Gold in Press/War / Conflict / 2026 / Press / War / Conflict

• Prize
  Gold in Press/War / Conflict
• Photographer
  Gian Maria Zapelli, Italy
• Date of Photograph
  February 2026

Only a few years ago in Iraq did the bombings, the attacks and the deaths cease. There had been Saddam's regime with the genocide of Kurds and the wars with Iran and Kuwait, then came the US occupation which left behind a country disputed by Shiite and Sunni, until the ISIS with its barbaric domination and destruction. This project tells the story of four months spent in Iraq from Basra to Arbil. Everywhere the signs of war, mass deaths, destruction. But also of the life that is taking back the streets and mosques, bars and markets. Everywhere also the kindness of those who are mending peace.