Tahrir Square: 16 Striking Images One Year Later

January 25, 2012, 10:30 am

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Egyptian protests, many of which took place in Cairo's Tahrir Square, that ultimately ousted former President Hosni Mubarak and helped launch the Arab Spring. Over the past year, the rest of the world has witnessed significant changes in the country and region while, at the same time, its residents continue to struggle with lingering uncertainty and instability. What started as a largely peaceful protest at times became terrifyingly violent but, one year later, many Egyptians are still hopeful. We've compiled some of the most striking and beautiful images taken from people on the ground during this pivotal moment.

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"Family with candles spelling the word 'Irhal' (Go Away)" via nebedaay

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"Protestors break paving stones for the defence of Tahrir Square in front of a shop spray painted with the word Facebook" via Interact SpA-Play innovation

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"The Colors of the Revolution" via Khaled Galal

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"Painting the Egyptian Flag" via Khaled Galal

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"Boys with Egyptian flags painted on their foreheads by youth volunteers at art wall on Mohamed Mahmoud Street" via nebedaay

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via Mohamed Abdel Samad/Getty Images

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"As seen from a ninth-floor apartment, Tahrir Square filled up considerably after nightfill the night after Mubarak resigned" via nebedaay

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