Afghan Girl Most Memorable Face on National Geographic Magazine Cover

The June 1985 issue of National Geographic Magazine featured one of the most memorable cover photos. This cover photo of a girl who was known only as “Afghan Girl” was shot by National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry.

The green eyes of this girl, who was around 12-13 at the time, captivated the World, yet no one knew who she was.

17 Years after this photo was taken, they finally found out who she was. Her name is Sharbat Gula and she lives in a remote region of Afghanistan with her husband and three daughters. She had no idea how popular that image of her had become.

When I look into her eyes, I see a girl who had been through a lifetime of hardships. What those pretty green eyes have seen in her war torn country, no child should have to see. In this before and after image, you can see the toll her life has taken on her.

Sharbat Gula was originally photographed the Nasir Bagh refugee camp in Pakistan. National Geographic returned in Jan.2002 to this same camp to try and find her. Through various contacts they managed to find her and she was able to tell her story of how she survived life in the refugee camp.

They eventually used iris-scanning technology and face-recognition techniques to remove any doubts that this was the woman who was that girl.

The World finally knew who this girl was and what became of her. We won’t know anything more though, as she will not give another interview and wishes not to be contacted anymore.

I will never forget her face and whenever I see green eyes I am always reminded of her.