RASC News Agency: The recent announcement by local officials of the Taliban group in Sar-e-Pol province has shed light on the identification of 13 historically significant locations within the province. A newsletter released by the Information and Culture Department of the Taliban group has unveiled that Kohistanat district boasts seven historical sites, while Al Badr district lays claim to six others. The noteworthy sites encompass a diverse array of architectural marvels and revered shrines.
Among the historical gems in Kohistanat district, the Taqsharah ancient fortress stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the past. The solemn Khawaja Beland and Khawaja Maqam shrines serve as revered places of spiritual contemplation. The Sargan ancient valley, Kashk Salrizi, Ghal Burhan, and the Mishi Kafarqala valley form a collection of natural and cultural wonders.
In Al Badr district, visitors are captivated by the Khawaja Josh shrine, which radiates ancient wisdom and allure. The imposing Kashan White Castle evokes a sense of grandeur and history, while the Trepech Castle stands as a resilient symbol of bygone eras. The Khawaja Damgah Shrine, Keshk Gumab Ancient Site, and Khawaja Gharib shrine complete the roster of landmarks, each with its own unique mystique and historical significance.
However, Abdul Ghafar Haqnuma, the head of information and culture of the Taliban group in Sar-e-Pol province, has expressed concern over the excavation and looting plaguing these cultural treasures, perpetrated by irresponsible individuals. It is pertinent to highlight that the Taliban group itself has been implicated in the destruction of ancient monuments across various provinces of the country. Afghanistan, a nation steeped in thousands of years of history and teeming with countless archaeological treasures, now faces the disheartening reality of inadequate attention to their preservation. To compound matters, natural disasters have also taken their toll on a multitude of historical reservoirs in the region.
In light of the aforementioned, it is evident that the identification of 13 historically locations in Sar-e-Pol province by the local officials of the Taliban group. These include the seven sites nestled within Kohistanat district and the six captivating sites within Al Badr district. However, the distressing phenomenon of excavation and looting continues to cast a shadow over these cultural jewels, with the Taliban group itself complicit in the destruction of antiquities in other regions of Afghanistan. It is imperative that the authorities prioritize the preservation and conservation of Afghanistan’s rich historical heritage, especially considering the vulnerability of certain historical reservoirs to the devastating impact of natural calamities.
