Resources

Books

Explore a curated collection of books on the architecture and urban planning of Afghanistan, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, historical evolution, and modern challenges of Afghan cities and landscapes. These resources aim to inspire deeper understanding and dialogue about the built environment of Afghanistan. The book cover images used on this page are screenshots from publicly available sources. They are provided here for informational purposes only, and the links redirect to the official sites where the books can be accessed

Cover of "An Historical Guide to Afghanistan" by Nancy Hatch Dupree, featuring an ancient minaret framed by lush trees against a clear blue sky.
A HIstorical Guide to Afghanistan
Cover of The Buddhist Architecture of Gandhāra by Kurt A. Behrendt, featuring an image of an intricately carved Buddhist monument from the Gandhāra region.
The Buddhist Architecture of Gandhara
Cover of the book Afghanistan by Louis Dupree, featuring historical photographs of Afghan fighters and a crashed helicopter.
Afghanistan 1980
Book cover of 'Traditional Architecture of Afghanistan' by Stanley I. Hallet and Rafi Samizay, featuring a sepia image of Afghan traditional buildings with mountains in the background.
Traditional Architecture of Afghanistan
Cover of Venturing Permanence: The ETH House of Science in Bamiyan, showing a construction site with workers against the backdrop of the mountains of Bamiyan, Afghanistan.
Venturing permanence : the ETH House of Science in Bamiyan
Book Afghanistan Preserving Historic Heritage by Philip Jodidio: The Aga Khan Historic Cties Program
Afghanistan Preserving Historic Heritage
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National Level Sectoral Plans

This Section Provides Access To Afghanistan’s Sectoral Plans, Covering Key Areas Such As Urban Development, Infrastructure, Environment, And Economy. These Plans Outline Strategic Policies And Frameworks For Sustainable Growth And National Development.

cover page of the Afghanistan strategic national action plan for disaster risk reduction
Afghanistan strategic national action plan for disaster risk reduction
cover page of the National Infrastructure Plan 2017-2021
National Infrastructure Plan 2017-2021
cover page of the National biodiversity strategy and action plan 2014-2017
National biodiversity strategy and action plan 2014-2017
cover page of the National Education strategic plan 2017-2020
National Education strategic plan 2017-2020
cover page of the report Islamic republic of Afghanistan power sector master plan
Islamic republic of Afghanistan: power sector master plan (ADB)
cover image of post Post conflict environmental assessment (UNEP) report of afghanistan
Post conflict environmental assessment (UNEP)
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A Collection of Historical Photographs

Discover a unique collection of historical photographs capturing the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Afghanistan. These images offer a glimpse into the past, reflecting the beauty and resilience of Afghan history and its built environment. The photograph images used on this page are screenshots from publicly available sources. They are provided here for informational purposes only, and the links redirect to the official sites where the photographs can be accessed

Title page of a book featuring an illustration of an old cannon, with text partially visible: 'AFFGHAUNISTAUN ... From Sketches Taken During The Campaign of The Army of the Indus' by Sir Keith A. Jackson
Views in Affghaunistaun, &c. &c. &c. from sketches taken during the campaign of the Army of the Indus,
Dark leather-bound cover with gold-embossed text reading 'AFGHANISTAN 1879. 80
Afghanistan 1879-80
Title page of the book 'Views of Kabul and Environs' from 1881, featuring a description of its contents and authorship
Views of Kabul and environs from pictures taken by the photograph school of the Corps of Bengal Sappers and Miners.
An album showcasing Kabul's buildings and environs, photographed in 1881 by the Corps of Bengal Sappers and Miners, with accompanying historical details
Album 1 Afghanistan
A white marble statue of a woman with a goat, surrounded by vibrant garden foliage, representing the elegance of 1920s Afghanistan
A Lifetime Ago: The Elegance Of 1920s Afghanistan
A detailed illustrated panorama of Kabul, Afghanistan, showcasing labeled landmarks, mountain ranges, cultural figures, and notable sites, as displayed in Leicester Square.
Image 1 of digital files from original digital files from original
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Thesis and Research Papers

A repository of scholarly work and in-depth research, showcasing academic contributions and critical insights on historical and contemporary topics.

Cover page of a thesis titled "Urban/Rural Dwelling Environments: Kabul, Afghanistan" by Bashir Ahmad Kazimee, submitted to MIT in 1977.
Urban/rural dwelling environments : Kabul, Afghanistan
Cover page of a thesis titled "Urban Growth and Residential Prototypes in Kabul, Afghanistan" by M. Rafi Samizay, submitted to MIT in May 1974.
Urban growth and residential prototypes in Kabul, Afghanistan
Title page of a doctoral dissertation titled "Planning Kabul: The politics of urbanization in Afghanistan" by Pietro Anders Calogero, submitted for a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning with an emphasis in Global Metropolitan Studies
Planning Kabul: The politics of urbanization in Afghanistan

Reports and Publications

Browse through a curated selection of reports and publications on Afghanistan’s architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage. These resources provide valuable insights into the country’s evolving urban landscapes and architectural practices. The report and publication cover images used on this page are screenshots from publicly available sources. They are provided here for informational purposes only, and the links redirect to the official sites where the documents can be accessed.

Roport of UN Habitat
A multilingual cover page titled "State of Afghan Cities 2015, Volume Two," displaying the title in English, Pashto, and Dari, with a detailed view of an Afghan city and mountains under a bright blue sky.
Screenshot of the UN-Habitat "Research and Publications" page, featuring the World Cities Report 2024: Climate Action.
Book cover titled 'Development of Kabul: Reconstruction and Planning Issues,' edited by Babar Mumtaz and Kaj Noschis, presented at the 10th Architecture & Behaviour Colloquium.
Book cover of 'Kabul Elite Burials: A Wounded Heritage' by Bruce Wannell and Khadem Hussain, published by AKTC in 2013, featuring Islamic calligraphy as the background design.
Book cover of 'Afghanistan: Preserving Historic Heritage,' published by Prestel, featuring a lit historic domed structure against a mountainous backdrop.
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Urban Master Planning & Strategic Frameworks

This section of the website showcases comprehensive master plans, strategic urban design frameworks, and sustainable development strategies aimed at transforming cities into resilient, efficient, and livable environments. The cover images used in this section are screenshots from publicly available sources. They are provided here for informational purposes only, and the links redirect to the official sites where the full documents can be accessed.

Cover page of the "Jalalabad Strategic Development Framework" document featuring an aerial view of Jalalabad city with a mountainous background.
Cover of the "Herat Strategic Development Framework 2020," featuring an aerial view of Herat city with its historic citadel in the background.
Cover of the "Mazar-e-Sharif Strategic Development Framework," showcasing the iconic Blue Mosque surrounded by the cityscape.
View of Kandahar city with mountains in the background, featuring the Kandahar Strategic Development Framework cover
Map of Kabul Metropolitan Area, part of the master plan study for transportation development in Afghanistan, dated September 2009.
Risk-sensitive land use planning map by AKAH Afghanistan, highlighting hazard-prone areas with color-coded zones

Videos

Explore a handpicked collection of insightful videos highlighting innovative urban design, architecture, and strategic planning concepts in Afghanistan. The video thumbnails used in this section are screenshots from publicly available sources. They are provided here for informational purposes only, and the links redirect to the official platforms where the videos can be viewed.

A televised presentation featuring a woman discussing Afghan architectural tile patterns, with a table of tile designs and their details displayed on the screen
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