Urban heritage of kabul and post-war recovery efforts

Abstract

The 30 years of tragic war that was imposed on Afghanistan has dealt a severe and destructive blow to the physical and social fabric of its cities. The regrettable victims in this conflict, however, that were en- trapped are the historic cities where fierce street-to-street fighting inflicted utter destruction of some of the most valuable historic and residential buildings. Like many important urban and architectural herit- age in the Islamic cities, historic Kabul evolved through continual cultural participation that entrusted deeper meanings to its architecture and urban form. Historically, Kabul with its wonderful traditional architecture of courtyards, lavish Timurid gardens, decorated worship centres and glowing historic ba- zaars that enticed trade enterprises and merchants around the region sustained a vibrant city life for its inhabitants. With an analysis and discussion of the importance of architectural and urban heritage of the city, the article illustrates the post-war efforts of local and international aid organizations and historical conservation processes. The article further reflects on revitalization of its architectural and urban herit- age in the light of social and economic regeneration and cultural awareness