Sharbat Gula Afghan Refugee from Nat'l Geographic Magazine

National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry took photos of Afghan refugees in a camp in Pakistan in 1984. The cover of the June 1985 edition featured one of those photographs--a photo which became "the most famous picture in [National Geographic's] 114-year history."

In April, 2002, they published "Found: After 17 Years: An Afghan Refugee's Story", an article by Cathy Newman with photos by Steve McCurry.

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[shaldana]

One of my most striking memories of seeing Islam is I was in a store one afternoon shopping. It was very hot: 39C with 95% humidity. In walked a man. He was nice & cool with a sleeveless top, shorts and sandals. Behind him came his wife in full black burka, carrying parcels, the children and she was very very obviously over heated. If that's respect and treasuring of a woman, I'll pass. Islam has components in their religion that are beautiful - every religion does. That wasn't beautiful.

[squigglyfun27]

Her older eyes seemed a bit drained of hope and her youthful eyes were more bright green and naiive but she has endured a life of hurt in her country.

Her FACE speaks by itself and is worth a thousand words. The world is not kind, it is not fair,

and she is a beautiful victim of it as many else are

[johalieb1]

@johalieb1

clearly I am wrong...looks like they did an analysis. I agree with the others that it's so sad that a young (by Western standards-30 at the most) woman would look so aged and so changed. The vast majority of Afghan women are illiterate, receive no heath care, and they are apparently the only women who's life expectancy is lower than that of the men of their country. The life expectancy in Afganistan is, I believe, in the low 40's for both sexes and almost the lowest in the world.

[johalieb1]

It doesn't look to be the same person. The nose shape, particularly the lower part, is different. If you compare the facial features one by one you can tell, seems to me.

Does anyone else think this?

[TheXecutioner09]

Seriously, I don't mean to sound offensive, but you would think she would have grown up to be a stunningly beautiful woman, because the original photo featured just that. But now she looks haggered and almost mannish in a way. I have sympathy for her plight/struggles, I'm just being honest.

[zackariam1]

im an afghan! sharbat gull has family memebers in afghanistan even as we speak today(write) she has relatives children, you people have to speak and making bullshit storys, if you dont know her real stoy dont make one of your own,

[Jaseeka1986]

@MrEDDFire You fucking bastard! Do you know why she's as you put it "ugly"?? Because she's been ran through as a person, no respect. She has no life. Whatever her husband says goes. And when HE's Not in the room, it's whatever man is CLOSEST! EVEN if he's not related to her he has power over her. She was first found in a Refugee camp. Does your stupid ass even know what a refugee camp is or why she HAD TO BE THERE? She had to flee from armed evil people who probably raped her every day

[SuperParo420]

and real culture its veryyyy funny to earn money n our body, our dance, our eye lashes, our nails, our ****** the real beauty of a woman is hidden inside her not out side for all man walking around the street! try to read some lesson about Afghans b-for you guys putting some commentse taken by some monkey mind!!!!

[SuperParo420]

Why DALLLLL KHORS are in our side, who is ashgharia rai....its getting annoying to compare some one who earn money on their body, off course its proud for some narrow minded cultures, but according to Afghan rich,

[squigglyfun27]

Aishwarya rai's eyes are gorgeous too but they are a more dim and a relaxed water blue while Sharbat's eyes have high intensity and are raw and honest with a unique effect

[Mokochino08]

I remember this documentary very well. It's awesome they found her. She has the most stunning eyes... Hypnotising :)