Tuesday May 23, 2017
Kabul (BNA) Museums constitute the identity, culture, and history of nations; they should be valued and make every effort for their enrichment and maintenance.
BNA analyst of historical affairs commenting on the issue writes Museum World Day celebrated in our country, while this ancient land, has stored the most valuable relics and historical monuments, which reflect the ancient civilization of homeland. Regretfully, the course of incidents has taken many of these invaluable relics from us or under severe threat of complete elimination. Afghanistan, earlier named Ariana and Khurasan has seen and enjoyed ancient civilizations and cultures and has experienced many historical incidents. We have inherited many historical monuments, preserving of them is the duty and ethical and religious obligation of coming generations and us. Therefore, supporting and preserving of museums are seriously required.
The Afghan National Museum was one of the richest museums in level of the region, unfortunately, the grave and ruinous incidents of the first decade of 70th (Islamic calendar) severely affected National Museum and other historical monuments in Kabul. In addition, imposed, factional sightings, and foreign interventions, seriously damaged ancient areas and historical monuments in the country, among them destruction of Buddha by Taliban is a grave pain that Afghan civil society never forgets. The days when Kabul was in deadly and merciless flames’ of factional fighting and it citizens were wandering, the traitors to the homeland and the enemies to our ancient civilization, dignity, and honor plundered and looted the invaluable relics of Kabul Museum. These traitors and enemies smuggled the relics in to Pakistani markets and from there reached to markets of other Asian, European and American countries.
Fortunately, with establishment of Interim Administration and forming the new system in the country, certain measures adopted for returning the looted relics back in to the country. Afghan government with close cooperation of friendly countries and relevant international organizations like UNESCO succeeded to return some of the looted relics back in to the country and found their proper places in national museum. Ministry of Information and Culture as patron of relics and historical monuments considers maintaining and safeguarding them as its priorities and spare no any efforts for realizing this great task. Although, so far have carried out effective works for enrichment of Kabul Museum and other museum in the country, but they are not sufficient needs further endeavors and devotion
The relics and archaeological sites are a part of our glorious past and belong to entire people of the country. Unfortunately, due to decades of war and political tensions most of the relics and archaeological site are under serious threat and for removing the problem, close cooperating between the people and the state relevant organs seriously required. Therefore, it is the duty and obligation of every citizen of the country to perform their responsibility in maintaining and safeguarding the relics and archeological sites and spare nothing in realizing this sacred goal.
Abdul Khalil Minawi
