Grozny

Name: Khava Khasmagomadova

Age: 28

Profession: Journalist

City: Grozny

How long have you been doing photography? What style or genre most interests you? I mainly do photography as a hobby that supplements my regular job. I love shooting reportage and portraits, probably because other styles are less important in my profession, and I find them more difficult.

Can you give us a short description of your city? Where is it located? What is it famous for? Grozny is the capital of the Chechen Republic. It is located in the south of Rusia. Ninety percent of the republic's residents are Sunni Muslim. 

Our region is mainly famous for a series of wars that took place here form 1994-2003. The region is now being rebuilt and I have tried to show what modern Grozny looks like and how it is living.

What is something about your city that only locals would know? In the Soviet era, the city's central street was named Propekt Pobedy (Victory Prospect). After reconstruction, the street was renamed in honor of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Locals however call the street Putin's Victory Prospect (проспект Победы Путина).

Which places or sites are a must for someone to see if they visit your city? The main site of Grozny is the Grozny City complex and the Heart of Chechnya mosque. One interesting place where young people gather is the anticafe Center for Modern Art. They also put on exhibitions and concerts here. But the most interesting "tourist site" in Grozny is its residents. They are the ones who give the city the unique atmosphere that visitors will immediately sense.