a selman project

It’s no secret that every nation has its own unique culture, demographics, and associated social issues. Unfortunately, sometimes our perception of many countries is shaped most by the negative issues which bubble up in the media. Worse still, is that many countries go both unheard of and unheard by the larger world.

Thankfully, every nation equally produces individuals who devote and sacrifice themselves to the principles of peace, freedom, and equality. The Peace Post project began as a means to shine a light on individuals from around the globe who are champions of peace.

As a starting point, we determined that every sovereign nation should be represented in the project with a few key disputed states entered at our discretion. As a referential guide for each illustration, we profiled each country with a keen eye on the progression of traditional and contemporary visual styles associated with the art and culture.

In choosing which individual to profile for each country, we first referenced Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, notable omissions, and various other international peace awards looking for potential candidates. In several cases when a nation was not represented by a winner of a major peace award, we used our own research to find an individual who represented associated ideals and actions of peace advocacy.

We elected to represent the chosen individuals as a series of stamps for several reasons. Stamps have a long history of commemorating important people and events. Stamps are collectible and shareable. Perhaps most importantly, stamps represent a vehicle of correspondence and dialogue.

Our goal was to learn more about these countries, the positive people there, and share their stories with you.

For more information please contact:
chris@selmandesign.com
peacepost on instagram:
@projectpeacepost
Copyright and disclaimer
The content of this web site contains information, photographs, and media intended solely for educational purposes.

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Mehrengar Bahranova

  • Tajikistan
  • Children's Rights, Women’s Rights

Mehrenegar Bahranova is a Tajik ambassador of peace. After civil war claimed both of her parent’s lives, a young Bahranova began working in a Soviet sewing factory where she began to advocate for women in the workplace. As war continued to loom over Tajikistan, Bahranova helped to employ widows and used resulting incomes to help fund an orphanage in her hometown that served as a safe place for women and children. In 2015, Mehrenegar was honored as the co-recipient of the 4th Simorgh International Peace Prize in recognition of her life-time of humanitarian service.

Tajikistan

  • Population
    
8,648,787 (98th)
  • Capital
    Dushanbe
  • GDP (PPP)
    
$2,247 per capita
  • October 27, 1924
  • Total Area
    143,100 km2 (98th)
  • Demonym
    Tajikistani
  • Government
    Dominant-party presidential republic

Artwork

Embroidery is the most prominent of the Tajik arts that has prevailed through the ages. The suzani is a type of large-scale embroidered textile, usually hung on the wall playing a significant role in the decoration of Tajik homes. The suzani, which is the Persian word for “needlework”, is usually made from silk and cotton, using a particular needle unique to the region. The tapestries are known for their expressive ornamental patterns and vibrant contrasting colors.

  • Illustration by
    Johnny Selman