The first meeting that took place on November 29, 2017 and lasted one hour with my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Arne Scheuermann, was important in order to set a base and a starting point for my research. During this meeting, we discussed the potential research question “How does ISIS represent itself through photography?” In order to shape my research around this question, Dr. Scheuermann recommended me to look and focus on what a portrait is and what does self-representation means.

Moreover, on a broader view, he proposed to look at self-representation of all extremists as a broader question and not only in terms of jihadism - how violent extremists in general (not only ISIS) picture themselves? What are the clichés of these images and what do they mean (symbolism)? Also, how do they represent themselves compared to non-violent extremists? He also advised me to compare extremists’ self-representation from previous decades such as the 1970’s with that of today. He also urged me to observe intercultural exchange and the different styles of violent extremists. To add, he also mentioned looking at how and in which ways do gender stereotypes play a role in this self-representation? And what are the stereotypes that derive from different cultures and from jihadists?

Furthermore, for my research question “How does ISIS represent itself through photography?” Dr. Scheuermann suggested looking at what is the staging and the portraits of ISIS jihadists’ self-published photographs such as selfies on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), and their online magazines such as Dabiq, Rumiyah, and others. To start, Dr. Scheuermann advised me to start looking at photographs on ISIS’s online magazine before looking into jihadists’ Facebook profiles. In order to prepare for our next meeting that will take place on December 5th, 2017, I will look at around 30 photographs from different online magazines, and add keywords to have easy access to them and to group them according to the keywords in order to be able to compare and contrast. Also, as it is clear, Dr. Scheuermann highly suggested to use the Panofsky Method (the three levels: pre-iconographic analysis, iconography, iconology) - the iconological analysis of images as research method.