Photos from Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, show that life is returning to normal in the city. Nearly one year after its liberation from the "Islamic State of Iraq and Levant" (ISIL), Ramadi's revitalized markets are bustling with activity once again.
Displaced residents continue to return to their homes in droves since Iraqi forces liberated much of the city from ISIL last December. Around 80% of them have now returned amid continuous efforts by service departments to provide residents with electricity, water and sewer services.
Under ISIL's rule, women were not permitted to leave their homes without a male companion and men were forced to grow beards and adhere to Islamic dress codes. The group imposed its own school curricula steeped with violent ideology, and as a result, many parents refused to send their children to school.
Children are now back in school, while Anbar University has resumed classes this fall.