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Restoration Project: KABUL

[ images ]   [ links ]

Kabul has been subject to years of war and devastation, which in turn has destroyed much of the traditional architecture, resulting in the loss of valuable Afghan heritage.  Article 25 was approached by the Turquoise Mountain Foundation (TMF) to help restore and conserve parts of Murad Khane, the medieval quarter of Kabul.

Through working directly with the local community Article 25 and the TMF helped to initiate the means for citizens to build their own communities and therefore create a renewed pride in their national culture. The intention of the project was to regenerate the existing buildings using traditional crafts while in turn preserving the traditional arts and skills such as woodcarving, pottery and calligraphy. It also aims to provide support, assistance and skills, which would consequently provide new jobs and economic opportunities.

[ project location ]

Murad Khane, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Murad Khane is one of the poorest districts in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city.

[ project partner ]

Turquoise Mountain Foundation - a UK registered charity driven by Afghans and founded by HRH Prince Charles and HE President Hamid Karzai

[ duration of project ]

The project was commissioned in July 2006, and the final report produced in April 2007.

[ project type ]

Article 25 worked alongside the Turquoise Mountain Foundation to improve the living conditions and restore the ancient buildings in Kabul.  An academy was created to preserve and develop traditional skills and share new skills in architecture, preservation and technology.  The aim was to regenerate the existing buildings using traditional crafts and to help provide support, assistance and means for the locals to build communities.

[ problem addressed ]

At the same time that developers are threatening to demolish the medieval cities of Afghanistan, the last masters of traditional Afghan arts are dying.  A lack of industry and employment is breeding extremism; Afghans need jobs, skills, economic opportunities and a renewed pride in their national culture.  As well as no functioning sewage system, clean water or waste management services, the indigenous community in Murad Khane may be forced out, resulting in a loss of their sense of community and social safety nets.