View of Kabul and Mausoleum of Timur Shah Durrani, 1922

Kabul, view from above, with the Mausoleum of Timur Shah Durrani at upper right, 1922.

Photo by Lowell Thomas or Harry A. Chase.

A falooda (فالودہ) stall in Kabul city, 1840 (c)

 

A falooda (فالودہ) stall in Kabul city (Afghanistan). The man on the left is a Hazara and is carrying snow, 1840 (c).

James Atkinson (the painter) writes:

"The stall where this delicacy is sold is very neatly and tastefully fitted up. A pillar of snow stands in one corner, a fountain plays behind it, while pots of flowers and loaves of sugar are arranged on either side. The month of May is the season for the Fulloodeh, which is a white jelly strained from whey, and drunk with sherbet and snow. So fond are the people of it that they call it “Rahut-i-jan,” or the solace of life, and in the hot season a draught of it si truly refreshing. One of the Huzzareh’s in the foreground is carrying snow for sale. In the winter these people collect it in pits, lined with chaff, where it is rammed down and covered over. When required during the summer, it is cut in pieces, and taken to market on men’s backs. Another with a pole slung over his shoulders supports a pile of earthenware vessels filled with butter-milk separated from each other by pieces of wood. A third holds a bag containing “root,” (dried curds pressed into hard lumps) some of which he is bargaining to exchange for bread with the baker’s boy seated near him."

1928: Afghan Ladies in public garden without Burqa

Afghan ladies in Bagh-i-Umoomi (Public Garden), Paghman, Afghanistan, 1928. They are wearing light diaphanous veils introduced by Queen Soraya to replace the head-to-toe Burqa. No woman wearing the full head-to-toe burqa was allowed to enter the Park.

Kabuli woman, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1840 (c). Painting by James Atkinson

 

The avenue at the tomb of Mughal king Babur, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1840 (c)

The avenue at the tomb of Mughal king Babur, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1840 (c). Painting by James Atkinson.

Burqa-clad Afghan and Qizilbash women, Kabul, 1840 (c)

Burqa-clad Afghan and Qizilbash women, Kabul, 1840 (c). 

James Atkinson (the painter) writes: "The dress of the Kuzzilash females is, at home, similar to that of their Afghan sisters, but abroad they are distinguished by wearing a veil of black horse hair."

A Kabuli lady is wearing burqa (or chadari) before going out in the street, 1840 (c)

 

A Kabuli lady is wearing burqa (or chadari) before going out in the street, 1840 (c). 

James Atkinson (the painter) writes: "When going out of doors they draw on leggings of cloth, footed with horse leather and gartered at the knee, and envelope themselves in a large garment, called a “Boorka posh,” having eyelet holes in front, which completely prevents them being recognised in the streets."

Kabuli drummers, Afghanistan. Postcard photo

 

Mausoleum of Amir Abdur-Rahman, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1922. Photo by Lowell Thomas or Harry A. Chase.

 

Mausoleum of Timur Shah Durrani and surrounding precinct, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1922

 

Mausoleum of Timur Shah Durrani and surrounding precinct, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1922. Photo by Lowell Thomas or Harry A. Chase.

Man plays rubab as crowd listens at outdoor festival, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1959-1961

 

Man plays rubab as crowd listens at outdoor festival, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1959-1961. Photo by Josephine Powell.

Tomb of Mughal king Babur, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1922

 

Tomb of Mughal king Babur, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1922. Photo by Lowell Thomas or Harry A. Chase.