Habibullāh Kalakānitomb

Could a water carrier become a king? Right here at the Habibullāh Kalakānitomb lies a man whose life story answers that question. Habibullāh Kalakāni, sometimes called Bacha-ye Saqao, meaning “son of the water carrier,” had a life filled with contradictions. He was a king who started as a bandit. He was a devout Muslim who led a reign of terror. The Habibullāh Kalakānitomb marks the final resting place of this controversial figure. Kalakāni was born in a small village north of Kabul and joined the army as a young man. He rose through the ranks and fought bravely in the Third Anglo-Afghan War. However, his military career took a turn when he deserted and became a bandit, robbing caravans and terrorizing villages. In 1929, as Afghanistan plunged into civil war, Kalakāni seized his chance. He captured Kabul and declared himself king, taking the name Habibullah II. His rule was short-lived. Kalakāni was overthrown and executed within nine months. He was buried at an undisclosed location and remained there for almost a century. In 2016, a campaign to rebury him at the Shahrara hill in Kabul sparked heated debate. Some Tajiks and religious scholars argued he deserved a more prominent resting place. Others, mostly Pashtuns, vehemently opposed the idea. The controversy surrounding Kalakāni’s life continued even after his death, reflecting the complex history and deeply rooted divisions in Afghanistan. He was ultimately reburied at the Shahrara hill, but his legacy remains a contentious one. The Habibullāh Kalakānitomb serves as a tangible reminder of this turbulent period in Afghan history. It also compels us to consider the multifaceted nature of power, ambition, and faith.