Afghanistan, a country at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations, has long been known as the “Crossroads of Central Asia.” Its rich cultural history has had a significant impact along the ancient Silk Road. This historical connection is evident in various cultural exchanges with China, such as the mural in the No.61 cave at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, depicting an Afghan monk’s visit to Wutai Mountain in Shanxi Province during the Five Dynasty period (907-960).
The cultural ties extend beyond art to include natural resources, with Afghanistan being a major source of lazurite, a deep-blue mineral widely used in Dunhuang’s mural artworks. Afghanistan, with its history spanning over 5,000 years, is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, and the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley.
However, the country faces significant challenges in preserving its cultural heritage due to years of conflict, international sanctions, and natural disasters. Shao Xuecheng, a researcher at the Institute of World Art History at Shanghai International Studies University, emphasized the urgent need for international support in Afghanistan’s cultural preservation efforts.
Afghanistan’s commitment to cultural heritage preservation was reinforced by Sibghatullah Abid, director of the National Museum of Afghanistan, who dispelled rumors suggesting the government’s lack of concern. In January, Mawlavi Atiqullah Azizi, deputy minister of Culture and Information of Afghanistan, met with UNESCO Culture Program Officer Brendan Cassar, seeking assistance for the restoration of historical sites.
This commitment to preservation was evident when a delegation of 24 Afghan cultural experts visited China for 21 days in November, seeking cooperation in cultural heritage protection. Hussain Ali Haidari, an Afghan archaeologist, acknowledged the gap in preservation efforts between Afghanistan and China, but highlighted the potential for learning from China’s experience.
The Dunhuang Academy, established in 1944 for the preservation of the Mogao Caves, has evolved into a world-leading institute in grotto and mural conservation. Zekriya Oriyakhail, director of the Department of Protection and Restoration at the Afghan Ministry of Culture and Information, noted Afghanistan’s rich artifacts along the Silk Road.
China, under the Belt and Road Initiative, has been contributing to the preservation of Afghan cultural heritage. Su Bomin, chief of the Dunhuang Academy, mentioned intensified research on Silk Road cultural exchange, with Afghanistan as a key area of study.
Yet, preserving Afghan cultural heritage faces numerous challenges. The Bamiyan Caves, severely damaged in 2001 and now listed as an endangered World Heritage Site, reopened to tourists in May 2022 but still require urgent protective measures. Equipment shortages and a lack of skilled personnel are significant hurdles, compounded by international sanctions hindering the upgrade of technical equipment. Additionally, disseminating knowledge in the cultural and museum sector is challenging due to limitations in Afghanistan’s printing and publishing industry.
Despite these challenges, there have been positive steps forward. Afghanistan has documented over 2,300 cultural heritage sites and restored more than 350. The country’s security situation has improved, and Afghan officials have expressed interest in inviting Chinese experts to work on cultural heritage projects.
Sultan Masoud Muradi, director of Archaeology at the Afghan Ministry of Culture and Information, highlighted the shared history of cultural heritage protection between China and Afghanistan. Both countries have been actively safeguarding their cultural heritage since 1921, following periods of looting and destruction.
The collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative is set to foster stronger bilateral relations and enhance efforts in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan, drawing on China’s extensive experience in this field.
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