In danger again

Twenty years ago, this historic Mughal garden, one of the glories of Kabul for centuries, was a dusty remnant, studded with mines and other explosive devices and piled with the rubble of years of civil war and the Taliban.

In 2002, international money came to its rescue. Beautifully restored, taking many years, Babur’s Garden is once again the much loved green oasis used daily by Kabul residents. Engaged couples. Children playing. Family picnics. Elderly strolling. Their green and shady park. Their history regained.

But for how much longer? The heritage experts of the world are understandably extremely worried right now. Not only about Babur Park, but about all of Afghanistan’s cultural treasures. Recently, the Taliban raised their white flag in this very one.

Unbearable.

September 2021