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Afghanistan enjoys a rich cultural heritage

From monuments to rugs, Afghanistan has a rich legacy that has been influenced by many cultures

For over two millennia, Afghanistan has had a complex history that survives in the form of languages and monuments. Persian and Pashto poetry have played an important role in shaping Afghan culture and is an integral part of its fabric with people often using poetry and proverbs in their day-to-day conversations.
Rumi, a Sufi master born in 1207 in present-day Afghanistan, is one of the most popular poets in the world. Almost 800 years on, his work continues to inspire people. Other illustrious poets from the region include Timur Shah Durrani, Rahman Baba and Khushal Khan Khattak. Their verses continue to be an important part of literature the world over.
Not just poetry, there are many other art forms that have come to life in Afghanistan, such as local art that spans centuries. The world's oldest oil painting was found in Afghanistan. Samples from paintings that date back to the 7th century AD, were taken from caves behind two statues of Buddha in the town of Bamiyan. Known as the Gandhara art, it is based on Greco-Buddhist art and was probably the work of artists travelling the ancient trade route from China to Central Asia. Other notable artists from the region include Kamaleddin Behzad, a famous miniature painter of the 14th century, and the 20th century artist Abdul Ghafoor Breshna, who is credited for telling the story of the people of the country through his paintings.
At present, Kabul University offers a number of art programmes with the aim to revive the industry that has suffered immensely during war in the last few years. The Centre for Contemporary Arts Afghanistan (CCAA) in Kabul is another institution that offers courses in contemporary paintings.
Art is largely highlighted at the National Museum of Afghanistan, the National Gallery of Afghanistan and the National Archives of Afghanistan in Kabul. These museums offer a glimpse at the evolution of art in the region and showcase fascinating works through the ages.
Even though many of Afghanistan's historic monuments have been damaged in recent wars, archaeologists are still finding Buddhist relics in different parts of the country, some dating back to as far as the 2nd century, according to reports.
One of the famous monuments of the country is the Minaret of Jam in the Hari River valley that has become a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a 203-feet high minaret that was built around 1190. It is made entirely of baked bricks and is famous for its intricate brick, stucco and glazed tile decoration featuring beautiful calligraphy and geometric patterns.
Other fascinating sites include the Citadel of Heart or the Citadel of Alexander that has become a popular attraction for tourists and the iconic blue domes of the Shrine of Hazrat Ali in Mazar-i-Sharif.
Another art form that has been prominent for centuries in Afghanistan is the Afghan rug. These striking handmade rugs have certain distinctive prints that make them unique. Afghan carpets have not only become synonymous with the country, but also become a flourishing industry, as there is a great demand for these carpets around the world.
In other arts, exquisite light blue-green fired tile work is well-known, alongside traditional arts such as intricate decorative embroidery, and various leather goods that are still made in homes.