Kabul history

Kabul is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history spanning over 3,500 years. Situated at the crossroads of civilizations, it has served as a vital centre of trade, culture, and power for centuries.

Foundation and First Mentions

Historians estimate that the first settlements in the territory of modern Kabul emerged between 2000 and 1500 BC. The city and the river of the same name are mentioned in the ancient Indian sacred text, the "Rigveda" (circa 1700–1100 BC), under the name "Kubha". Later, the Greek geographer Ptolemy wrote of a city called "Kabura" in the 2nd century AD. In the pre-Islamic period, Kabul was a significant centre for Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as evidenced by numerous archaeological findings.

Key Development Factors

Kabul owes its growth and influence to several key factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is located in a narrow valley at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres above sea level, within the Hindu Kush mountains. This made it a natural crossroads on the trade routes connecting South and Central Asia.
• Trade: Kabul was a crucial stop on the Great Silk Road. Caravans laden with silk, spices, lapis lazuli, and other valuable goods passed through the city, contributing to its economic prosperity.
• Political Centre: The city has repeatedly served as the capital of powerful empires. In 1504, Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, made Kabul his capital and the centre of his expanding empire. In 1773, the capital of the Durrani Empire was transferred from Kandahar to Kabul.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In ancient and medieval times, Kabul was a true "melting pot" of cultures. Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences blended here. The city's economy was built on international trade, craftsmanship, and agriculture in the fertile Kabul River valley. The city was renowned for its bustling bazaars and caravanserais, which welcomed merchants from all over the world.

Timeline of Kabul's History

The history of Kabul is a kaleidoscope of eras and dynasties that have left their mark on the city's appearance and culture. Below are the key milestones of its centuries-old history, focusing on cultural, architectural, and state development stages.

• 7th Century — Arab conquerors reach the region, marking the beginning of the gradual spread of Islam, which had a profound influence on the city's culture.
• 1221 — The city suffers destruction during the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan, marking a tragic yet significant page in its history.
• 1504 — Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, captures Kabul and makes it one of his capitals. Under his rule, the famous gardens were established, becoming an iconic landmark.
• 1776 — Timur Shah Durrani transfers the capital of the Durrani Empire from Kandahar to Kabul, solidifying the city's status as the region's main political and cultural hub.
• 1919 — Following the declaration of Afghanistan's independence, Emir Amanullah Khan begins a period of active modernisation of the capital, inviting European architects to construct new buildings, including the Darul Aman Palace.
• 1933–1973 — The "Golden Age" of Kabul, the reign of King Zahir Shah, marked by relative stability, the development of urban infrastructure, the founding of the university, and a cultural flourishing.

Key Stages of Kabul's Development

Throughout its centuries-long history, Kabul has repeatedly changed its appearance, transforming from an ancient fortress into a bustling capital. Below are the main milestones that have had the greatest impact on its cultural, economic, and urban development.

• Capital of the Mughal Empire (16th Century): In 1504, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, Babur, made Kabul his capital. It was during this era that the famous Gardens of Babur were laid out—an outstanding monument of Mughal landscape architecture, which remains one of the city's main cultural sites today. This period was marked by a flourishing of trade and crafts.
• Centre of the Durrani Empire (18th Century): In 1776, Timur Shah Durrani moved the capital from Kandahar to Kabul, definitively establishing the city as the region's primary political and administrative centre. This decision fostered population growth, trade development, and the construction of new mosques, caravanserais, and residential quarters.
• Amanullah Khan's Modernisation (1920s): After gaining independence in 1919, Emir (later King) Amanullah Khan launched a massive reform programme. European architects, including those from Germany and France, were invited to restructure the capital. During this period, the Darul Aman Palace was built in a Neoclassical style, intended to be the core of a new, modern city.
• The "Golden Age" of Kabul (1950s–1970s): The reign of King Zahir Shah is often called the "Golden Age" due to relative stability and prosperity. Urban infrastructure developed actively during this time: asphalt roads and factories were built, Kabul University was founded, and women gained access to education. The city became more open to the world, attracting tourists and specialists from various countries.
• Urban Planning Projects of the Late 20th Century: Beginning in the mid-1950s, with the assistance of foreign specialists, including those from the USSR, major infrastructure projects were implemented in Kabul. An international airport, a polytechnic university, a grain silo, and large residential districts were built, significantly changing the capital's appearance.
• Reconstruction and New Construction (Early 21st Century): After decades of conflict, a period of active recovery began in Kabul. With the support of the international community, many historical monuments were restored, including the Gardens of Babur and the National Museum. Simultaneously, a construction boom began in the city, with new commercial centres, residential complexes, and public buildings appearing, reflecting a new phase in the capital's development.

Kabul's architectural landscape is a complex tapestry of eras and styles, reflecting its long and rich history. Located at the crossroads of civilizations, the city has absorbed elements of Persian, Indian, Central Asian, and European architecture. From ancient mud-brick structures to modern glass buildings, Kabul represents a living chronicle of urban development.

