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In Pictures

Gallery|Arts and Culture

A Kuwaiti island frozen in time

Failaka Island, where hundreds of people packed up and left 25 years ago, is steeped in remnants of the Iraqi invasion.

Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
Before the Iraqi invasion, this space was used as an outdoor garden for major concerts. Today, the clearing is overgrown and littered with fallen brush. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
By Megan O'Toole
Published On 3 Aug 20153 Aug 2015
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Failaka Island, Kuwait – About 20km off the coast of Kuwait City, tiny Failaka Island stands as a constant reminder of the Iraqi invasion a quarter-century ago.

Prior to the Gulf War, Failaka was reportedly home to about 2,000 residents, but they fled when the Iraqis invaded and most did not return. Over the years, the homes and offices they left behind have crumbled, many still scarred with bullet holes from the war.

Today, much of the island lies empty and in ruins, although a small tourism industry has emerged – with boat trips, overnight accommodations and cafes springing up on Failaka for curious sightseers. Failaka is also still used today for military exercises by the Kuwaiti army.

Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
Visitors have scrawled graffiti throughout the hallway of this abandoned school. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
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Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island's old electrical plant, which ceased operations after the Iraqi invasion, has been left to rust. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
This house was struck by a missile during the war, according to one of Failaka's few residents. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
An estimated 2,000 people left the island during the Iraqi invasion, and most never returned. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
Possessions such as vehicles and furniture were left behind. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
There are still some people living on Failaka today, but mostly it has become a spot for curious sightseers. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
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Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
Arabic verses were carved into the wall of this home, which now stands empty. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
In some areas of the island, it appears as though residents could return home at any moment, but these homes have long been abandoned. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
Evidence of the Gulf War is everywhere on the island. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
There are several mosques throughout Failaka that, like this one, have been left to crumble. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
The walls of many buildings are scarred with bullet holes. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
A small section of the island has turned into a military graveyard, where old Iraqi tanks were left behind after the war. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
The vehicles have been baking in the desert sun for the past 25 years. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]
Failaka Island in Kuwait [Megan O''Toole/Al Jazeera]
The war claimed thousands of casualties, including Iraqis, Kuwaitis and allied forces. [Megan O'Toole/Al Jazeera]


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