“Imagine a place where time stands still” whispers the wind. Right here before you stands the National Archive of Afghanistan. This isn’t just a building it’s a living testament to Afghanistan’s rich and complex history. Within these walls lie centuries of stories waiting to be unearthed.
The National Archive of Afghanistan opened officially in 1973. It resides in a small palace built in 1892 by Abdur Rahman Khan. The Emir of Afghanistan from 1880 to 1901 he commissioned this building. It served as a repository for Afghanistan’s precious past.
Restoration work began in 1973. The building had fallen into disrepair over time. The renovations were completed in 1978. Beautiful painted tin ceiling tiles and intricate woodcarvings adorn the interior. Sadly years of violence delayed the archive’s full opening. In 1979 the archive came under the Ministry of Information and Culture’s control. A new building opened in 2002 to expand the National Archives.
The collection is vast though not fully cataloged. Thousands of documents are inventoried. However the National Archive’s administration worries about losing books and manuscripts. The numerous transfers of power in Afghanistan fuel these fears.
Among the treasures is a document written and sealed by Tamerlane in the 14th century. Ancient Korans illuminated with gold letters date back four to five centuries. One particularly remarkable Koran was written by Mostafa Heravi in 1799. Many manuscripts however lack names or dates.
The National Archives faces challenges. Electricity arrived relatively recently. A lack of safe conservation methods poses significant problems. In 2007 about 1200 books were in danger. A failing air conditioning system and lack of climate control were the cause.
The relationship between the National Archive and the government is complex. Masuma Nazari the chief of the National Archives stated that thousands of historical documents remain outside the archive. They should be in the National Archive for better protection. As many as 5000 documents reside in the presidential palace. Despite repeated requests they haven’t been transferred. Hundreds of crucial documents are held by private citizens. The archive lacks funds to buy them back.
Today the National Archive displays about 9000 historical items. Seventy historical Korans are among these precious items. The collection includes manuscripts photos documents journals postage stamps decrees family trees and audio-visual cassettes. Estimates for the total number of items vary from 130000 to 180000 documents. There are 7700 to 9000 manuscripts.
To visit you’ll need permission. You have to fill out a form detailing your research needs. You also must present a letter from your institution. The exhibition area welcomes other visitors. Photocopies of important documents are on display with some signs in English. Step inside the National Archives of Afghanistan. Explore a place where the past whispers its secrets. Let its stories transport you through time.