Iraq: Photography Award 2026
Welcome to our annual photography contest. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) Photography Award is an annual photography contest, launched for the first time back in 2021, to encourage Iraqi photographers to highlight humanitarian issues affecting local communities. This year, we invite you to explore the theme of "Historic Monuments".
Historic Monuments: identity and pride
From the ancient cities of Mesopotamia to Iraq's archaeological treasures and historic monuments stand as enduring symbols of the country's identity and a source of pride for its people. They tell the story of civilizations that have shaped human history and continue to inspire generations today.
This year's photography theme celebrates the beauty, diversity, and significance of Iraq's cultural heritage while highlighting the importance of its protection. International humanitarian law recognizes cultural property as part of the identity of the people and calls for its respect and protection, particularly during armed conflicts. Through your lenses, we invite you to capture the places, details, and stories that reflect Iraq's rich past and reaffirm our shared responsibility to preserve this irreplaceable treasure for future generations.
Contest rules
- The photo must reflect the contest's theme (Antiquities of Iraq).
- The photo must be in JPEG format (.jpg) with a resolution of 300 dpi, and the smallest side of the photo must be at least 2,000 pixels.
- The submitted photo should not contain added elements (such as texts, signatures, logos, and frames).
- The submitted photo should not contain excessive editing or retouching that goes beyond basic technical alterations.
- The photo must be taken between 2024 and 2026.
- Each photographer may submit only one photo.
- The photographer must have taken the photo themselves without infringing on the intellectual property rights, literary rights, trademarks, or rights to privacy of any person or entity.
- The submission must include a clear and comprehensive description of the photo.
- The photographer must adhere to the ethics of photojournalism, depicting the subject in a respectful and ethical manner, and must obtain written consent from the subjects pictured in the photo.
- The photographer guarantees ownership of the submitted photo and that it was taken by them, including the date it was taken.
- By participating in the competition, the photographer agrees to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) the exclusive right to use the photo for informational, promotional and fundraising purposes in any media, including but not limited to exhibitions, publications, and their social media platforms, with the photographer’s name credited.
To win the prize
Selection criteria
- Submissions will be evaluated by a jury of professional photographers selected by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS).
- The winning photos for the first three places will be determined by the jury based on artistic value, concept, and clarity. The audience award will be determined by public voting on ICRC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Prizes
First Prize:
1,500,000 Iraqi Dinars
Second Prize:
1,250,000 Iraqi Dinars
Third Prize:
750,000 Iraqi Dinars
Audience Award Prize:
500,000 Iraqi Dinars
Agriculture (2025)
