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Customs House and reclaimed roads, Basra, Iraq, WW1
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Customs House and reclaimed roads, Basra, Iraq, WW1
Customs House and reclaimed roads, Basra, Iraq, during the First World War.
circa 1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23074414
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Basra Iraq Iraqi Roads Reclaimed
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This evocative photograph captures the scene at the Customs House in Basra, Iraq, during the First World War, around 1916. The image offers a glimpse into the wartime transformation of the city, which had been a major British military and commercial hub since the late 19th century. The Customs House, a grand colonial-style building with its imposing facade and tall, arched windows, stands proudly amidst the desolate landscape. The building, a symbol of British authority and administration, served as a vital point of control for the import and export of goods between Iraq and the outside world. The roads leading up to the Customs House have been reclaimed from the swampy terrain, a testament to the engineering prowess of the British military and the local labor force. The newly paved roads, lined with palm trees and dotted with tents and military vehicles, showcase the efforts to establish a permanent presence in the region. The photograph also reveals the harsh realities of war, with the empty, desolate streets and the absence of civilians. The British military had taken control of Basra in 1914, and the city had become a major base for the British campaign in Mesopotamia during the First World War. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost and the far-reaching impact of the conflict on the people and places of the Middle East. The Customs House and reclaimed roads in Basra, Iraq, during the First World War, offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region and the enduring legacy of colonialism. This photograph, taken around 1916, provides a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history, captured by the lens of a camera from the Mary Evans Picture Library.
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