18-07-2025
Frames of tradition at Nizwa Goat Market
Photographer Ajayan Poyyara, an Indian visual storyteller based in Muscat, has turned his lens towards the lively Nizwa Goat Market, vividly documenting its spirited trade and deep-rooted traditions.
Guided by American mentor Mike Macartney through a Photographic Society of America (PSA) online course, his images reveal intimate moments of negotiation, community and the powerful human-animal connection at the heart of this iconic Omani scene.
with my stuff
He has brought the bustling spirit of the iconic Nizwa Goat Market to life through a striking series of images crafted under the mentorship of American instructor Mike Macartney of the PSA.
Mike, a seasoned street and art photographer known for his work with Olympus cameras and iPhones, designed the intensive online course as an 18-week programme. Spanning seven thematic modules — from the fundamentals of street photography and legal considerations to portraits and night scenes — the course pushed participants to capture authentic urban stories through their lenses.
For his final project, Ajayan focused on the animal auction at Nizwa Souq, widely known as the Nizwa Goat Market, one of Oman's most dynamic and traditional events. Arriving early in the morning, he documented each stage: the tense arrival of livestock, the parade of animals through the crowded arena, negotiations between buyers and sellers; and the eventual loading of purchased animals onto trucks.
Among his five submitted images, 'The Struggle for Survival' captures a bull hesitating at the edge of a pick-up truck, its wary eye revealing an almost human apprehension of its fate. 'Parade Before Slaughter' depicts the swirl of auction activity, with sellers showcasing animals and buyers inspecting them in a charged atmosphere. In 'Trading with Tradition', Ajayan photographs a rare scene of Bedouin women negotiating a sale, highlighting a culturally rich and seldom-seen interaction.
In 'Happy with My Stuff', a buyer in a dishdasha proudly walks alongside his assistant carrying two goats in an unusual, almost playful manner. 'Despatch of the Goods' shows two assistants lifting a goat into a truck, closely observed by a young boy, emphasising the communal nature of market life.
Reflecting on Ajayan's work, Mike noted, 'I am happy to see how culturally aware Ajayan is in his street photography. As an American, I operate in a different environment — I avoid photographing children even though it's legal here and each photographer navigates their own ethical choices. Ajayan's sensitivity and respect for local traditions stand out'.
Parade of animals at the Nizwa souq
Through his images from the Wilayat of Nizwa, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Ajayan offers viewers a vivid, intimate glimpse into Oman's traditional heart — a story of trade, emotion and community, captured frame by frame.
Ajayan described the project as a culmination of everything he learned during the course. 'I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with Mike. His constructive feedback and mentorship have not only refined my technical approach but also built my confidence as a street photographer', he said.
Parade before slaughter
Mike, former president and vice-president of the Thousand Oaks Photo Group (TOPG) in California, is recognised for his focus on urban storytelling and non-traditional landscapes. His workshops and online programmes continue to inspire photographers globally, encouraging authentic and personal visual narratives.
Ajayan also expressed gratitude to the Photographic Society of America and to Stephanie Sioras, PSA Education Service Administrator, for providing him with the opportunity to develop his skills further.
Ajayan Poyyara, Oman-based photographer
The PSA founded in 1934, is a world-wide organisation providing abundant resources for photographers, from the novice to the professional. PSA offers online learning, webinars, study groups, discounts, competitions, mentors and consultants.
Mike Macartney, American mentor at PSA
