The entire keyword term functions as a noun phrase. Its grammatical purpose is to name a specific subject or concept, which serves as the central topic of the article. As a single unit, it can act as the subject or object within a larger sentence, defining what the article is about.
A detailed grammatical analysis shows that "September 11th" is the head noun, identifying the core event. The subsequent series of prepositional phrases, "through the eyes of photographer Bolivar Arellano," acts as a post-modifier. This modifier specifies the particular perspective or lens through which the core event is being examined. "Through the eyes of" establishes the viewpoint, while "photographer Bolivar Arellano" identifies the source of that viewpoint. The entire construction operates cohesively to represent one singular, highly specific topic.
For the article, this grammatical function is crucial. By establishing the main point as a noun phrase, it dictates that the article's purpose is not to argue a verb (an action) or describe with an adjective, but to explore and elaborate on a defined subject. The article's focus is therefore the exposition of the events of that day as documented and interpreted from the unique and personal perspective of this specific individual.