Photo Gallery

Cityscape & Beyond

A panoramic view of Kabul’s District 7 from Chihlsatoon Palace, featuring lush greenery, traditional homes, and rugged mountains. — A breathtaking view of Kabul’s District 7 from Chihlsatoon Palace, where green parks contrast with the rocky mountains and tightly packed hillside homes. This image captures the unique blend of nature and urban development in the Afghan capital.

View of Kabul city from District 7, with a mix of urban architecture and surrounding mountains under a hazy sky. — A panoramic view of Kabul’s District 7, showcasing the vibrant cityscape framed by distant mountains. Photographed from Chihlsatoon Palace.

A panoramic view of Kabul’s District 7 from Chihilsatoon Palace, featuring lush greenery, urban buildings, and the surrounding mountains. — A breathtaking view from Chihilsatoon Palace, overlooking Kabul’s District 7. The contrast between the vibrant greenery and the arid mountains highlights the city’s diverse landscape. In the distance, Dar-ul-Aman Palace stands as a symbol of Kabul’s rich history and resilience.

A view of a busy street in Kabul, seen from Dar-ul-Aman Palace, with vehicles, pedestrians, and urban buildings against a mountainous backdrop. — A dynamic street scene in Kabul, viewed from Dar-ul-Aman Palace. The image captures the city’s everyday life, with cars, taxis, and pedestrians navigating a bustling road lined with trees, security walls, and urban structures.

A view of Koh-e-Asmai mountain and the bustling streets of Kabul, Afghanistan — This image captures a scenic view of Kabul, Afghanistan, featuring Koh-e-Asmai mountain in the background and a major road lined with buildings, vehicles, and billboards in the foreground.

A breathtaking view of Qargha Lake in Afghanistan, with turquoise waters, rolling hills, and lush greenery in the foreground. — Qargha Lake, located just outside Kabul, Afghanistan, offers a stunning natural escape with its serene blue waters, scenic landscape, and fresh air. It is a popular destination for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities.

A scenic view of Qargha Lake in Afghanistan, with people relaxing by the water, boats on the lake, and an amusement park in the background. — Qargha Lake, a beautiful reservoir near Kabul, Afghanistan, offers stunning blue waters, a relaxing atmosphere, and recreational activities. The area is a favorite getaway for families and visitors, featuring an amusement park, boating, and picnic spots.

A scenic view of Qargha Lake with lush greenery in the foreground and mountains in the background. — This image showcases the picturesque Qargha Lake, located near Kabul, Afghanistan, as seen from Paghman Palace. The view features rolling hills, dense greenery, and the calm blue waters of the lake, offering a peaceful contrast to the arid mountains in the distance

A panoramic view of Paghman District from Paghman Palace, showcasing lush greenery, agricultural fields, and traditional Afghan homes with a mountainous backdrop. — A stunning aerial perspective of Paghman District as seen from Paghman Palace, highlighting the contrast between the green farmland and the arid hills, with the majestic mountains in the distance.

View of Kabul's Macrorayan housing complex with lush greenery in the foreground, modern apartment buildings, and an industrial chimney rising in the background. — A detailed view of Kabul’s Macrorayan housing complex, surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing the city’s urban planning. Modern apartment buildings rise prominently, symbolizing post-20th-century urban development, with an industrial chimney highlighting the city’s industrial history.

Panoramic view of Kabul's skyline featuring Macrorayan housing blocks, modern high-rises, and the distant mountains, with a lone pine tree in the foreground. — A panoramic view of Kabul’s urban sprawl, highlighting the Macrorayan housing blocks, modern skyscrapers, and green spaces, all set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. A solitary pine tree in the foreground adds a touch of nature to the bustling cityscape

View of the historic wall of old Kabul along the rugged Asmai Mountain, with green trees in the foreground. — The remains of Kabul’s historic wall run along the rocky slopes of Asmai Mountain, marking a legacy of defense and heritage. The green foliage in the foreground contrasts with the arid, mountainous terrain

Panoramic view of Kabul at sunset, featuring the Karta-e-Sakhi Shrine's turquoise domes in the foreground, informal hillside settlements, and modern city structures in the distance. — A breathtaking view of Kabul as the sun sets, blending the historic charm of the Karta-e-Sakhi Shrine with its turquoise domes, the sprawling informal hillside homes, and the city’s modern infrastructure stretching toward the horizon

Busy urban scene near a canal in Kabul with modern and historic buildings in the background — A vibrant day in Kabul with locals enjoying the cityscape near a canal, showcasing the coexistence of modern architecture and cultural heritage.

