I'm Mohammad Javad! I'm a photographer, filmmaker, and musician. I play two traditional Iranian instruments: the ney and the setar. I'm deeply familiar with Iranian classical music and love discussing music, film, and photography.

I'm passionate about authentic cultures and believe that traveling is not just about visiting new places—it's also about discovering different sides of yourself. I love meeting new people and immersing myself in local traditions.

For me, the best way to experience a place is to live like someone who has been there for years. I'm especially fascinated by Eastern cultures and always eager to learn more.

Looking forward to meeting inspiring people and sharing great experiences!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Explore world and meet new people and different cultures, and exchange exprience.

Interests

• singing
• photography
• film making
• videography
• playing music
• street photography
• playing ney
• documentry

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:

I have explored almost all of the major and essential albums in Iranian traditional music, from the Qajar era to today. I’ve listened to all the works of Mohammad Reza Shajarian and Gholam Hossein Banan and deeply appreciate their artistry. I also admire Kayhan Kalhor, especially his album Night, Silence, Desert.

In addition to Persian classical music, I have a deep love for Azerbaijani traditional music. I'm particularly passionate about the works of Alim Qasimov—I have listened to almost all of his recordings, and his music resonates deeply with me.

Books:

I'm particularly interested in books on creativity, philosophy, and art. I'm a big fan of Seth Godin—I’ve read several of his books and follow his podcasts and YouTube content. I’ve also read works by Nassim Nicholas Taleb and enjoy books on photography, visual arts, and creative thinking.

Movies & Documentaries:

I love the works of Woody Allen and Christopher Nolan. Annie Hall is one of my favorites, and Inception is a masterpiece in my opinion. I’m also passionate about documentaries, especially those focused on cultures, ethnic groups, civilizations, and religions. Additionally, I follow the works of great photographers like Abbas Attar and Henri Cartier-Bresson, and I have a deep interest in photography books and visual storytelling.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve summited Damavand, the highest peak in Iran, and climbed many incredible mountains in the country.

I’m currently working on a documentary about the old culture and the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz, with a strong emphasis on the role of music.

I’ve compiled a collection of high-quality photos of architecture and construction projects.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I can teach:
I have a deep passion for photography and filmmaking. I can teach photography, composition, and camera techniques. If you're interested in music, I can introduce you to Iranian classical music, teach you how to play the ney or setar, and even guide you in Persian singing. I also love musical collaboration—if you play an instrument, we can jam together, I love improvisation ;Even we can record and share it.

What I want to learn:
I'm always eager to learn about new cultures, especially local music and traditional arts. If you have a unique musical style, I’d love to exchange melodies with you. I also enjoy hearing stories about travel and different ways of life.

What I can share:
I love sharing my experiences in documentary photography and filmmaking. We can exchange ideas, discuss creative projects, and maybe even collaborate on something together. I'm also an experienced mountaineer—I’ve climbed Iran’s highest peak (one of the highest in the world at nearly 6,000 meters). If you're into hiking, camping, or adventure travel, I’d be happy to swap stories and tips!

Countries I’ve Visited

Iraq, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Iran