Armenia, situated between Europe and Asia, is facing a decisive phase in its history: long dependent on Russia as a protective power, the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh has made clear that this support cannot be relied upon. Russia's turning away and the fear of another war with Azerbaijan deprives Armenia of any hope of a secure future. At the same time, the country is looking for ways to strengthen its independence and trying to move closer to the EU.

"Surrounded in South Caucasus" is a photographic exploration of a society whose identity is shaped by the trauma of the past, the fear of war and the feeling of being alone.

Armenia's geopolitical position between Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey plays a central role in this. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there has been a conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is located on Azerbaijani territory but was inhabited by a majority of Armenians. In September 2023, Azerbaijan gained military control over the entire region, causing a large part of the population to flee. The fear of a further escalation of the conflict with the military enforcement of a corridor from Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhichevan is huge. Azerbaijan can count on powerful support from Turkey, while Moscow in turn relies on Turkey as a strategic partner. Russia refuses to stand by Armenia, but will not allow it to withdraw its influence and seek new allies in the West. Armenia is almost completely surrounded by enemies and faces enormous challenges.