We have a tradition in Iran called "Muharram." During this month, people who believe in it mourn and observe certain rituals and customs. The story of this project begins when we decided to take 600 freshly prepared meals and distribute them in a neighborhood that resembled a slum.

This is not something strange in Iran, and you can see where warm meals are provided to the needy. The story became peculiar for me as a photographer when, before reaching that area, the person who had taken responsibility for the financial aspect of this project pulled me aside and told me to ask them if they had any problem with photography and explain to them that these photos were not for news purposes. When we arrived, only one person was standing there, and it seemed to me that he was a kind of guard for the area. I started talking to him and he started laughing, saying, "No problem, I'll go call the other now. Don't worry."

When people in Iran start distributing free food in affluent neighborhoods, you witness strange scenes. People who obviously have no problem affording food come out of their homes and line up, tearing each other apart for a not-so-quality meal. But here, in a place where people have a greater need for a meal, everyone was calm. They stood in line, and if they needed additional food, they would tell us the quantity they needed for the number of people and I would go call them. They didn't take the food from us; it was as if they were reserving a spot for themselves to make sure their friends would also receive food.

By the end of the day, there were around 100 extra meals because they no longer needed more food.