Afghanistan is a beautiful country. It is mystical, spiritual, rich in heritage and cultural traditions. It is misunderstood and ready for a new beginning. It is in pain, but it is also in hope.
I spent six months in Afghanistan in the fall-winter of 2006. I saw death and destruction alongside rebirth and restoration. I saw unimaginable poverty and sickness, but I also saw inspiring hope and smiles. The tragedy and battle of Afghanistan was playing out before my eyes in the most amazing backdrop – Hindu Kush mountain range.
Hindu Kush stretches upwards in search of the morning sun. Its highest peak is in Pakistan, but even here it soars 6,000 meters (19,000 feet) high.
Covered in snow, the mountains are seemingly calm and asleep…
Dusk and dawn are amazing here… Ragged, pristine beauty evokes images of ancient stories…
Dawn is my favorite time… The air is quiet and the winds are hidden. The only thing present is a distant mullah’s call to prayer. It creates a mystical atmosphere and transforms me to another world – a world where I am still a child, walking the streets of another city, hearing that same call…
This morning walk is the happiest time of the day… You are alone with your thoughts, in the company of heavens and mountains…
Of course, you can never forget your surroundings completely…
Grim reminder of a recent past…
… and one from a more distant time…
Entertainment is scarce, but potent…
For example, a chilling scorpion – camel spider fight…
Outside base, another world exists…
…with its own rules…
…routines…
… and traditions…
This photograph, taken by a colleague of mine, is my favorite. Can you see why?
It has been five years since I left Afghanistan, but this country often visits me in my dreams, in my thoughts… I hope that one day, as sure as the morning sun illuminating the mountains, I can walk its streets again, but this time in a war-free country.
Lovely shots. Oddly I’m more scared of the insects than the mines!
Thank you! The insects were really scary…
Great pictures! Just had a friend visit there and she reported back on many things good and bad that are happening. It is a country in pain – no doubt there.
Thank you Ken. I agree… But we must have hope that it will get better. Sometimes I wonder though if there is anything else that I could do besides hope…
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Thank you for the lovely pictures Yulia. I lived in Yemen and surrounding countries for a long time (from age eight all through my teenage years) and these pictures bring back a lot of memories…amazing ones!
I agree, that whole region is extremely interesting, magical… I think that people who have a chance to experience different sides of the world are so fortunate, because it somehow broadens the views on life itself. Glad you had that experience!
Yulia
It’s the people of the place who bring life to even the calm dawn, and setting sun… These are wonderful pics Yulia and I love the one of the smiling young girl… It is true that we can only hope for the rebirth of a war-free country, from so far… But I feel every wish counts.. And if it is strong enough from billions of hearts, it might even come true one day, not very far in the future…
Hi Asifa, thank you for your comments! I hope so too…
wow this is so awesome…
Thank you!
These are fabulous photos, Yulia. I rather wish everyone in the US could see Afghanistan the way you do!
Thank you Sid! It is hard to understand that which is unfamiliar, but I hope this post helps in its own small way
Great shots. And yes I can see why you like the one of the child. I too was drawn to that particular image. Thanks for sharing Yulia.
Thank you! Her eyes are so wise and mature, it is mind-boggling!
What interesting glimpses of life in Afghanistan! Thanks!
Thank you Natalia, I wish I had spent more time outside of base – it is indeed very interesting!
Great post! I love to learn about this complex country.
Thank you! One great book about Afghanistan and its struggle – The Kite Runner, which I am sure you’ve heard of
What fascinating stories you must have from your time there, Yulia. What kind of work were you doing?
Hi Tricia! I do… Afghanistan is and will always remain magical for me. I was there with the Navy, doing some electronic countermeasure support for our planes.
Lovely! What brings you to Afghanistan? The country has been on my traveling wish-list for some time!
And yes, the Hindukush is gorgeous!
I went there as part of the US forces when I was in the military. Afghanistan will always be a very special place for me. It is very close to the place I was born (Kazakhstan), and I felt surprisingly at home there… You should definitely visit!
Those are lovely pictures Yulia and inspiring too…evokes a strong desire to experience what you have already in the course of your travel..would love to hear more from your trails..
Thank you for your kind words Fahad
Your posts are painfully beautiful in thoughts and images…
Befitting this country then I guess… Thank you.
You tell a compelling story about a country of beauty and tragedy. The images are very well crafted! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Thank you for your kind comments. There is more to Afghanistan than what we hear in the news – I wish more people could see that.