Khaled al-Hariri remembered Damascus, Syria Khaled al-Hariri Updated 12 Jun 2015 22 images Advertisement Syrian photographer Khaled al-Hariri, who worked for Reuters for more than 20 years, has died aged 54 following a long illness. “Khaled was one the most prominent photojournalists in Syria,” said Jamal Saidi, a longstanding colleague. “He worked under very tough conditions and helped develop the concept of photojournalism in his country” Jamal Saidi Hariri started his career at the local Syrian newspaper Tishreen before joining Reuters in the capital Damascus in 1991. He was arrested by the Syrian security forces at the beginning of the Syrian uprising in 2011 in the southern city of Deraa while taking pictures of protests that demanded change from President Bashar al-Assad. 25 Mar 2011. Deraa, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Syrians shout "freedom" during a protest near the city of Deraa. Earlier in his career at Reuters, in 2004, Hariri got an offer to become the private photographer of Assad. He didn’t accept the job. “Khaled was a passionate photographer and a loyal friend,” said Saidi. “He was dedicated to his family and job.” Hariri also trained and encouraged many young Syrian photographers. Saidi described him as being “very close to the new generation of photojournalists”. “He never refused to help anyone,” Saidi said. “He was very friendly and helpful to other photographers, including competitors.” Even during his illness, Hariri continued to take an active interest in photography and current affairs, especially in his native Syria. Hariri is survived by his wife Hind, his son Omar and daughter Batoul. 1 / 19 Slideshow 30 Mar 2000. DAMASCUS, SYRIA. REUTERS Syrian university students sing for then-president Hafez al-Assad during a student conference in Damascus. 23 Jan 2002. DAMASCUS, SYRIA A Damascus clothes shop owner watches renovation and excavation work carried out by the Municipality of Damascus alongside the 19th century al-Hamdia Souk. 27 Sep 2002. Palmyra, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri A symbolic trade caravan passes during a show held in the ancient city of Palmyra, 240km northeast of Damascus, on the occasion of Word Tourism Day. 25 Jun 2007. DAMASCUS, Syrian Arab Republic. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Hassan Shwaykani plays with his pet hyenas at his house in the suburb of Garamana near Damascus. 26 Apr 2005. Damascus, Syria. REUTERS Syrian civilians mount a military vehicle carrying troops returning from Lebanon. 27 Nov 2007. DAMASCUS, Syrian Arab Republic. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri An Iraqi family looks through a bus window before leaving Damascus for Baghdad. 3 Sep 2008. DAMASCUS, Syrian Arab Republic. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Syria's President Bashar al-Assad (centre) and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy review the guard of honour in Damascus. 8 Mar 2008. DAMASCUS, Syrian Arab Republic. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri A bee flies towards a peach flower in a Damascus park. 28 Apr 2008. HAMA, Syrian Arab Republic. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Fireworks explode over Hama during the opening show of the city's Spring Festival. 5 Feb 2010. Damascus, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Children warm up next to a fire in the Tlvita mountains, northern Syria. 28 Mar 2010. Damascus, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri A man carries his daughter at a church in Damascus on Palm Sunday. 20 Jun 2011. Damascus, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri A man holds a roll of pictures of Assad during a rally in support of him in Damascus. 12 Oct 2011. Damascus, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Supporters of Assad gather during a rally in Damascus. 13 Jun 2012. Homs, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Smoke rises during clashes between the Syrian army and armed groups in Homs. 8 May 2014. HOMS, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Forces loyal to Assad walk in Homs. 8 May 2014. HOMS, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Forces (right) loyal to Assad are seen in old Homs city, as insurgents leave the city (in the background). 9 May 2014. HOMS, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Forces loyal to Assad play football in Homs. 9 May 2014. HOMS, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri Forces loyal to Assad are seen in Homs. 8 Sep 2013. DAMASCUS, Syria. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri A soldier in old Damascus wears a picture of Assad on his chest.