Khairullah Khairkhwa, the acting Minister of Information and Culture, has emphasized the importance of protecting the country’s historical monuments, which he regards as representatives of Afghanistan’s ancient history, authentic culture, and national identity.
Ongoing Restoration Projects
Kabul 24: In a meeting with the head of the cultural section of the Aga Khan Foundation, Khairkhwa discussed several ongoing restoration projects for historical sites across various provinces of Afghanistan. These include:
Herat Grand Mosque and Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari
The restoration of the Herat Grand Mosque and the shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, which were damaged by a recent earthquake, is currently underway.
Babaji Mosque in Ghazni Province
The restoration of the Babaji Mosque in Ghazni Province is also among the ongoing projects.
Archaeological Park in Bala Hissar, Kabul
The construction of an archaeological park in Bala Hissar, Kabul, is another project being undertaken by the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Importance of Institutional Involvement
Archaeologists and cultural experts have emphasized the crucial role of institutions in restoring and preserving Afghanistan’s historical sites. The Aga Khan Foundation and the newly established Hajj Koh institution are actively involved in these essential restoration efforts.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Information and Culture, work has begun on 11 restoration projects, while funding is still being allocated for the remaining 10 projects.