Bittersweet photo of father and son who lost their limbs due to Syria's civil war wins top prize
Nothing compares to the love a parent can have for a child. A love clearly depicted in the winning image of this year's Siena International Photo Awards.
In the touching image, by Turkish photographer Mehmet Aslan, Syrian father Munzir al-Nazzal is pictured with a crutch he's used since losing his leg in a bombing. However, his injury seems forgotten as he focuses on his 5-year-old son, Mustafa, who was born without limbs.
Al-Nazzal and his family fled Idlib, Syria, for southern Turkey shortly after the bombing. However, they've since moved in an effort to get Mustafa medical treatment for the congenital disorder tetra-amelia, he was born with.
The illness was a result of medications his mother had to take after being poisoned by nerve gas in Syria.
According to the family, they often rely on charity to fully afford treatment.
Aslan told The Washington Post he hoped the image would help people understand the struggle faced by thousands of Syrian refugees who come to Turkey, where they are blamed for the country's economic troubles.
Described as "emotionally strong" by judges, the image beat thousands of others to win the title as best image across several categories. It will be displayed in Italy this month.
Mustafa's mother Zeinab said the picture has 'reached the world'.
"We've tried for years to get our voices heard by anyone who would listen, to help with his treatment. We'd give anything to give him a better life," she said.
Winners of 2021 Siena International Photo Awards
Street Photography
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Covid-19
The workers of the San Carlos de Celanova nursing home celebrate the birthday of Elena Pérez, 98, two weeks after she survived the coronavirus. Nine residents died at this nursing home and more than 40 tested positive for COVID-19.
Journeys & Adventures
A wild elephant attacks a jeep full of people. We should respect nature and care more about it, but we should also avoid taking unnecessary and reckless risks.
Fascinating Faces & Characters
A young bride is preparing for her wedding on a street in the Roma ghetto of Stolipinovo. In Europe, Roma communities number more than 11 million people and Stolipinovo, with around 40,000 people, is the most populous ghetto.
Animals In The Environment
A camera trap placed inside of a large muskox carcass was used to take this shot of a pack of 10 wolves, the members of which returned to feed for over a month. This location became the de facto rendezvous site for the pack in the months to come.
Architecture & Urban Spaces
The series BIALA has a geometrical guideline and its features were taken from urban architecture. The pictures don't portray entire buildings, but just a chosen part of the facades, to accentuate the symmetry and modular geometry of the structures.
Documentary & Photojournalism
A giant panda used for breeding sits alone in a facility in Shaanxi, China. Captive breeding of endangered species can play an important role in repopulating wild habitats, but it can also be a convenient label to hide behind, much like "green," "renewable," or "sustainable."
Sports In Action
Local wrestlers fight in a match within the Raja Katra market area in the Burrabazar neighbourhood. The tournament is organized every year by the Burrabazar Bayam Samity on the occasion of Diwali, one of the most important festivals in India. Hundreds of people gathered to participate in the sporting event.
The Beauty of Nature
The night has not yet fallen, the fireflies appear at dusk, in the blue hour inside a forest.
Under 20
A buzzard taking rest in Somerset, UK.
