About

My name tells my story: Ariane Alzhara Kirtley. Like Ariane in Greek mythology, I endeavor to help lead others to safety. Like Alzhara flowers, I blossomed in the wondrous Saharan wastelands. And in the footsteps of my family Kirtley — “over those hills” in Old Gaelic – I am driven by a compulsion to walk, seeking new adventures, discoveries and meaning.

After obtaining a Bachelors in Anthropology and a Master of Public Health from Yale, I founded Amman Imman: Water is Life to help Africa’s indigenous populations. I am also the mother of Fassely, Soriya, and Indima. Similarly to how my parents raised my brother and me, we travel the globe as a family.

Along with being a humanitarian and mother, I have been a photographer and storyteller since 1999, sharing the beauty and incredible social wealth of the people and cultures I encounter.

Patience

Patience

What does patience mean? It means to look at the thorn and see the rose, to look at the night ...
Service

Service

In this picture, a young girl enjoys abundant and clean water for the first time, after Amman Imman built a ...
Home

Home

Oh desert of the Sahara ...
Best Friends

Best Friends

I could not be more blessed to have such an international family of beloved ones ...
Being

Being

Soriya running across a Saharan dune ...
Alzhara Walking

Alzhara Walking

I have created “Alzharawalking” to post reflections, stories, and encounters inspired and facilitated by my world walking ...
Péripatéticienne

Péripatéticienne

“Ariane, you are a péripatéticienne!” jokingly declared my friend Issouf. I had just declined his offer for a ride to ...