Street vendors and bustling activity near Gulbahar Center in Kabul, Afghanistan — A vibrant scene of street vendors and shoppers near Gulbahar Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, showcasing the city’s dynamic local commerce

Busy marketplace in Kabul, Afghanistan, with people walking through narrow alleys lined with shops — A bustling scene at Khocha-e-Morgha marketplace in Kabul, Afghanistan. Narrow alleys are filled with shops selling a variety of goods, as locals navigate through the vibrant, crowded market

A vibrant bird market in Kabul, Afghanistan, featuring colorful cages and bird accessories. — Kocha-e-Morgha, the bird market in Kabul, showcases a variety of bird cages, colorful accessories, and local sellers. A unique cultural hub for bird enthusiasts in Afghanistan.

Golden domes of a mosque in Kabul's old city with a backdrop of hillside homes — The golden domes of a mosque shine at sunset in Kabul’s old city, with the hillside neighborhood and bustling local market adding to the picturesque urban landscape

Busy Pashotnistan Square in Kabul with blue and white taxis and a lively crowd — A bustling view of Pashotnistan Square in Kabul, featuring iconic blue and white taxis, a lively crowd, and colorful advertisements against the backdrop of a vibrant evening sky

Evening view of Pashtonistan Road in Kabul with pedestrians and vehicles — An evening scene along Pashtonistan Road in Kabul, showcasing pedestrians walking along the roadside and vehicles moving through the urban environment, framed by a pastel-hued sky and modern buildings in the distance

People enjoying the fountain at Pashtonistan Square in Kabul during sunset. — Locals gather around the fountain at Pashtonistan Square in Kabul, capturing the lively atmosphere as the water jets create a mesmerizing display under a pastel sky. Families and onlookers enjoy the serene evening ambiance in the heart of the city.

Street market outside Pul-e-Kheshti Mosque in Kabul, bustling with vendors and shoppers. — A lively marketplace near the Pul-e-Kheshti Mosque in Kabul, featuring colorful stalls, street vendors, and locals going about their daily business. The iconic mosque with its intricate blue tilework serves as a beautiful backdrop for this vibrant urban scene

Architectural Journey

Exterior view of Paghman Palace with stone walls, arched windows, and a clock tower surrounded by greenery — The stunning architecture of Paghman Palace in Afghanistan, featuring its distinctive stone walls, elegant arched windows, and a clock tower set against a clear blue sky.

Main entrance of Paghman Palace featuring a pointed arch and a wooden double door — The intricately designed main entrance of Paghman Palace, showcasing a pointed arch, stone details, and a beautiful wooden double door.

Interior architectural detail of a historical archway with ornate floral patterns and tiled wall, Paghman Palace, Afghanistan — A closer look at the intricate floral details and tiled walls inside the Paghman Palace, showcasing Afghanistan’s rich architectural heritage

Circular white marble pavilion with arches at Paghman Palace, surrounded by a stone platform and scenic Afghan landscape under a clear blue sky. — The white marble pavilion at Paghman Palace stands as a remarkable architectural landmark, encircled by elegant arches and offering a serene view of the Afghan landscape.

Intricate white marble arches at Paghman Palace with a scenic backdrop of green valleys and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. — A close-up view of the elegant white marble arches of Paghman Palace, highlighting their intricate carvings and framing a stunning natural landscape.

A tall minaret in Paghman, Afghanistan, surrounded by lush greenery, with rugged mountains in the background. — The Paghman Minaret stands tall amid the green landscape, with the majestic Afghan mountains in the background. This architectural piece highlights the region’s cultural and spiritual significance.

Shah-e-Dushamshera Mosque in Kabul with bustling street activity and pigeons flying nearby. — The historic Shah-e-Dushamshera Mosque in Kabul, featuring its unique architecture influenced by European styles, surrounded by the daily hustle of locals.

