Turkish photographer Muhammed Aslan had no idea when he took a heartbreaking photo that it would change the lives of those depicted and turn them upside down. Italy has announced that it will welcome the family of Syrian refugee Munther Al-Nazzal, who appeared in the image with his only leg alongside his son Mustafa, born without limbs. This photo, captured by Aslan, won the Siena International Photography Awards for 2021.
In detail, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed in a memo that the family of Munther Al-Nazzal and little Mustafa will soon arrive in Italy. It added that following the wave of solidarity in the country sparked by the photo, the Italian Embassy in Ankara worked closely with the General Directorate for Immigration Policies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to finalize arrangements for the Nazzal family's arrival and to organize an appropriate reception program, as reported by the Italian news agency (AKI).
Furthermore, the Ministry stated that, thanks to a fundraising campaign promoted by the organizers of the Siena Awards Festival, Munther and his son Mustafa will be able to undergo long-term medical treatment at a prosthetics center.
The photo that shook the world won the Best Image of 2021 award at the Siena International Photography Awards ceremony last October, after going viral on social media. It shows the Syrian father Munther Al-Nazzal, with one leg, smiling while carrying his son Mustafa, who is also laughing. Mustafa was born without limbs due to a congenital disorder stemming from medication his mother had to take after inhaling toxic gas released by regime forces in Syria.
The impactful photo was titled "The Struggle of Life" and was taken in the Reyhanlı district of Turkey's Hatay province near the Syrian border.
Weeks ago, Munther disclosed in exclusive statements to Al-Hadath that he was injured during bombardment in Khan Sheikhoun, resulting in the amputation of his right leg, along with suffering injuries to his abdomen and back. He called upon international organizations to assist him in providing treatment for his son and in securing prosthetic limbs, to ensure a future for him and enable him to go to school with his peers, noting that Mustafa has two healthy siblings.
He added that before his injury, he was still studying, and after earning his high school diploma, he was injured during the upheaval. He mentioned that there had been no contact from any rights or medical organization regarding treatment for his son. He explained that Mustafa needs surgery to lengthen his leg bones, followed by smart prosthetics to enable him to walk. Moreover, he helps his son with feeding due to his inability to eat independently.
Now, with hopes fulfilled, the Italian government has announced the family's reception and the imminent start of their treatment.
