OCT 2023
EXPLORE AFGHANISTAN
PAGE 10
AFGHANISTAN’S TIMELESS OASIS OF HISTORY AND CULTURE
In the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, lies a living testament to the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage - Bagh-e Babur, also known as the Gardens of Babur. This enchanting oasis is a cherished treasure, drawing inquisitive visitors from all corners of the world. With its terraced structures, an elegant mosque, and vast green expanses, Bagh-e Babur has etched its name as a sanctuary of serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of Kabul’s urban life.
its significance. The transformation of Bagh-e Babur into a revered graveyard, marked by the enclosure around Babur’s tomb, stands as a testament to the garden’s pivotal role in history. Shah Jahan’s screens, while enhancing its grandeur, also transformed it into a solemn resting place for a great emperor.
Bagh-e Babur’s journey through time has witnessed transformative shifts. Over the years, it has evolved under the influence of external The roots of Bagh-e Babur stretch back to the factors. In the late 19th century, Amir Abdur early 16th century, a testament to the visionary Rahman Khan added a pavilion and a residence ambition of the first Mughal emperor, Babur. In for his beloved wife, Bibi Halima. By 1933, it 1504, Babur ordered the creation of this remark- had transformed into a public recreation space able “avenue garden” in Kabul, as meticulously adorned with graceful pools and soothing foundetailed in his memoirs, the Baburnama. Over tains. The late 1970s brought a touch of moderthe centuries, this historic garden has evolved nity with the introduction of a greenhouse and under the influence of various Afghan rulers, a sparkling swimming pool. weaving a vibrant tapestry of Afghan history. Despite the absence of the enclosure around Mughal rulers cherished the tradition of devel- Babur’s tomb, Bagh-e Babur endures as a symoping such serene retreats during their lifetime, bol of historical significance in Kabul. Recent eventually choosing one as their eternal resting endeavors have focused on revitalizing Kabul’s place. For Babur’s successors, Bagh-e Babur cityscape, including the meticulous restoration held immense significance. Jahangir’s pilgrim- of Babur’s tomb. These efforts seek to preserve age to the site in 1607 marked a turning point, the garden’s traditional aspects while seamlessleading to the construction of protective walls ly integrating them into a contemporary global around Kabul’s gardens, the establishment of a context. prayer platform at Babur’s grave, and the installation of an inscribed headstone at its head. Despite the tumultuous events of the Afghan Civil War in the 1990s, Bagh-e Babur has witThe visit of the illustrious Mughal Emperor Shah nessed remarkable restoration efforts. The conJahan in 1638 added further embellishments, servation of the white marble mosque built by including a marble screen surrounding Babur’s Aurengzeb, repairs to the garden pavilion, and tomb and a picturesque stone water channel the reconstruction of Tajbeg Palace are just a weaving through avenues of trees, punctuated few examples. The introduction of indigenous by serene pools. trees and a partially piped irrigation system have breathed new life into the garden’s natural The decision of Babur to find eternal repose splendor. within these gardens speaks volumes about
