Kabul, AFGHANISTAN – The blue sky, the fresh and clear air. The green grass covering everywhere like a carpet. The beautiful colorful flowers, the charming old houses, and the pleasant feeling of walking in this place that immerses a person in history.
Listen to the author read this article:
This is Paghman. Paghman is a district in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, located about 20 kilometers from the center of the city of Kabul.
It is considered one of the most mountainous, green and famous areas of Kabul Province.
Paghman is especially famous for the Paghman Garden and its greenery. This beautiful place has gardens, springs, recreational areas and historical sites.
With its relatively cool and mild weather, it is one of the most well-known spots for the people of Kabul to visit and relax.
Paghman Garden was built by King Amanullah Khan, Afghanistan’s reformist king, in the early 20th century.
This delightful garden used to be the king’s recreational spot, the place he would go in the summer for leisure. The king would bring his guests here and the lovely houses in the area served as his guesthouses.
Today, the garden is one of Kabul’s top tourist and sightseeing destinations. People go there for recreation and rest during holidays.
Not long ago, schoolboys visited for a school field trip. Families came as well to enjoy an outing.
From morning until afternoon, everyone there was busy taking photos of this beautiful garden. They could see the houses, but they weren’t allowed to go inside.
The atmosphere was so delightful and charming. Everyone was happy talking with one another and the children were playing. The students seemed very cheerful.
As the sky gradually grew darker, everyone began preparing to head home. They were tired but happy. This wasn’t just a picnic, it was a place that brought history to life.
Very young schoolgirls, too, enjoyed the garden. Girls older than sixth grade, who are not allowed to go to school here, are also not permitted in the garden with their friends. Boys are free to visit.
My teenage brother was part of one of the school trips and he told me about his visit to the garden, describing it for me.
Because my brother told me about it, I can share it with you.
As a young woman, unless I am with my family or a male guardian, I am not allowed in the garden.
Nazanin Bonadai is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Afghanistan. She wrote this article and made the audio recording.
Milana Yarychkivskiy is a Junior Reporter and Senior Illustrator with Youth Journalism International from Germany. She made the illustration.
