TEHRAN -- Photographer Kamaleddin Shahrokh is convinced that modern Iranian photojournalism is indebted to the photography of the Sacred Defense (1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war).

Unfortunately, war photography is fading away these days, and the albums of war photos are not supported by the government, he told the Mehr News Agency here on Friday.

“The values of the Sacred Defense are fading away. The photos collected during the eight-year Sacred Defense have not been published after so many years, and most of the photographers have not been able to register their works yet, forcing them to keep them in their private collections.

“We must not forget that photojournalism is part of war photography. Actually, most of the photographers who were active during the war took photos that are invaluable and unique,” he stated.

He went on to say that he would like to display his collection of war photos or even publish them, but the cost is too high, adding, “Of course, I keep thinking about the visitors, too. War photography is not warmly welcomed these days. People prefer photos of nature.

“This ignorance is only seen in Iran. In European countries, war photos are highly respected and works by people like (deceased Iranian photojournalist) Kaveh Golestan are published again and again. But in Iran, photographers somehow have a tendency toward the press, advertisement, and sports. “As long as the public sector is the only supporter of war photos, nothing positive will happen. I believe the private sector and NGOs can somehow support this kind of photography by publishing the works.”