In the early 2000s, a mom and her sons have fun Eid-ul-Fitr, or as it’s generally recognized in elements of Southeast Asia, Hari Raya or Aidilfitri. The window is a part of a standard Malay home, often present in a kampung or village, full with intricate wood-carving motifs. Outside, the air is full of the scents of festive cooking: lemang, ketupat and rendang, whereas households alternate presents, greetings and laughter, preserving a centuries-old custom of neighborhood, religion and household.
Beneath the cheerful exterior of Eid al-Fitr, nevertheless, are a category of people who find themselves tied to responsibility. An aerial view reveals Turkish troopers, generally known as the ‘Border Eagles,’ stationed alongside the Turkish-Iranian border in Ağrı, Turkiye, on April 8, 2024, forward of Eid al-Fitr. These elite border guards are tasked with monitoring distant and sometimes rugged terrain, making certain safety in a area of strategic significance. Despite the demanding situations, many observe Eid quietly on responsibility, sharing modest meals, providing prayers from makeshift areas and connecting with household over cellphone calls, discovering moments of reflection and celebration amongst their watchful eye.
