City of the Damned Photo

Photographer’s Note

Just two short years following the end of the Iran-Iraq conflict, along the road into Basra there was a heavy military presence. I arrived there in the blistering heat of summer. It didn't occur to me that the country would be at war again in a couple of months time and that it would be a conflict lasting, on and off, for the best part of 20 years. At that time Basra looked fragile, rebuilding. I wonder what it looks like now.

Maybe not the best photo, shot on print film during the middle of the day, but perhaps of historical interest.

yas777, parbo, yuo, Ramy, rjb874 trouve(nt) cette note utile

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yuo (838) 2008-05-30 20:58

Hi Stephen,
i agree, it is historically interesting photograph. i saw a life and traditional architecture of Iraq from this photograph.

the surface of alley is saturated, but that shows a storong sunshine of midlle east.

TFS!
Yuo

yas777 (330) 2008-05-30 22:26 [Comment]

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tomescuc (2837) 2008-05-30 22:55

Interesting street scene, and also in a historical context, given the destruction recently.
cheers,
CT

parbo (11002) 2008-05-31 3:34

Hi Stephen,

A meaningful photo full with memories and history. Excellent addition of authentic street with local inhabitants. Mix of terracotta brick-wooden construction styles eye catching with repeating elements on facades. Congratulations. Have a nice week end.

Best Regards,

Ertugrul

kschanna (6) 2008-05-31 22:58

You have captured a moment in history. Growing up in Pakistan, children's literature was crammed with stories of Baghdad and Basra, any Pakistani kid would tell you that in their minds and hearts they have travelled the streets of Basra and Baghdad with characters like Umro Ayar and Khalifa Haroon Rasheed.

This picture brings back old memories and it feels like I have just relived a momemnt in childhood. Thanks for sharing.

Many thanks
Kamran