Castro's life in pictures
As the news of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro's death spreads, TRT World looks back on the colourful life of one of the most important figures of resistance in the past century.
Recognised for his long beard and militant hat, Castro will be remembered as one of the most charismatic world leaders in recent history.
Castro was known to have a lack of respect for protocol, often smoking cigars during press conferences even as he served as Cuba's prime minister in 1975. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Finger-wagging was a trademark for Castro as he delivered fiery speeches to audiences of all ranks, including his French counterpart Francois Mitterrand at the Elysee Palace in Paris in 1995. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
And his style did not change with age, even as he spoke here at a political rally in 2005 marking the 12th birthday of a Cuban child caught in the middle of a custody battle that dragged in the Cuban and US governments. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
But Castro wasn't always so serious, as can be seen in this photo with former Soviet Union leader Nikita Kruschev in New York, 1960. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Despite the pressure of remaining isolated as a Communist island-state after the fall of the Soviet Union, Castro still had time to laugh during parliament sessions as can be seen in this 2005 photo. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Yet his mere presence commanded respect from leaders around the world. Here Castro addresses the audience as president of the Non-Aligned Movement at the United Nations in New York, 1979. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Castro maintained friendships with powerful figures such as former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, seen here exchanging documents during a treaty signing ceremony in Havana, 1989 REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
And those friendships continued even after his counterparts were long gone and replaced by younger figureheads, as can be seen in this photo with Russian president Vladimir Putin in 2000. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Not all of his friends were so popular, such as Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.
But some, like former South African president Nelson Mandela, were undisputed legends. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Even in the midst of a guerrilla war, Castro always had time for fun. Here he watches fellow revolutionary Che Guevara play golf in Havana. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Baseball had been a passion of his from a young age. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
And that passion never died. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Neither did his love of banter. Castro jokes with Venezuela's late president Hugo Chavez by joining their medallions given by medical graduates, at Havana's Karl Marx theatre in 2005. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Later in life the communist leader's stance on religion seemingly softened, having met Pope Benedict XVI in Havana in 2012. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Here Castro is seen meeting former US President Jimmy Carter in Havana in 2011. During Carter's reign, the two had been at odds with each other as Cold War tensions peaked. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
At times Castro would even sport international brands such as German manufacturer Adidas.
But he was perfectly comfortable playing football in his green militant uniform with Argentine legend Diego Maradona even at the age of 79. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Loved or loathed, Castro will go down in history not only as a symbolic revolutionary figure, but also as a fashionable trend-setter. REUTERS/FILE PHOTO
Copyright © 2024 TRT World.