Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Elderly Vendor Refuses to Sell Until Daily Quran Recitation is Complete - Iraq

In a unique scene within the Erbil market a citizen named Osman Ahmed Marouf has continued reading the Holy Quran for 30 years in front of the city s ancient Citadel. Mam Osman, who is 80 years old earns his living by selling cigarette packs and lighters. Every day before starting his work, he follows a fixed schedule of reading one part Juz of the Holy Quran. Only after he finishes his reading does he begin his daily trade. Through this routine, he completes a full recitation Khatm of the Quran once a month. Despite his advanced age this citizen is seen in the same spot daily and has become a prominent symbol of the market. As he indicates this reading has become an inseparable part of his daily life. January 19, 2026. Photo by Rashid Othman Sabur/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Erbil Celebrates New Year Amid Ancient Citadel - Iraq

Erbil’s ancient Citadel stands in the foreground as a bustling city celebrates New Year's Eve in Shar Park. Erbil, Iraq, December 24, 2025. Erbil’s ancient Citadel overlooks a vibrant celebration in Shar Park as the city prepares for the New Year. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Erbil Celebrates New Year Amid Ancient Citadel - Iraq

Erbil’s ancient Citadel stands in the foreground as a bustling city celebrates New Year's Eve in Shar Park. Erbil, Iraq, December 24, 2025. Erbil’s ancient Citadel overlooks a vibrant celebration in Shar Park as the city prepares for the New Year. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Erbil Celebrates New Year Amid Ancient Citadel - Iraq

Erbil’s ancient Citadel stands in the foreground as a bustling city celebrates New Year's Eve in Shar Park. Erbil, Iraq, December 24, 2025. Erbil’s ancient Citadel overlooks a vibrant celebration in Shar Park as the city prepares for the New Year. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Cerdanya Region - France

FRANCE. PYRENEES ORIENTALES (66).CERDANYA REGION. THE CITADEL OF MONT LOUIS BUILT BY VAUBAN (CLASSIFIED AS WORLD HERITAGE BY UNESCO). THE WALLED CITY SEEN FROM THE SOUTH Photo by Paul Palau/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows adobe structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows adobe structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view of adobe ruins and a tower is seen through a doorway inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows adobe structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An arched interior structure is seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An adobe tower and surrounding defensive walls stand inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An adobe tower rises above arched structures inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A narrow pathway runs between adobe walls inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An arched interior structure is seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe fortress walls and restoration debris are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows the adobe ruins and restored structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Construction materials and equipment are seen in an open area inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe fortress walls and restoration debris are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe fortress walls and restoration debris are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows the adobe ruins and restored structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view of the surrounding landscape is seen through protective netting inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows the adobe ruins and restored structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows the adobe ruins and restored structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An arched passageway leads through adobe walls inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows the adobe ruins and restored structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A general view shows the adobe ruins and restored structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period, having served for centuries as a fortified city and a key hub along Silk Road trade routes before being largely destroyed in a 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe rooftops and a watchtower are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A flat rooftop and inner section of the Arg-e Bam citadel are seen in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view of adobe buildings is seen through a doorway inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An open courtyard and adobe structures are seen inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Adobe structures of the Arg-e Bam citadel are reflected in water in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An arched window and scaffolding are seen during restoration work inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Fortress walls and towers rise inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

An adobe tower stands inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

A view shows adobe buildings and pathways inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Arg-e Bam Citadel - Iran

Visitors stand near an adobe tower inside the Arg-e Bam citadel in Bam, Iran on December 14, 2025. Arg-e Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest adobe structure in the world and dates back to at least the Achaemenid period. The historic fortress once served as a key stop along Silk Road trade routes and was a major center for regional commerce. Photo by Bahram/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM