Afghanistan has long exerted a powerful influence over outside observers. Having first crossed the region in the early 16th century, Zahiruddin Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, extols in his memoirs the beauty of the landscape around Kabul, which also inspired many later miniatures. Although dating from more than 300 years after Babur’s experience in Afghanistan, the drawings, prints and photographs in this exhibition from the collection of the British Library provide no less fascinating an insight into the country. Produced by European travellers between 1830 and 1920, the exhibition of this collection will enable the general Afghan public to view images from a critical period of their history. Portraits of many of the important personalities of the day will be of interest to Afghans, who may also recognise some of the landscape and monuments in and around Kabul, Ghazni and Qandahar—although all have seen significant transformations since. After this exhibition, the collection will be housed in the National Archives in Kabul, where it will provide a valuable resource for future generations of Afghan researchers. The Ministry of Information and Culture is thankful to the World Collections Programme—and particularly to John Falconer of the British Library—and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture for taking the initiative to ensure that this valuable collection is exhibited in Afghanistan.

Sayed Makhdoom Raheen

Minister of Information & Culture (2010)

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Afghanistan Observed 1830- 1920. Kabul: Aga Khan Cultural Services-Afghanistan, 2010.

Images are copyright of The British Library