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
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Journeys & Adventures
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Fascinating Faces & Characters
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Animals In The Environment
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Architecture & Urban Spaces
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Documentary & Photojournalism
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Sports In Action
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The Beauty of Nature
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Under 20
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