By Turquoise Mountain
Kabul, Afghanistan
A Precious Legacy
With the destruction of many of the historic buildings of Kabul, the buildings of Murad Khani are increasingly precious: many are excellent examples of traditional Afghan architecture.
House of Screens courtyard (2017) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
Interior courtyards feature carved wooden patayi screens and rooms are decorated with ornate plasterwork.
Ramazan's house before restoration (2017) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
However, these traditional buildings are fragile, their foundations rotting, plaster crumbling and walls collapsing in the harsh winter months.
Ramazan's house after restoration (2017) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
A family home in Murad Khani during restoration.
A sketch of one of the Serais before restorationTurquoise Mountain
In September 2007, President Hamid Karzai issued a firman recognising Murad Khani and its remaining structures as an area of historical and cultural significance. The World Monuments Fund included Murad Khani on its 2008 Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world.
Symmetrical House window details (2007) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
Turquoise Mountain has worked with many Afghan government bodies as well as the President’s Office to formalise the protection of Kabul’s historic quarters. Key buildings are being restored to preserve examples of Afghan traditional architecture.
Courtyard of house during restoration work (2011) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
By restoring these historic buildings, the local community is bringing cultural and economic life back to the area, with the support of Turquoise Mountain.
Street in Murad Khani with flapping red curtain covering someone's house's entryway (2017) by Turquoise MountainTurquoise Mountain
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