A hillside cemetery on the grounds of a temple in Ishinomaki, Japan, overlooks the remains of the town destroyed in the 2011 tsunami. Its numerous new graves bear witness to the many lives lost in the tragedy.

In a cemetery at the Bobgil Shrine, graves of two brothers from the Talysh people group are tied together by a red ribbon. This symbolizes the eternal bond of these brothers and is often used when two close relatives die earlier than expected of unnatural causes.

The Bobgil Shrine compound on the road to Lerik, Azerbaijan, is considered a holy place by the Talysh people. The shrine is the burial site of an Islamic holy man who is revered for his power to heal and bless those who come to pray. Visitors also walk around the tomb, kiss the tomb, kiss the Quran and leave money or candy in order to receive blessing.

A local imam, or Islamic teacher, reads from the Quran over a deceased family friend’s grave. Many Muslims believe reading the Quran on behalf of and praying for the deceased will increase the deceased person’s favor with God. This practice is done throughout the year but is most prominent during holidays.