Shaimaa Qassim Abdulrahman was crowned Miss Iraq 2015 last month. The 20-year-old business administration student, who has Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen roots, has become the face and, to some extent, an ambassador of Iraq. She is the embodiment of the mixed fabric that makes up her country. December was the first time in 44 years the war-torn country has hosted a national beauty pageant and it will be sending a contestant to the Miss World pageant.
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Miss Iraq beauty contestants pose in front of the Ishtar Gate in Babylon. AFP -
Shaimaa Qassim Abdulrahman won the competition to become Miss Iraq. AFP -
The beauty contest is the first one in more than 40 years to take place in the war torn country. AFP -
Abdulrahman from Kirkuk receives the Miss Iraq sash after winning the beauty contest. AFP -
“There was so much pressure,” says Abdulrahman. “People called it a dishonour, and how shameful it is to compete in a beauty pageant. Family and friends worried that people will speak badly about me – but I know who I am. I am confident in myself and I don’t worry about what people say. AFP -
Farah Naseer smiles after being named first runner-up. AFP
Miss Iraq 2015 beauty contest - in pictures
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