Reviving Afghanistan

It blended the traditions of India, Persia and Central Asia and created it

Afghanistan was once a great centre of civilization at the heart of the Silk Road.

It blended the traditions of India, Persia and Central Asia and created it’s own unique artistic culture.

Decades of conflict has almost destroyed these rich artistic and architectural traditions.  In the time of the Taliban, many artisans were forced to flee the country and many buildings have been destroyed. 

This small part of Kabul's Old City is called Murad Khane. Centuries ago, craftsmen carved these structures out of wood.

But years of war and poverty and neglect had left the place covered in rubbish. It had no electricity and its houses and houses were under threat from developers.

But now new builders are here, backed by the non-profit Turquoise Mountain Foundation. The effort is trying — quickly — to restore this portion of Kabul's dignity and history before it is lost forever.

Abdul Waheed Khalily is the director of Turquoise Mountain.

“Afghanistan has suffered three decades of war and we have lost lots our cultural heritage during that time. Some of our Afghan artisans left Afghanistan and some died.”

In order to restore the buildings they have build an institute to train a new generation of Afghans in woodwork, calligraphy and miniature painting.

In one of the classrooms 19 year old Ahmad Rashid is carving a dove in wood.

“I have been working on this craving for about two months. I am nearly finished. The dove is a symbol of peace; something that we desperately need in this country.  I will graduate next year and am confident I can making a living from this profession as rich people are now showing an interest.”

His teacher Baqeer Alizada helped renovate the splendored Koti Baghcha and Dell Koshah palaces that were built in the 1920’s.

“I love my profession and my countries historical places because they tell our history and show how significant Afghanistan is in the development of Islamic architecture.”  

Jewelry is another classic art form that is being taught here at this institute for Afghan arts and architecture.

18 years old Maryam is studying to be a goldsmith.

“When I graduated from this institute, I will continue my work, to revive the classical jewelry craft which has been lost. I think it’s very important to revive historical places but also to make sure a new generation of people keep our artistic heritage alive.”

Zabuhullah Noori the group’s communication coordinator says they are now getting orders from overseas.

“Our jewelry is very popular in Europe. Our jewelry sells well there, particularly in the United Kingdom.  We also have staff working on a a five star hotel in Saudi Arabia, and very soon we will have a contract with the Qatar museum.”