Miss Iraq 2022 is Balsam Hussein
Balsam Hussein was crowned Miss Iraq 2022 in a glittering competition held last Thursday, July 28 in Erbil, the capital and most populated city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The 26-year-old TV presenter who was born and raised in Baghdad is expected to represent her country at the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.
Sarah Saad and Jihan Majid were the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Hind Akram and Sarah Khaled completed the Top 5 finalists.
The Miss Iraq pageant was founded in 1947 but was suspended for over 40 years from 1973 until 2015 due to political and armed conflict in the country.
The newly crowned Miss Iraq wants to send a message to all Iraqi women to never give up in the pursuit of their dreams.
"Fight to get your goals and be patient. You have faced wars and difficulties, do not make the harsh conditions a rock in your path, destroy it and keep going until all your dreams are met."
Photos: Adnan Photography / Miss Iraq, Balsam Hussein / Instagram