Khüüley is a traditional haymaking competition held within the uluses of the Sakha Republic. In the age of automation and mechanization, it’s now rare to see someone using a scythe, as almost everyone has switched to handheld gasoline-powered trimmers for the main haymaking work — they are more efficient and require less physical effort. Khüüley, however, remains a tribute to tradition. I was lucky enough to be in the village of Vilyuchan, Suntar Ulus — my father’s birthplace — and to document this event.

Vilyuchan (Suntar Ulus), Sakha Republic, Russia, 07.2025