Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe National Museum of Afghanistan preserves more than 60,000 historical and cultural artifacts from different periods of the history.
May 18 marks International Museum Day, observed to highlight the role of museums in preserving historical, cultural, and artistic artifacts, as well as raising public awareness about the value of human heritage.
Yahya Mohebzada, head of restoration at the National Museum, said: “There are more than 60,000 artifacts, but not all of them are on display. Many are kept in the depots and storage sections of the National Museum of Afghanistan because, unfortunately, we lack sufficient space and facilities.”
In Afghanistan, International Museum Day is also marked with an emphasis on protecting the country’s historical artifacts.
The National Museum of Afghanistan, located in Kabul, is considered one of the country’s most important museums.
The museum preserves more than 60,000 historical and cultural artifacts from different periods of Afghanistan’s history.
Ahmad Zakaria Nasrati, director general of information and public relations at the National Museum, said: “Museums are undoubtedly among the greatest centers of a country’s civilization, history, and culture.”
The museum dates back more than a century and displays artifacts from various historical eras for public viewing.
Artifacts housed in the National Museum include items from the pre-Islamic era, the Greco-Bactrian period, the Kushan era, the Bronze Age, and the Islamic period.
The museum contains several sections and exhibitions, including:
- Islamic-era artifacts
- Mes Aynak exhibition
- Ai-Khanoum exhibition
- Bronze Age exhibition
- Thousand Cities exhibition
- Handicrafts exhibition
- Coin exhibition
- Ethnography exhibition
- Vintage car exhibition
Mohammad Ibrahim, an employee of the National Museum, said: “The vehicle section includes more than 18 vehicles from different periods.”
Visitors also say that the existence of such museums is highly important for preserving the country’s history and culture.
Sayed Sediqullah, a university student, told TOLOnews: “We came from Laghman University to visit the National Museum so that we could see the country’s historical artifacts.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Culture says it is committed to protecting historical artifacts and preventing their smuggling out of the country.
Khubaib Ghafran, spokesperson for the ministry, said: “The Ministry of Information and Culture of the Islamic Emirate has carried out comprehensive activities over the past year in surveying, professional excavations, restoration, and preservation of historical artifacts and heritage.”
The National Museum of Afghanistan was built during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, and it continues to attract visitors from داخل and outside the country, especially foreign tourists.