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Paktia, November 2022

This photo captures the captivating landscape of Zurmat district in Paktia province, my personal favorite. Situated as the remotest area in Paktia, far from the reach of development, it offers a glimpse into a pristine, untouched terrain. The image also poignantly reflects the vivid impact of climate change, portraying the stark contrast between periods of floods and drought that shape the land over time.

Glass-blowing in Herat: For over 200 years, glassmaking has been central to the ancient Afghan city of Herat.

The blowing pipes are made from sawn-off rifle barrels, a commodity that’s all too easy to find in a city that has survived invasions by everyone from Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan to the Soviet Union and NATO.

The gifted glass blower of Herat ‘Ghulam Sakhi’ has spent most of his life blowing glass to make beautiful ornaments. He has learned this skill from his ancestors and has continued to work at this profession. His factory is located at the corner of the famous historic citadel in Herat City, called the Arg of Herat.

“Resilient students in Kabul, these aspiring young women pursued medical education until a decree barred females over 12 from school. A complete ban on women’s education followed in December 2022, 16 months after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.”

The new government of Afghanistan says it is working on a dignified method of schooling for women and girls that is in line with the Islamic Sharia.

A huge Buzkashi match was held at Haji Muqim Bai Buzkashi Playground on the 2nd of December 2022, in the northern city of Mazari Sharif. The game was played by horse-mounted players who attempted to place a goat/calf carcass in a goal.

The game featured plenty of strikes and tackles, with horses scrumming around the carcass as players fought to grab it. Whoever broke away with the carcass must carry it around the marker across the field and then drop it back into the scoring circle. In this series of photos you can see the power and struggle of these riders as they attempt to gain control of this animal carcass.

Verily, the crescent doth hold paramount significance in the societal and religious tapestry of the Afghan people. Upon the sighting of the new moon, devout supplications are offered unto Allah. Abundant verses of poetry doth bear witness to the profound influence of this celestial luminary upon the artistic and spiritual expressions of the Afghan folk.

The burqa, a full-body covering, usually blue, with a mesh screen for the eyes, is an integral part of Afghan culture. Worn by some women, it holds significance in conservative interpretations of Islamic modesty. This attire reflects cultural traditions and personal choices, showcasing the diversity of practices in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, where more than 99 percent of the population follows Islam, the landscape is graced by stunning mosques and significant religious sites. Notably, Mazar-i-Sharif holds a special place as a historically significant landmark in the Islamic tradition.

The Taliban now govern Afghanistan. Emerging mainly from the rural regions, they are a religious group striving to establish Sharia law and an Islamic Emirate in the country.

“Amidst the scarred landscapes of Khost province, Afghanistan, a haunting reminder of conflict unfolds. A once formidable U.S. Army Humvee, now destroyed and charred, silently narrates the toll of war on this poignant terrain.”

The question of women’s access to employment and education in Afghanistan sparks global controversy and internal debates. A multitude of Afghan intellectuals and the international community advocate for the reversal of the ban on women’s rights to work and education by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan. The new government asserts its commitment to devising a dignified and Islamic approach for women’s participation in both educational and professional spheres.

In Kabul, lively streets feature vibrant fruit carts offering fresh pomegranates, apples, and seasonal treats. The sweet aroma enhances daily life, creating a dynamic atmosphere enriched by street-side vendors.

Dive into Afghanistan’s rich landscapes, culture, and iconic spots on the Explore Afghanistan page of my website. Your journey to discover the essence of this extraordinary nation begins here.