Antiquity and Traditional Buildings

Historically, the city's core formed around the Bala Hissar fortress, the first fortifications of which, according to some data, were erected as early as the 5th century. The Old City was characterised by narrow, winding streets and houses made of mud-brick or adobe, with internal courtyards hidden from prying eyes. Such a layout was typical for many cities in the region and met both climatic conditions and security requirements.

The Mughal Era (16th–18th Centuries)

With the arrival of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire who made Kabul his capital in 1504, landscape garden art flourished in the city. The brightest example of this period is the famous Gardens of Babur. This is a classic example of Mughal architecture, where a strictly symmetrical layout descends in terraces down a hillside, and water channels and fountains create a sense of coolness and harmony. The architecture of the buildings from this period has not been preserved in its original form, but the influence of the Mughal style on the city's aesthetics was significant.

Modernisation and European Influence (Early 20th Century)

In the 1920s, King Amanullah Khan began a large-scale modernisation programme, aiming to turn Kabul into a modern European-style capital. To achieve this, architects from Germany and France were invited. During this period, the majestic Darul Aman Palace was erected on the southwestern outskirts of the city, becoming a symbol of the new era. The building was constructed in a strict Neoclassical style and was intended to become the centre of a new government quarter. This style contrasted with traditional buildings and demonstrated the country's desire for change.

Soviet Modernism (1960s–1980s)

A new stage of urban planning began in the second half of the 20th century with significant participation from Soviet specialists. In accordance with the general plan developed in the 1960s, the construction of major infrastructure and residential facilities began in Kabul. Entire housing estates appeared, known as "macrorayons" (the local pronunciation of the word "microrayon"). These districts, built with standard panel high-rise buildings in the style of Soviet Modernism, radically changed the urban landscape and still constitute a significant part of the capital's housing stock. During this same period, iconic landmarks such as the Kabul Polytechnic University and the Grain Silo were built.

Modern Stage (Since the Early 21st Century)

After decades of conflict, a period of active reconstruction and new construction began in Kabul. On one hand, the restoration of historical monuments is underway, such as the Gardens of Babur and the Darul Aman Palace. On the other hand, there is a construction boom, during which modern business centres, hotels, and residential complexes are being erected. Often, these are eclectic structures made of glass and concrete, creating a sharp contrast with the historical heritage and forming the new, multi-layered appearance of modern Kabul.

Prominent Figures in the History of Kabul

Kabul, having been a political and cultural centre for centuries, has been the birthplace and place of activity for many iconic figures who left a deep mark on history. From empire founders to reformers and artists, their legacy continues to define the city's appearance and spirit today.

• Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur (1483–1530)
  Role: Founder of the Mughal Empire.
  Significance: In 1504, Babur conquered Kabul and made it the capital of his growing empire. He lovingly described the city in his memoirs, the "Baburnama". By his order, the famous Gardens of Babur were laid out, where he was eventually buried. These gardens remain one of the capital's main attractions to this day.
• Timur Shah Durrani (1748–1793)
  Role: Second ruler of the Durrani Empire.
  Significance: In 1776, Timur Shah moved the capital from Kandahar to Kabul, definitively securing the city's status as the main political and administrative centre of Afghanistan. This decision contributed to its further growth and development.
• Mahmud Tarzi (1865–1933)
  Role: Enlightener, writer, and political figure.
  Significance: Tarzi is considered the "father of Afghan journalism" and was a key ideologue of the Young Afghan movement, which advocated for the country's modernisation. As Minister of Foreign Affairs under Amanullah Khan, he played a crucial role in implementing reforms and establishing diplomatic relations with other nations.
• Amanullah Khan (1892–1960)
  Role: King and Reformer.
  Significance: The ruler under whom Afghanistan gained full independence in 1919. Amanullah Khan initiated large-scale reforms aimed at modernising Kabul and the entire country. According to his vision, the famous Darul Aman Palace was built, intended to be the symbol of a new, progressive Afghanistan.
• Mohammed Zahir Shah (1914–2007)
  Role: The last King of Afghanistan.
  Significance: His long reign (1933–1973) is often called the "Golden Age" of Afghanistan. During this period, Kabul experienced an era of stability, cultural ascent, and development: the university was founded, women gained access to education, and urban infrastructure was actively modernised.
• Abdul Hai Habibi (1910–1984)
  Role: Historian, poet, and scholar.
  Significance: One of the most prominent Afghan intellectuals of the 20th century. As president of the Historical Society of Afghanistan and a professor at Kabul University, he made a huge contribution to the study of the region's history and literature. His works remain an important source of knowledge about Afghan culture.
• Khaled Hosseini (born 1965)
  Role: Writer.
  Significance: Author of global bestsellers "The Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns", born in Kabul. His novels, set in the capital of Afghanistan, introduced millions of readers around the world to the city's culture and tragic history, sparking immense international interest.