Connect with us

Latest News

Preserving, Understanding Importance of Heritage Can Help Shape Peace

Published

on

(Last Updated On: October 24, 2022)

aktc-afghanistan-heratAt the joint invitation of the President of the French Republic and His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, an international Summit  was held on December 2nd  and 3rd, in coordination with UNESCO, for the protection of cultural heritage at risk in conflict areas.

Afghanistan featured prominently in this Summit, firstly because of the richness of its heritage and secondly because of the frequent attacks that have jeopardized it over the last decades.

The most recent destructions which have been perpetrated on cultural heritage by terrorist groups in Syria, Iraq or Mali highlighted to the world the importance of preserving the historical heritage for each country, and beyond for the whole of humanity.

As a matter of fact, building and keeping every nation’s unity implies the knowledge of its own history, and thus respecting and studying the heritage bequeathed by the generations that lived for thousands of years until our modern times, from archeological remains to contemporary audiovisual and digital archives.

This endeavor does not only concern the intellectual elites for the national historic heritage belongs to every citizen, even the most deprived or the less educated.

Heritage is indeed a constituent part of each citizen’s identity and helps shaping his cultural future. Preserving heritage and understanding its importance can also help shaping peace and understanding between the various sections of a Nation.

For so many years of occupation, civil war and terrorism, Afghanistan has suffered massive attacks on its heritage, be it the treasures of the Kabul Museum, the Buddhas of Bâmiyân, the Herat Citadel and many other pre-Islamic or Islamic historical sites or treasures, intentionally destroyed due to ignorance or plundered by greed.

As has Afghanistan also witnessed outstanding acts of conspicuous courage and dedication by institutions or simple citizens to save what could be saved.

Sharing Afghanistan’s experience with other Nations in Abu Dhabi was therefore particularly important, as is the restoration of historic buildings, in particular through the cooperation with the Agha Khan Development Network, or most recently the launching by President Ghani of the reconstruction of Darulaman Palace conducted under the leadership of the Minister of Urban Development.

As of today, destructions are no longer just the consequences of wars, such as those experienced by Afghanistan against the British in the 19th century or against the Soviets in the 20th century.

Today, terrorist groups wilfully threaten cultural heritage. They want to destroy it to impose a falsified history or even to erase history of mankind and thus achieve their apocalyptic goals.

But they do not just destroy: using networks of accomplices and traffickers well established in neighboring countries and linked with international art markets, these terror groups sell national treasures piece by piece to finance their terrorist actions, as they sell in bulk the natural resources of the territories over which they gained control.

In Abu Dhabi, on December 2nd and 3rd, the delegations coming from all around the world  sought to build a common vision on how to prevent damages to heritage in times of peace, and how to protect sites and works in times of war or instability.

Furthermore, the delegations also  sought to build a common vision on how to preserve and rehabilitate the sites and works for the times to come. These discussions included topics such as the involvement of private partners and the mobilization of public opinion.

Two proposals  were on the table.

Delegations were invited to consider the establishment of an international fund to organize international solidarity for saving works and sites in danger or restoring them if they have been damaged.

This fund might also support the training of professionals dedicated to conservation and restoration of works and should involve public and private contributors.

Delegations also discussed the setting of an international network of countries offering safe havens for endangered treasures: preventive arrangements  should be made for evacuating the threatened works to sheltering countries, as well as conditions for their conservation and protection therein and eventually their return to their homeland country, once situation permits.

France proposed to make available a safe haven in the northern part of our country, within the city of Liévin’s branch of the Louvre Museum. Currently, the French archaeological delegation in Afghanistan (DAFA), is working with Afghan authorities on a project initiated by President Ghani, in order to establish a digital archaeological map of the country.

This will undoubtedly prove as a unique tool in the world which will be essential for the future preservation and protection of the sites that are being mapped.

France wishes to collaborate closely with our Afghan partners for the success of this initiative, and beyond to cooperate as closely for the sake of the protection of Afghan heritage, which is both millennial and contemporary.

To this end, the support of the elected representatives of Afghanistan and the one of the population are essential because all Afghan citizens’ heritage is at stake. The education institutions will also prove crucial to ensure that new generations understand the importance of this endeavor.

 

François Richier, the current French Ambassador to Afghanistan

Advertisement

Latest News

Justice in light of Sharia applies equally to everyone: Deputy PM

Published

on

(Last Updated On: May 8, 2024)

Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the political deputy prime minister, said Wednesday in a meeting with a number of elders, scholars and youths of the Hazara ethnic group in Kabul that justice in light of Islamic Sharia is applied equally to everyone.

The deputy PM’s office said in a statement that Kabir stressed that discrimination and prejudice have no place in the Islamic system, but the main goal is to serve the people.

“There is no place for ethnic, sectarian and linguistic prejudices and hypocrisy in Afghanistan. All Afghans should work together for the construction, development and prosperity of Afghanistan,” the statement read.

At the gathering, elders and scholars of the Hazara community demanded resolutions regarding their legal cases and other problems and assured the IEA of comprehensive cooperation with the Islamic system, the statement added.

Continue Reading

Latest News

IED explosion in Badakhshan leaves 8 dead and wounded

Published

on

(Last Updated On: May 8, 2024)

Eight security force members were killed and wounded in an IED explosion in Badakhshan province on Wednesday morning, officials confirmed.

The Ministry of Interior said three policemen died and five others were wounded in the explosion.

Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesman of the Ministry of Interior Affairs, said: “Unfortunately, at around 11:00 AM today, a sticky mine (magnetic IED) that was already embedded in a motorcycle exploded in the Jawozon area of Faizabad city, Badakhshan province.”

According to Qani the device detonated while a convoy of police was traveling through the area. Police had been carrying out a poppy clearing operation.

Police are investigating the incident, Qani said.

So far, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Khurasan beats Istaqlal 1-0 in ACL; Sorkh Poshan thrash Sarsabz Yashlar 4-1

Published

on

(Last Updated On: May 8, 2024)

Khurasan Faryab defeated Istiqlal Kabul 1-0 in the 35th match of Afghanistan Champions League (ACL) in Kabul on Tuesday, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi thrashed Sarsabz Yashlar 4-1 in the 36th match of the tournament on the same day.

Khurasan’s only goal against Istiqlal Kabul was scored by Farid Ahmad – who was declared man of the match.

In the second match of the day, Sorkh Poshan Khafi’s four goals were scored by Habibullah Hotak and Omid Rajabi.

Khurasan’s Habibullah Hotak received the man of the match award.

Wednesday’s matches will see Abu Muslim Farah FC take on Adalat Farah FC at 1 PM, while Maiwand FC will play Jawanan Wahedi FC at 3:30 PM.

The matches are broadcast live on Ariana Television.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2022 Ariana News. All rights reserved!