Discover the enchanting village of Istalif, where a centuries-old pottery tradition struggles to survive. Against the backdrop of political upheaval and economic decline, this once-thriving craft, renowned for its vibrant blue glaze, faces a critical juncture.

Wander with us to one of the most remote places on Earth, an obscure yet storied stretch of land in Afghanistan’s northeastern corner.

We’ve compiled a curated selection of our favorite books, photo stories, poetry, and long form reporting that have broadened our understanding of Afghanistan.

We invite you to explore in the hopes that they offer insights into this stories country and new ways of thinking about this place and its people that have long been misunderstood.

The time-honored tradition of rug making in Afghanistan is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancestral knowledge and intentional artistry. Renowned for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, Afghan rugs are timeless textiles that offer ornamental beauty to the spaces they inhabit.

Nowruz is a time for reflection and renewal. A communal pause to look forward and anticipate the season ahead. With the arrival of spring comes rejuvenation, hope, and a potent reminder of the eternal cycle of life. 

On this International Women’s Day, we take a moment to acknowledge the women makers whose dedicated passion, time, and labor bring Afghan artisanal crafts to your hands.

Explore the stories of two forgotten female figures of Afghan history: Umm ‘Ali and Mah-i Malik. Our guest essayist, Will Chamberlain, takes us on a journey through medieval Afghanistan, describing the cultural landscape and the significant contributions to religious scholarship made by these remarkable women. Over 1,000 years later, their lives remain a testament to how women exert agency and contribute to the cultural, political, and spiritual fabric of the societies in which they live.

For the first installment of our In Conversation series, we sat down with Mélissa Cornet, a French sketch artist and researcher, to talk about art as advocacy, what inspires her sketches, and her thoughts on how life has transformed since the fall of Kabul in 2021.

As bitter winter yields to spring, family and friends gather together to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The holiday heralds a season of rebirth and renewal, and there is no shortage of festivities to mark the occasion.

To the uninformed eye, buzkashi may seem nothing more than a violent scrum of cracking whips and gnashing teeth, but the stakes are high and there are complex power dynamics at play.

Across the ethnic communities that make up Afghanistan’s unique cultural tapestry, jewelry is immensely significant——communally and personally.

Decades of intermittent war have taken their toll on Afghanistan’s archeological landscape. Even so, Bamiyan province is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and an abundance of ancient archeological sites.

In contrast to the bleak legacy of war, the practice of embroidery brings delicate beauty and vibrant color to the most unexpected of places. Embroidery is a celebration of Afghan craftsmanship and the virtue of creating beauty amid hardship.

Woodstock. Anti-war protests. Flower power. You may have heard of these iconic symbols that defined the hippie movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. But have you heard of the Hippie Trail? And did you know Afghanistan served as a major stop-over?

In a nation often misunderstood and locked in an oversimplified narrative of war and strife, Afghan artisans bring nuance to the story——instilling pride and nourishing a new identity, one that celebrates the spirit of Afghan creativity and ingenuity.