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   IRAQ - Marsh Arabs - Photo Gallery © Tor Eigeland 2004 |
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IRAQ - Marsh Arabs - Photo Gallery © Tor Eigeland 2004 |
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| PARADISE LOST |
These photos from the ancient marshlands of Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are but a fond memory of a stunningly beautiful, watery world populated with hospitable, friendly people. At the end of the Gulf War in 1991, with American encouragement, the Marsh Arabs rebelled against Saddam Hussein. The price they paid was heavy. Since the Americans never followed up on their victory, Saddam Hussein’s forces were free to return with fury. They dammed and drained the precious wetlands of the Marsh Arabs, bombed and burned their villages. Precious little remains of a way of life, a civilization, that goes back some 5000 years. Only 30,000 people remain out of a population of about 500,000.
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| W5783 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Typical Marsh Arab 'floating' village. Their way of life has been largely destroyed by Saddam Hussein. W5783 ©Tor Eigeland |
W5786 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Beautiful Marsh Arab woman. Most were very attractive, friendly and open. W5786 ©Tor Eigeland |
W5906 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Striking good looks of Marsh Arab. Most were very friendly and open, much like Beduin. W5906 ©Tor Eigeland |
W5908 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Baking bread in typical Marsh Arab village. People here did not mind being photographed. W5908 ©Tor Eigeland |
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| W8666 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Young Marsh Arab girls observing their mother weaving on a very ancient and primitive loom. W8666 ©Tor Eigeland |
W8684 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Beautiful Marsh Arab woman picking reeds for house construction. W8684 ©Tor Eigeland |
W8685 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Young Marsh Arab girls observing their mother building a reed hut. W8685 ©Tor Eigeland |
W8687 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Marsh Arab youngsters fishing. The marshes used to be teaming with fish - a main staple in diet. W8687 ©Tor Eigeland |
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| W8688 Iraq. Marshes in the south. Typical Marsh Arab village scene. Water buffaloes essential to them. Here seen swimming home. W8688 ©Tor Eigeland |
Only a small selection of images is shown here, please contact Tor Eigeland for more information on images and related features | ||