A grand mosque under construction on Tapa-e-Maranjan in Kabul, with lush greenery in the foreground and blue skies above — This image showcases the new mosque on Tapa-e-Maranjan hill in Kabul, a striking architectural piece characterized by multiple minarets and a large dome. The lush greenery surrounding the mosque adds a natural contrast to its intricate design

Tomb of Timur Shah surrounded by trees with a prominent dome in Kabul. — The Tomb of Timur Shah, an iconic structure in Kabul, showcases beautiful brick architecture and a domed roof, surrounded by serene greenery.

Historical brick tomb with a large dome and intricate arches, viewed from a low angle under a clear blue sky. — An impressive front view of the Tomb of Timur Shah Durrani in Kabul, showcasing its detailed brickwork, arched entrances, and grand dome against the backdrop of a bright sky.

Modern white building with tall rectangular columns, surrounded by trees and green lawns under a clear blue sky — An elegant, contemporary building at Kabul University, featuring tall columns and minimalist architecture, framed by lush greenery and a bright, sunny sky

Blue-domed Sakhi Shrine in Kabul with surrounding hillside dwellings under a clear sky. — The iconic Sakhi Shrine in Kabul, known for its vibrant blue domes and intricate tile work, set against the backdrop of hillside homes.

Abdur Rahman Khan Mosque with twin minarets and a grand dome, surrounded by greenery. — The majestic Abdur Rahman Khan Mosque, with its prominent dome and two towering minarets, set against a backdrop of a serene sky. The mosque is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to its tranquil and grand ambiance

Abdurahman Khan Mosque entrance dome detail with intricate patterns and Arabic calligraphy — An artistic view of the entrance dome at Abdurahman Khan Mosque, showcasing intricate Islamic patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and a beautiful chandelier against a backdrop of clear skies.

Underground view of Temur Shah's Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan. — A historic underground passage leading to the tomb inside Temur Shah’s Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan. The dimly lit chamber highlights the arched brickwork and the solemn resting place of the former Afghan ruler

Close-up view of the entrance to Temur Shah's Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan. — A detailed view of the main entrance to Temur Shah’s Mausoleum in Kabul, showcasing the brickwork arches and wooden windows, exemplifying traditional Afghan architectural craftsmanship

Brick lattice wall at Temur Shah's Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan — A detailed view of the decorative brick lattice wall at Temur Shah’s Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan, showcasing traditional architectural patterns that allow light and air to flow through the structure.

Exterior view of Temur Shah's Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan — The entrance to Temur Shah’s Mausoleum, showcasing the elegant brick architecture and arched design. Surrounded by trees, this historical structure serves as a reminder of Afghanistan’s regal past.

ACKU building at Kabul University surrounded by trees and parked vehicles — View of the Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University (ACKU), a modern stone-constructed facility, with lush greenery and parked vehicles adding to the serene campus environment

The entrance gate of Kabul Medical University with red and white columns, intricate blue ironwork, and mountains in the background. — The grand entrance of Kabul Medical University, a mix of classical and modern architectural styles, framed by trees and the rugged mountains of Kabul.

The towering mausoleum of Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani, surrounded by tall pine trees and enclosed within a decorative brick and iron fence, under a clear blue sky. — The mausoleum of Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani is a significant architectural landmark in Kabul. The sleek black structure, reaching towards the sky, is an emblem of modern design meeting traditional reverence. Encircled by tall pine trees and set within a serene environment, the site reflects the timeless respect Afghans hold for this influential thinker and reformist. The surrounding area, enclosed by a decorative fence, offers a peaceful setting for reflection and admiration.

Front view of a building at Kabul University, featuring a classic architectural style with large windows, surrounded by trees, flowers, and a neatly maintained garden under a bright blue sky — A Kabul University campus building showcasing elegant architecture, with a lush garden and vibrant surroundings, highlighting its role as an academic and cultural hub.

Front view of a traditional Afghan mosque with intricate blue tilework and two towering minarets — Hazrat e Ali Shrine 2

Landscape and Gardens

Stone pathway lined with lush greenery and trees at Chilsatoon Palace in Kabul — A shaded stone pathway leading to the entrance of Chilsatoon Palace, surrounded by manicured bushes and tall trees, offering a serene and picturesque setting.

