Rare earths in Beijing

Rare earths in Beijing

Photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026, shows a mineral containing rare earths at a museum in Beijing. Finance ministers from the Group of Seven countries recently discussed in Washington ways to reduce overreliance on China for critical minerals supply including rare earths amid their tightened export controls by the country.

Rare earths in Beijing

Rare earths in Beijing

Photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026, shows a mineral containing rare earths at a museum in Beijing. Finance ministers from the Group of Seven countries recently discussed in Washington ways to reduce overreliance on China for critical minerals supply including rare earths amid their tightened export controls by the country.

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab, after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (right) and her daughter Rima Rahbani attend funeral after the passing of the star’s youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese First Lady Nehmat Aoun after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab (1st from R), after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese First Lady Nehmat Aoun after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese First Lady Nehmat Aoun presents her condolences after the passing of Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of Fayrouz’ other son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (right) and her daughter Rima Rahbani attend funeral after the passing of the star’s youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese First Lady Nehmat Aoun after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab (1st from R), after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab (1st from R), after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (right) and her daughter Rima Rahbani attend funeral after the passing of the star’s youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz (left) receives condolences from Lebanese First Lady Nehmat Aoun after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Rare Appearance Of Lebanese Singer Fayrouz At Her Son s Funeral - Bikfaya

Lebanese singer, international diva and living legend Fayrouz attends funeral after the passing of her youngest son, Hali Rahbani, at church in the village of Bikfaya, 40 minutes from Beirut, Lebanon, on January 10, 2026, just few months after the passing of her son Ziad, in July 2025. Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

France: Woman Skis Through Paris Streets Following Heavy Snowstorm

The video shows a woman skiing through the streets of Paris on Wednesday, January 7. Paris was hit by a heavy snowstorm earlier this week, prompting French weather authorities to maintain an orange alert for snow and ice. Around 5 cm of snow fell across the capital, bringing some of the coldest temperatures in eight years and causing transport disruptions. The snowfall also drew residents and tourists into streets and parks, including the Montmartre area, where people were seen skiing and enjoying the rare winter scenes.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

Tidal Tree Landscape

Tidal Tree Landscape

HAINING, CHINA - JANUARY 4, 2026 - Rare tidal tree landscape in Huangwan Town section of Qiantang River in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China on the morning of January 4, 2026.

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

The Ancient Guardians of Bakhazner - Iraq

In the isolated village of Bakhazner in the Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, two sisters, Mestan Rasul Muhiddin and Gustan Rasul Muhiddin, both over 85 years old, continue to embody a vanishing way of life. Born and raised in Bakhazner, the sisters have spent their entire lives on their family's land, witnessing decades of regional transformation without ever leaving. Living independently, they dedicate their lives to the arduous tasks of livestock farming and shepherding, traditions passed down through generations. Their self-sufficiency and deep-rooted connection to the rugged Zagros foothills landscape provide a rare insight into traditional Kurdish pastoral life, which is under threat from modernisation and rural-to-urban migration. Despite their advanced age, the Rasul Muhiddin sisters remain the primary caretakers of their flock, serving as the living memory of their community, on January 3, 2026, in Taq Taq district of the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq. Photo by Othman Sabur Rashid/ABACAPR