Taliban Authorities Demolish Ahmadshahi-Era Historic Building in Kandahar
A significant and old building dating back to the Ahmadshah Durrani period in the city of Kandahar has been demolished by the Taliban administration to make way for a road construction project. The building, located in the heart of Kandahar next to the provincial governor’s office, was known as one of the key financial centers of Ahmadshah’s government.
Abdul Karim Khurram, former Minister of Information and Culture under the republic, described the demolition as a destruction of Afghanistan’s history. He emphasized that such historical buildings are worth more than gold, and destroying them equates to erasing a part of the country’s historical identity.
According to cultural and academic experts, this building once managed the financial affairs of the government of that era and served as a storage for government assets and the people’s trust. They believe the structure was not merely an administrative building but also a part of the historical memory and economic framework of the Durrani Empire.
Based on available information, the historic building was located on the planned route of a road, which led to its demolition. The Taliban administration has previously destroyed several historic buildings, cinemas, and cultural sites across different regions of the country—actions that have consistently raised concerns among cultural activists and heritage defenders.
The Ahmadshah Durrani period in the 18th century is considered a significant era in Afghanistan’s history, and many remaining buildings from that time are part of the nation’s cultural heritage. The demolition of such sites raises serious questions about the current government’s approach to preserving Afghanistan’s historical legacy.