Rugged mountain range under a partly cloudy sky in Faizabad, Afghanistan — A breathtaking view of the rugged mountains in Faizabad, with a mix of earthy tones and patches of greenery under a clear blue sky

Aerial view of the lush gardens at Chilsatoon Palace, surrounded by trees and mountains in Kabul — A panoramic view of Chilsatoon Palace’s gardens in Kabul, featuring manicured lawns, pathways, and dense greenery, set against the backdrop of the city’s rugged mountains.

A scenic view of a landscaped garden with fountains, pathways, and lush greenery, set against a backdrop of distant mountains under a clear blue sky — A beautifully landscaped garden at Paghman Palace, featuring tree-lined pathways, stone fountains, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

A lush garden with a long, narrow water canal surrounded by colorful flowers, green trees, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. — The stunning gardens of Paghman Palace feature a tranquil water canal lined with vibrant flowers and shaded by tall trees, offering a serene retreat amid the natural beauty of Afghanistan.

View of Paghman Palace landscape featuring terraced stone architecture, a central fountain structure, and lush greenery under a clear blue sky — The iconic terraced landscape of Paghman Palace, showcasing its intricate stonework, a central fountain, and the surrounding natural greenery, symbolizing the harmony between architecture and the environment.

A landscaped area in Paghman Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan, featuring stone staircases, arched doorways, and a circular pavilion with a red roof. — The beautifully designed landscape of Paghman Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, showcases stone staircases, arched structures, and a circular pavilion with a red roof, set amidst lush greenery and well-maintained pathways.

Pathway leading to a gazebo with an orange roof at Paghman Palace, surrounded by greenery and distant mountain ranges — A serene walkway at Paghman Palace leads to a charming gazebo with an orange roof, offering breathtaking views of the lush greenery and the majestic mountains beyond

A stone pathway in a garden, lined with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, leading to an open terrace with distant mountains in the background. — A beautifully shaded walkway at Paghman Palace Gardens, surrounded by blooming flowers and trimmed hedges, offering a peaceful route toward an elevated terrace with stunning mountain views.

A tree-lined stone pathway at Paghman Palace Gardens, featuring an arched entrance covered in climbing plants. — A serene pathway at Paghman Palace Gardens, shaded by lush trees and framed by an elegant archway adorned with climbing plants. This picturesque walkway invites visitors into a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

A grand circular fountain surrounded by lush gardens and walking paths at Paghman Palace. — This serene fountain, set within a beautifully landscaped garden, is a centerpiece of Paghman Palace’s lush surroundings, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

A beautifully crafted multi-tiered marble fountain at Paghman Palace, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and rugged mountains. — This elegant multi-tiered fountain stands as a central feature in the scenic gardens of Paghman Palace, surrounded by lush greenery and the breathtaking mountainous landscape.

Lush green garden in Paghman with trees, flowers, and a decorative white pavilion against a mountainous backdrop — A scenic view of Paghman Gardens featuring vibrant greenery, colorful flowers, and a historic white pavilion surrounded by the majestic mountains of Kabul.

A landscaped garden at Paghman Palace with artistically trimmed topiary trees against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky. — Beautifully sculpted topiary trees stand amidst the lush green landscape of Paghman Palace Gardens. Their artistic shapes add a touch of elegance to the serene surroundings.

A lush green field with a stone wall in the foreground, surrounded by tall trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky — This serene landscape near Paghman Palace features a vibrant green lawn framed by distant mountains and scattered clouds, embodying the natural beauty of the region

Elegant yellow palace with a domed tower, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the backdrop — The historic Bala Bagh Palace, located in Paghman, Afghanistan, is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by green lawns and majestic mountains under a cloudy sky.

Tapa-e-Maranjan with a distant view of a domed structure surrounded by trees and mountains in Kabul. — Tapa-e-Maranjan, a serene location in Kabul, offers picturesque views of lush greenery, a domed landmark, and the majestic mountains in the background.

Beautiful terraced stone structure with arches and greenery in Paghman Gardens, Kabul. — A captivating terraced stone structure in Paghman Gardens, Kabul, surrounded by lush trees and elegant landscaping.

