ETERNAL AFGHANISTAN

18th November 2024

Rahim of Shabir.

Rahim comes from a small hamlet called Shabir. He can spend up to two months away, covering up to 20 miles a day and wandering as far as 60 miles from home in the surrounding hills with his herd. He brings them to Band-e Amir for the water. He told me a story about a local saint who struck the ground with his staff, causing water to gush forth and form the lakes.

17th February 2020

Widowed Mother, Daughter and Grandmother

This is a familiar sight on the outer roads of Kabul. Unlike cars, trucks have to slow down to pass around them, the child’s job is to approach the truck drivers for small change.

Employment is not an option for these women.

18th November 2024

Darul Aman Palace

Perched on a hill on the outskirts of Kabul, this building's fate mirrors that of the Afghan people. Gutted by fire in 1968 and again during the Communist coup of 1978, it suffered extensive damage from tank fire during Shahnawaz Tanai's failed coup attempt on March 6, 1990. The 1990s Afghan Civil War further ravaged it as rival Mujahideen factions fought for control of Kabul.

Riddled with bullets, bereft of its former neoclassical grandour, yet like the people, it's still standing :)

17th November 2024

Wheelbarrow Balloon Man

Despite immense challenges, there is joy and laughter on the streets of Kabul. The peoples unwavering determination to overcome adversity is a testament to the their enduring spirit and dignity.

18th November 2024

Fatima's Journey (Fatima)

Well this one breaks the rules a little as it is recce mock up for a film I was hoping to shoot in Afghanistan. We all know what happened next.. one day :)

Fatima lives in a small mountain village in the shadow of the Hindu Kush. Unable to contact her son, she sets off on foot over mountains to faraway Kabul, a city that might as well be an alien planet to her.

18th November 2024

The Road to Bamyan

In the 4th and 5th centuries, this road led into a great city which was a crucial hub where East met West, blending Greek, Turkic, Persian, Chinese, and Indian influences.

17th February 2020

Tea in the mountains of Bamyan

No matter how little the general population of Afghanistan has, it will all be laid out for a passing stranger. Offering money in return is considered impolite.

19th November 2024

War machines swallowed up

The bones of these man made monsters slowly sink into the valley floor. All those lives lost and families destroyed and for what ?

17th November 2024

Mountain Boy

This boys parents eake out a living in some of Bamyan's most unhospital mountain terrain. In the winter temperatures drop below -35 centigrade

17th November 2024

Toy Tank

Drive along the Panjshir valley and you will be struck by the number of rusting tanks on the roadside. These are the remnants of Russia's humiliating defeat by Ahmad Shah Massoud and his Mujahideen. Massoud was assasinated two days before 9/11.

18th November 2024

Fatima's Journey (Aleim)

Fatima's son works on a building sites in Kabul. There was an explosion, but Fatima is not ready to give up hope of finding him.

18th November 2024

The Saudi Arabia of Lithium.

Because of Afghanistans unique geology, you could say, precious metals literally pouring out of the rocks. An internal U.S Department of Defense memo in 2010 reportedly described Afghanistan as " the Saudi Arabia of lithium," meaning it could be as crucial for global supply of the battery metal as the Middle Eastern country is for crude oil.

18th November 2024

Young Businessman

Afghanistan faces significant challenges in the years ahead, with many uncertainties impacting its people. Despite these obstacles, the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth remains strong. Young entrepreneurs are stepping up, creating opportunities, and driving change within their communities. This young man represents the hope and potential of Afghanistan's future, demonstrating that even in difficult times, innovation and determination can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

17th February 2020

On Patrol

Taken on the road to the Panjshir Valley. These boys are taught to defend the valley from an early age. Like youth everywhere, they also like to strike pose :)

18th November 2024

Heroin Awareness Poster

Ok only technically a photograph but what a poster, it reads, "The produce of poppy fields keeps the flames of war and brothers killer brothers burning".

Heroin is a big probem in Kabul, pulling families into deeper poverty, forcing children to become the breadwinners.

18th November 2024

Fatima's Journey (Maryam)

Maryam is left home with her new born. Fatima promises to bring Aleim home.

18th November 2024

The Panjshir Pass, the gateway to the valley

The high craggy walls and narrow pass acted like a impregnable fortress for Massoud and his mujahideen during the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

19th November 2024

The paradise of the rich is made out of the hell of the poor.

So said Victor Hugo. In Kabul you can often see children sifting through waste to find items to sell. These children, driven by extreme poverty, collect materials like plastic, metal, and other recyclables to earn a small income. This harsh reality is a means of survival for many families.

17th February 2020

Waiting

Time to go home, Grandad" (waqt-e raftan be khana ast). Step off the beaten track, and you'll find another story waiting to be told. Despite the challenges, everyday life continues with its familiar rhythms. Families gather, children play, and traditions are upheld, showing that even in the midst of adversity, the essence of daily life remains strong and vibrant.

18th November 2024

Fatima's Journey (Aleim)

Aleim is a street kid who attaches himself to Fatima as she searches the city.

18th November 2024

Time for Tea

At the foothills of the Hindu Kush near Band-e Amir lies a small caravanserai where herders can rest their animals, bathe, and sleep safely from bandits. Sound familiar? You can also get an excellent cup of tea!

18th November 2024

Bibi Gul on the way to the mosque

Bibi Gul is 84 years old. Her house is 10 km through mountenous terrain to the nearest mosque. She makes this journey there and back each day.. with a smile on her face.

19th November 2024

Thankyou for watching

Thats it for now folks! When I get a bit of time I will upload some more :)