Steve McCurry, a celebrated photojournalist, captured a powerful image in 1985 that became synonymous with the Afghan War. The photo featured a young Afghan refugee named Sharbat Gula, her piercing gaze captivating audiences worldwide.

Fleeing violence in her village, Sharbat found refuge in a Pakistan camp with her family. There, McCurry, documenting the plight of Afghan refugees, encountered her in a makeshift school. Despite cultural restrictions, he persuaded her to briefly remove her burqa, capturing her raw emotion.

The photo transcended borders, becoming a symbol of war’s toll on refugees. It was widely reproduced, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic images of the era. For years, Sharbat’s identity remained unknown. McCurry, determined to find her, returned to Afghanistan in 2002. He successfully located her, now a married woman with children, and recreated the photo with her permission.

Sharbat’s life continued to be marked by hardship. Despite returning to Afghanistan and raising a family, she faced further displacement due to ongoing conflicts. Following her husband’s death in 2012, she resided undocumented in Pakistan until deportation.

Fortunately, the Afghan president intervened, providing Sharbat and her children with housing in Kabul. Today, the image of the young refugee, forever etched in history, represents both the resilience of the Afghan people and the enduring power of photojournalism.