Hunting for truffles in Iraq's Samawa desert - in pictures

Besides the harsh environment, hunters face the threat of desert predators and munitions left over from the Gulf War

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  The Iraqi city of Samawa sits about 265 kilometres south of Baghdad on the Euphrates River. Home to about 150,000 people, Samawa hosts vineyards and orchards, carpet-making and heavy industries. Samawa is also the place where families have braved the sun to dig truffles from the dry soil. Ten-year-old Salma Mohsen shows off a truffle he took from the desert. Reuters

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  Truffles from Samawa have fetched $7 a kilo this year. Reuters

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  Truffle hunter Abu Jakka Farhan in the desert at Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  Besides the harsh environment, hunters face the threat of desert predators and munitions left over from the Gulf War as they dig. Reuters

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  A woman extracts truffles from the soil in the desert at Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  Truffle hunter Zahra Buheir, 72, smokes a cigarette. "Here it is, the truffle, a blessing from God!" she said. "Rain came, and then thunder, bringing truffles up to the surface." Reuters

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  Zahra Buheir, 72, a truffle hunter, makes bread in the desert in Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  Trader Raad Abdelemir sorts truffles in a tent at a market in Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  A truffle seller and his wares at a market in Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  A man buys truffles at a market in the city of Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  Truffles are prepared at the Beit Al Hatab restaurant in the city of Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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  Truffles are served at the Beit Al Hatab restaurant in Samawa, Iraq. Reuters

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