Interests
One of the questions people often asked is, “How did you start all this?”
In answer to this question, one thing that always occupies my mind is people’s potential that you can find a way to fight and progress in the most difficult situations and happily, successfully and creatively continue the path of your life.
Sometimes I was bothered when people asking me how you knew all this. The interesting thing is that I didn’t have an answer and what is my job.
Over time, I realized how good can be unusual combination of interests and each of my interests and skills is a strong point for me. I did a lot of weird things so I could get on with my life like, construction works and restoration of historic buildings, electrical works, carpentry, programming, art and management works.
Some of these works stems from my empiricist spirit and some showed themselves by being in the most difficult situation, the situations that made me leave my company to see different layers of cities and people.
I believe that if we want to be free and show our whole being, the most important thing is our heart and love. This is how we can have an experience of joy and satisfaction.
It doesn’t matter what obstacles we face the matters is change in the direction of growth it means Yakamoz who has traveled and back how is different compared to before??
Diligence is a strong point and it’s a motivation to keep going. Every day I learn to spread my goals and ideas creatively and meaningfully through the love.
Maybe I have a hard time, but making the life that I really love, is unparalleled and enjoyable.
I make a mistake too, and I have bad days and have doubts and fears but I admit that is part of my life.
I grew up with all of these and they are part of my moments. I will not run away from them.
I try to keep the best things that I learn real and honest.
With all love
Yakamoz Sadeghi
What I Do
Journey
I grew up in a city nestled between two large rivers. My interest in travel began with short one or two-day trips to the surrounding nature. Gradually, it altered the course of my life. I distanced myself from a stable job, opting for the flexibility to embark on extended journeys. Rather than harmonizing life with travel, I synchronized my life with it, with travel becoming the foundation of my priorities.
The reasons for my travels are diverse and profoundly personal. Over time, I’ve discovered the personal motivations behind my journey. The yearning for travel stems from immersing myself in an exciting and different world that travel has brought to me. It has helped me distance myself from the routine complexities of daily life. Sometimes, it serves as an escape and a departure from the healing routine.
The best experiences for learning come from the act of traveling. Exploring the history, culture, philosophy, geography, and sociology of the world has broadened my perspective. Engaging and touching the lives of others has contributed to a deeper understanding of this lifestyle. I aspire to become a global citizen, hoping it becomes a significant reward for the challenges this way of life presents. In essence, I find profound satisfaction in living this lifestyle.
The modes of travel I choose include walking, hitchhiking, cycling, and motorcycling. Since 2018, my travel style has shifted from observation to experiential. In experiential journeys, I find ample opportunities for coexistence with various communities. Most of the time, I engage in voluntary work during my travels, deriving a sense of satisfaction and value.
To support my travels, I work periodically in different cities, adjusting to the needs of my journey. Fully committed to this lifestyle since 2017, I hope to sustain it further and continue this way of life.
Environment
Let’s acknowledge and face the environmental crises and catastrophes. The time for action has come. To have a clean planet, we must start with ourselves rather than waiting for organizations to make changes. This doesn’t imply that organizations have no role or cannot bring about change. Our efforts can serve as advocacy. When we can’t live our desires, mere advocacy and expectations from organizations will be futile.
Since 2009, I’ve been following a plant-based diet, striving for a healthy nutrition. I try to distance myself from consumerism and have collaborated on voluntary environmental projects promoting organic farming, permaculture, and environmentally friendly architecture like cob construction. Our lifestyle and thinking, including how we buy, eat, and conduct daily activities, directly impact the environment. It’s crucial to approach them more consciously.
Embarking on a green and pedestrian journey covering approximately two thousand kilometers, I initiated the Rollsouth project. Utilizing art and travel as tools, the project aims to raise awareness about environmental damages and contemporary living. Along the way, I perform in alignment with the project’s statement. For updates on my pedestrian journey, visit the Rollsouth page.
Art
I believe that art defines our existence as humans. Discovering one’s artistic essence and critiquing the world of artists, filled with love and passion, is not an easy task. In the society where I grew up, the position of art and artists is somewhat unrecognized. Artistic works are easily copied, and artists often find themselves compelled to engage in non-artistic activities, losing the deserved recognition. Despite personally opposing the commodification of art, I also acknowledge the value and respect that artists should receive income through their art.
Nevertheless, artists are free in their inner world, creating. In my youth, I became acquainted with esteemed artists such as Parham Hampanejad, the late Reza Abbasiyan, and Rajabali Fani. Being part of the artistic community fueled my passion for art. To avoid using industrial and chemical materials like glass and metal, I craft wooden sculptures from tree branches. I developed an interest in theater at seventeen, starting with Maestro Naeim Salehi at twenty-nine. My enthusiasm extends to street theater, and more recently, I explored performance art. The spontaneity, live execution, and eliciting reactions are why I am drawn to performance art.
I ventured into photography early on, renting a Yashica MF-2 from second-hand stores until I bought a Vilia Russian camera. As digital cameras became prevalent, I lacked one until the need arose for documenting my pedestrian journey with the help of a DSLR camera and later an action camera, partly sponsored by Shahin Sadat Hosseini. I learned photography from friends who are photographers and attended classes by Faraz Fallahnejad and Hossein Fatemi.
My curiosity and interest in photography lean towards documentary and body form. Documenting social events around me truthfully is my aim. Body form photography differs from erotic photography, focusing on the human form without revealing sexual aspects. It showcases the human inclination towards nature and challenges the misconceptions around the body, emphasizing its beauty and rejecting shame.
Portraiture is one of the noblest forms of art, socially and economically distinguished. Depicting the human body dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, marking the history of human civilization for over three thousand years, likely even further. If you dislike this style, refrain from attacking it, and do not judge individuals who find interest and work in this form of photography.
Sociocultural
“At some point in my life’s journey, I shifted towards valuing civic responsibility more. I became more attentive to my surroundings, engaging my mind in economic, cultural, social, and political issues. My heart desires to collectively find ethical correctness and achieve social justice. Saying ‘yes’ to human principles and values while saying ‘no’ to conditions and behaviors isn’t easy and comes with numerous challenges and difficulties. Nevertheless, I strive to contribute to positive and constructive solutions within my capabilities.
I hope one day to share with you the works I’ve undertaken and the various events and adventures I’ve encountered. One of the accomplishments that brings me joy is the formation of Iran Volunteering. As a humanist and optimist, I managed to create a situation where thousands of individuals could be influenced and enjoy volunteering and experiential travel. Iran Volunteering is the sole platform introducing volunteer activities with the motivating policy of experiential travel in Iran. For more information and to join us, visit Iran Volunteering’s website and social media pages on Instagram and Twitter.