an incredible Iranian photographer, Abbas Attar, on what would have been his 80th birthday. Attar, celebrated for capturing the essence of the Iranian Revolution, has had his photographs featured in major publications globally. Born in 1944 in Tehran, Iran, he discovered his love for photography as a teenager and honed his skills at the University of Tehran.

Attar's journey began in earnest in 1978 when he worked for the Iranian newspaper Ettela'at. He documented the Iranian Revolution, providing a unique visual record of this pivotal moment in history. His career didn’t stop there; he went on to publish books and his photos have been showcased in galleries worldwide, marking him as a master of composition and emotional depth. Attar's work not only depicts moments of human joy and sorrow but also serves as a lasting testament to photography's power to capture history.

In addition to his photography, Attar was a prolific writer and educator, contributing books on photography and conducting workshops globally. His influence and respect in the photography world are unparalleled, inspiring countless others with his approach to documenting the human condition and historical events.

Over six decades, Attar covered wars, revolutions, and social changes across continents—from Biafra to Bosnia, from the Middle East to South Africa during apartheid. His work extended to exploring the major religions and their societal intersections, capturing the rise of religious fanaticism as a global source of conflict, especially highlighted in his exploration post-9/11.

Abbas's quest to understand the world took him from documenting the Iranian Revolution to a deep dive into the resurgences of radical Islam, Christianity, Animism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism. He was a storyteller, capturing the narratives of nations and the spiritual journeys of individuals through his lens.

As a member of a distinguished photo agency, Abbas leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest photographers, remembered for his insightful and humanistic images. His work continues to inspire, urging future generations towards clarity and honesty in capturing the essence of our world and its inhabitants. Today, we celebrate Abbas Attar, a visionary in the truest sense.