Sherifa Diya is a Turkish-Egyptian freelance documentary photographer, producer, and editor based between Istanbul and Cairo. Her work explores culture, identity, and the human experience of space, place, and memory, with a particular sensitivity to intimate moments, quiet presences, and the traces people leave behind in landscapes.
Working in both analog and digital formats, she approaches photography as a long-term observational practice rather than a single event. Drawn to observing people in their own worlds, she often photographs individuals in moments of solitude or connection, as well as silhouettes and environments shaped by everyday life. Through this approach, she aims to create visual narratives that sit between documentation and reflection.
She holds a BA in Iranian Philology from Istanbul University, a background that informs her interest in language, geography, and cultural exchange. Her ability to fluently speak multiple languages, including Arabic, Turkish, English, French, and Persian, facilitates close communication with a wide range of subjects. As a result, her photographs reflect a broad spectrum of ethnicities, cultures, religious beliefs, genders, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, professions, migration histories, and nationalities.
Her work has been supported by institutions including the International Center of Photography (ICP), Magnum Foundation, VII Foundation, and Fujifilm, and has been published by international outlets such as NBC News, NRCNL, and Trouw newspaper. Alongside her freelance documentary practice, she now works in the United Nations, IOM.
Exhibitions
Prince Taz Palace - Group exhibition - Cairo (2015)
Publications
What Women Want Magazine - (2016)
The Luupe Magazine - (2021)
VII Academy - (2022)
NBC News - (2024)
Trouw Newspaper - (2025)
NRCNL - (2026)
Grants & Awards
Fujifilm GFX Grant 2022 - Shortlist (2021)
International Center of Photography School - Director's Fellowship Grant - Winner (2022)
Magnum Foundation - Magnum Learn Scholarship - Winner (2022)
The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (ADPP) - AFAC - Shortlist (2024)