The turban is the most powerful and obvious symbol of the Sikh identity.
For centuries the turban was worn in South Asia. Adorned by kings, wealthy landowners and holy men alike, the turban commanded respect and over the ages it became a signifier of power and status.
With the birth of Sikhism, the role of the turban took on a different meaning. It established a new way of life, helping eradicate notions of inequality and class and led to caste liberation and gender equality.
Historically, Sikhs were persecuted because of the turban and unshorn hair, but today these are symbols of revolution, non-conformity and style.
The aim of The Sikh Project is to capture the essence of modern Sikhism and to pay tribute to the beauty and variety of the turban and its identity.
Photographed over three years in London and New York, with International exhibitions, the project led to the creation of our best selling book, Turbans and Tales.
The Sikh Project video diary
BBC World News Interview
Turbans and Tales book launch
