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Kurdish smugglers...Iran/Iraq border (PiP)

On the Iran/Iraq border in Iranian Kurdistan. At 3500 meters altitude in Zagros Mountains. Smugglers move in a steady stream, climbing huge mountains, with 40 kilo weights of flat screen TVs and electronics, from Iraq to Iran, where there are very high duties on these items. See PiPs....first is from whence they climb...the valley below...they are the tiny orange specks, and number 2 shows the scale of the climbs they perfom....not to mention the walk through the valleys below evading border police. We spent a couple of enlightening hours with them.
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26 comments

Roger (Grisly) said:

Great story and amazing images Diana,
It looks to be a well organised affair,
Have a nice Easter.
6 years ago

William Sutherland said:

Outstanding series!

Admired in:
www.ipernity.com/group/tolerance
6 years ago ( translate )

tiabunna said:

A great series. I'm surprised that they are doing it so openly - were you part of a tour group?
6 years ago

Diana Australis replied to tiabunna:

No..just us two with a driver/ guide and old car. It was remote from any tourist haunts. And remote generally..high and sparse.
6 years ago

╰☆☆June☆☆╮ said:

Good work ;-)
6 years ago ( translate )

Diane Putnam said:

The Kurds are courageous people, whether smuggling or fighting! The distance they have covered is shocking. Superb set of photos, Diana.
6 years ago

Jaap van 't Veen said:

very well captured; stunning PiP's.,
Have a nice Easter weekend.
6 years ago

Eve said:

Il faut du courage mais ils n'ont pas le choix ....
C'est là que nous voyons que nous avons une vie bien plus facile
Beau reportage !
Bisous Diana
6 years ago ( translate )

Ecobird said:

My word Diana - there must be easier ways to make a living! What an incredible feat to climb so far with heavy loads on their backs. Amazing images. Have a lovely Easter. I will think of these men when I am sitting with my feet up watching the tv!
6 years ago

Bergfex said:

Wie vor 50 Jahren in den Alpen:
www.suedtirol.info/wasunsbewegt/schmuggler
6 years ago ( translate )

Simone Maurel said:

incredible picture
6 years ago ( translate )

©UdoSm said:

Shocking images of these living conditions...
6 years ago

funtor said:

Wow, what a interesting thing!
6 years ago

Leo W said:

hard earned bread. Impressive captures.
6 years ago ( translate )

Diana Australis said:

Thank you everyone for comments. It was amazing watching these Kurdish men engage in this dangerous and backbreaking work. The unemployment rate is high in this region. We were made welcome...just 2 of us and an Iranian driver.
6 years ago