People celebrate Nowruz, the Persian new year in Akre, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on 20 March 2023. The ancient Zoroastrian tradition is celebrated by Iranians and Kurds, and it coincides with the spring equinox. Despite rain and storms, this year over 100,000 people travelled to Akre - considered the capital of Nowruz - to enjoy the festivities. Families gather to share meals, dressing in their smartest clothes, whilst others parade through the streets, dancing, playing music, and waving flags. A 100m flag is carried up Seri Kale mountain, and at dusk, Kurds parade with flaming torches.
Tom Nicholson is a British freelance photojournalist based in Paris, photographing news and features.
He studied BA Photojournalism at the London College of Communication where he graduated with a First Class Honours. He then worked from London for eight years, and was a stringer for Reuters news agency.
Since 2019, Tom was based part time in Lebanon, covering stories in the Middle East. He is now based in Paris, France, where he covers daily news as well as foreign assignments.
