Title | Afghan Girl |
Year | 1984 |
Medium | Kodachrome 64 colour-slide film |
Camera | Nikon FM2 |
Lens | Nikkor 105mm Ai-S f/2.5 lens |
Photographer | Steve McCurry |
Subject | Sharbat Gula |
Location | Near Peshawar, Pakistan |
Context | Afghan refugee during the Soviet–Afghan War |
First Publication | June 1985 cover of National Geographic |
Initial Identification | Remained unknown until early 2002 |
Ethnicity | Pashtun |
Province of Origin | Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan |
Age at Time of Photograph | 12 years old |
Refugee Camp | Nasir Bagh, Pakistan |
Cultural Impact | Described as the “First World’s Third World Mona Lisa” |
Symbolism | Emblematic of the “refugee girl/woman” deserving Western compassion; symbol of Afghanistan to the West |
Recognition | Called the ‘world’s most famous photograph’ by CNN |
Cover Description | Image of Gula with a red scarf, staring directly into the camera |
Significance in National Geographic | Named “the most recognized photograph” in the magazine’s history |
Commentary on Image | American Photo magazine noted its “unusual combination of grittiness and glamour” |
Notable Feature | Gula’s green eyes |
Pre-print Retouching | Done by Graphic Art Service, Marietta, Georgia |