A decorative fountain in a garden surrounded by vibrant flowers, lush trees, and mountain views under a clear blue sky — An ornate fountain stands at the center of beautifully landscaped gardens in Paghman, offering a tranquil ambiance with bright flowers and verdant greenery under a sunny sky

Lush green park in Paghman, Kabul, with scenic mountain views in the background — The beautiful Paghman Gardens in Kabul offer a serene escape, featuring lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and panoramic mountain views.

Explore the tranquil beauty of Paghman Gardens in Kabul, Afghanistan. Surrounded by mountains, the gardens feature well-manicured landscapes, vibrant flowers, and a relaxing environment perfect for nature lovers and tourists seeking peace. A top destination for scenic outdoor experiences near Kabul. — The iconic water channel in Paghman Gardens, Kabul, is lined with lush trees and colorful flowers, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning mountain backdrops.

White marble arches in Paghman Gardens, Kabul, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. — The stunning white marble arches in Paghman Gardens, Kabul, stand as an architectural marvel, offering breathtaking views of the lush greenery and distant mountains.

Tree-lined pathway with an arched entrance at Paghman Gardens, Kabul — An inviting tree-lined pathway in Paghman Gardens, Kabul, shaded by lush greenery and adorned with a decorative metal arch at the entrance, offering a tranquil escape for visitors.

Stone architecture and pavilion at Paghman Gardens in Kabul, Afghanistan. — Paghman Palace Garden, a serene escape near Kabul, showcases stunning stone architecture, terraced landscaping, and a pavilion overlooking the tranquil surroundings

Pathway and garden near Temur Shah's Mausoleum, shaded by trees — A serene pathway runs alongside the exterior of Temur Shah’s Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan. The brick structure is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful setting that reflects the historical significance of the site

Shaded garden with trees and a stone pathway near Temur Shah's Mausoleum — A tranquil garden with trees casting shadows over the ground, accompanied by a neatly paved stone pathway leading into the distance. This serene setting is located near Temur Shah’s Mausoleum in Kabul, Afghanistan

A tree-lined pathway inside Kabul University, featuring neatly painted trunks, well-maintained greenery, and a clear blue sky, with a glimpse of the mountains in the background. — The pathways at Kabul University are thoughtfully designed, bordered by lush trees and vibrant greenery. This particular route, with its painted tree trunks and shaded walkways, leads to the scenic backdrop of mountains, providing a tranquil setting for academic pursuits and leisurely walks. It is a reflection of the university’s commitment to harmonizing education with nature.

View of Bala Bagh gardens in Paghman with a vibrant pink rose in the foreground and mountains in the background — Bala Bagh in Paghman, built during King Amanullah Khan’s reign, offers a breathtaking blend of vibrant gardens, lush greenery, and scenic mountain views

European-style architecture at Bala Bagh in Paghman, surrounded by lush green lawns and terraced landscaping — European-style buildings at Bala Bagh, constructed during King Amanullah Khan’s reign, reflect Afghanistan’s modernization efforts and the influence of European architecture on Afghan design

A view of Bala Bagh in Paghman, featuring a European-style building, flower gardens, water channels, and mountains in the background — The landscaped gardens of Bala Bagh in Paghman showcase a mix of natural beauty and architectural charm, with flowing water channels, vibrant flower beds, and a European-style building nestled against a mountainous backdrop

Bala Bagh a historical garden — The tranquil gardens of Bala Bagh in Paghman feature an abandoned European-style structure that evokes the area’s rich history. Surrounded by vibrant lawns, flower beds, and mature trees, the site reflects the intersection of history and natural beauty

A small pavilion with ornate columns and a metal roof in Bala Bagh gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming roses — This beautiful pavilion in Bala Bagh gardens features detailed columns and a domed roof, blending classical design with the serene natural surroundings of roses and trees.

A scenic view of Bala Bagh gardens in Paghman, showcasing a historic building on the left, lush green lawns, and scattered trees with a mountainous backdrop — This captivating view of Bala Bagh gardens in Paghman highlights the harmonious blend of nature and heritage, with a historic building amidst verdant lawns and trees, framed by a serene mountain backdrop

"Afghan Architecture and Urbanism showcases the beauty of Afghanistan's landscapes and cities, highlighting the rich blend of tradition and modern design. Each photo captures the unique harmony between architecture and nature."

Image of Abdullah Ahmadzai

Abdullah Ahmadzai