Once upon a time in Afghanistan- A Photo Essay
Given the images people see on TV, many conclude Afghanistan never made it out of the Middle Ages. But that is not the Afghanistan I remember. I grew up in Kabul in the 1950s and 60s. Stirred by the fact that news portrayals of the countrys history didnt mesh with my own memories, I wanted to discover the truth.
Remembering Afghanistans hopeful past only makes its present misery seem more tragic. But it is important to know that disorder, terrorism, and violence against schools that educate girls are not inevitable. I want to show Afghanistans youth of today how their parents and grandparents really lived.
- Mohammad Qayoumi
"A laboratory at the Vaccine Research Center."
"A villager welcomes visiting nurses to his compound."
"Biology class, Kabul University."
"Cabinet in session."
"Central control panel at Radio Kabul transmitter. Transmitter can be heard as far distant as South Africa and Indonesia."
"Fresh fruit bazaar."
"Furniture display room."
"Gulbahar Textile Plant is one of the most modern in Asia."
"Hundreds of Afghan youngsters take active part in Scout programs."
"In the absence of dependable international peace, national defense plays an important role in the affairs of the nation."
"Infant ward at feeding time."
"Kabul is served by an up-to-date transportation system."
"Kabul University students changing classes. Enrollment has doubled in last four years."
"Most hospitals give extensive post-natal care to young mothers."
"Mothers and children at a city playground."
"Park Cinema, like many others, provides the needed entertainment."
"Sarobi hydro-power plant on Kabul River is one of the country's foremost power stations."
"Student nurses at Maternity Hospital, Kabul."
"Textile store window display."
Thank you to Eric Stephan and Mohammad Rahim.
Given the images people see on TV, many conclude Afghanistan never made it out of the Middle Ages. But that is not the Afghanistan I remember. I grew up in Kabul in the 1950s and 60s. Stirred by the fact that news portrayals of the countrys history didnt mesh with my own memories, I wanted to discover the truth.
Remembering Afghanistans hopeful past only makes its present misery seem more tragic. But it is important to know that disorder, terrorism, and violence against schools that educate girls are not inevitable. I want to show Afghanistans youth of today how their parents and grandparents really lived.
- Mohammad Qayoumi
"A laboratory at the Vaccine Research Center."
"A villager welcomes visiting nurses to his compound."
"Biology class, Kabul University."
"Cabinet in session."
"Central control panel at Radio Kabul transmitter. Transmitter can be heard as far distant as South Africa and Indonesia."
"Fresh fruit bazaar."
"Furniture display room."
"Gulbahar Textile Plant is one of the most modern in Asia."
"Hundreds of Afghan youngsters take active part in Scout programs."
"In the absence of dependable international peace, national defense plays an important role in the affairs of the nation."
"Infant ward at feeding time."
"Kabul is served by an up-to-date transportation system."
"Kabul University students changing classes. Enrollment has doubled in last four years."
"Most hospitals give extensive post-natal care to young mothers."
"Mothers and children at a city playground."
"Park Cinema, like many others, provides the needed entertainment."
"Sarobi hydro-power plant on Kabul River is one of the country's foremost power stations."
"Student nurses at Maternity Hospital, Kabul."
"Textile store window display."Thank you to Eric Stephan and Mohammad Rahim.
