Esra Kirgoz | The Raramuri
About this Artist
I am Esra, photographer based in Seattle mesmerized by movement and texture. I specialize in outdoor, nature, and sports as well as travel and cultural documentary photography. I was born and raised in a magical little town called Amasya; a town snuggles a river surrounded by mountains with rock tombs carved into them thousands of years ago. With its old world art, history and culture, one may think it’s difficult not to be artistically inclined growing up there.
About this Work
The Rarámuri are an Indigenous group from the Sierra Madre Mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico, known for their long-distance running. For them running is spiritual, a connection to the earth, rooted in tradition. Wary of outsiders, the Rarámuri have long protected their land and culture by retreating deeper into the canyons, resisting colonization, tourism, and government pressure.
I traveled to Copper Canyon for the Ultra Maratón Caballo Blanco, a race honoring Rarámuri’s running culture. I ran a shorter distance so I could show up respectfully and photograph the community with care. These images reflect the strength and spirit I witnessed.
This project isn’t about consuming or romanticizing the culture, tourism has already altered many traditions. My goal is to share what I witnessed through the dual lens of
a photographer and a runner.
One of the most meaningful lessons I learned in Copper Canyon was Korima, which means to give with no expectation in return. This can be seen in how the Raramuri run; not to win, but to connect. That spirit echoed what my elders taught me and shaped how I live today. I started a Women of Color run club in that same spirit, offering time and energy to build community without expecting anything back. To me, that is Korima and I strive to carry it into everyday life.
