Simón Ducos

« A Souk Vendor »

A look into the life of a creekside vendor

I met Arman almost a year ago, while photographing the souks near the Creek. Near the abra station, where tourists flock to cross the water, a small textile shop sat squished between the docks and the road. Arman – like all the other souk vendors, – clamoured for my attention, trying to sell his fabrics. I declined, and thought nothing of the interaction.

Months later I find him in the same shop, and I ask if I can document a day in his life. He teaches me about his life, motivations, and goes as far as inviting me to the evening prayer at a nearby mosque. I thank him for his time, and promise to send him the photos.

Mere weeks later the pandemic began, and when I went to see how he was doing, I could no longer find him, and no-one in the little textile shop knew an ‘Arman’.

All I do is for Allah and my family.

– Arman, a souk vendor

This project was created for the ‘PROOF Vol. I’ competition, led by @400txproject