Editorial photo #12358638 Disaster and Accident
Iran-Citadel Of Bam 22-year After Earthquake
Two young Iranian women take a selfie while visiting the Citadel of Bam, which is nearly destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 2003 and has been under restoration ever since, in Bam, Iran, on May 3, 2025. The Citadel of Bam, located in southeastern Iran, is the world's largest adobe structure and a remarkable example of ancient urban architecture along the Silk Road. This historic fortress, with origins dating back over 2,000 years, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of desert construction and cultural continuity. In December 2003, a devastating earthquake strikes the region, causing the near-total collapse of the citadel and claiming tens of thousands of lives. Since then, the site is under continuous restoration efforts aimed at preserving its cultural and historical significance. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto)
