The Journey of the ‘Afghan Girl’ After the Iconic Photo

Sharbat Gula’s image became one of the most recognizable photographs in history when Steve McCurry captured her at a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984. The photo showed a young Afghan girl with intense green eyes, symbolizing the struggles of refugees worldwide. McCurry later reflected that while he knew the photo was powerful, he never expected it to have such a lasting impact.

Steve McCurry is the man behind the viral photograph (Elena Di Vincenzo/Archivio Elena Di Vincenzo/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

In 2002, McCurry reconnected with Gula and photographed her again. By then, she was a mother enduring the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan. McCurry described her appearance as weathered by hardship but still showing strength. Their meeting was the last time they had contact.

Sharbat Gula was last known to be living in Italy (Haroon Sabawoon/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

After the Taliban takeover in 2021, Gula left Afghanistan and settled in Italy in 2022, seeking safety and a fresh start. She chose Italy because she had heard about its welcoming nature and support for Afghans. Unlike her past life, she now enjoys living quietly without the spotlight, with only a few close people aware of her famous past.

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