Historic Sites in Southern Afghanistan Face Serious Risk of Destruction

The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Dozens of historic and archaeological sites across southern Afghanistan are facing an escalating risk of destruction due to decades of war, natural disasters, illegal excavations, urban expansion and long-term neglect, historians and residents warn.

Afghanistan is home to nearly 5,000 years of recorded history, preserved in thousands of ancient sites, including ruins of cities, forts, temples, cemeteries and other cultural landmarks. These sites are considered central to the country’s civilizational identity and hold significant value for regional and global historical research.

However, years of conflict and weak protection mechanisms have left many of these sites either destroyed or on the brink of collapse.

Kandahar: 26 Historic Sites at Risk

Southern Afghanistan — including Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces — is regarded as one of the country’s richest regions in terms of historical heritage. According to historical sources, these provinces served as major political, economic and cultural centers across different eras.

The Kandahar Directorate of Information and Culture says 26 historic sites have been officially registered in the province, many of them dating back thousands of years. Several are now in urgent need of restoration.

Among them are Old Kandahar City, Naranj Palace, Speroan Hill, the Ashoka Inscription, Arg Bazaar, Sulaiman Tower, Mirwais Nika Mosque, Minar Tower, Ahmad Shahi buildings, Ahmad Shahi Fort and the Maiwand Fortress.

Cultural activists say some sites were damaged during years of fighting, while others deteriorated due to neglect by successive governments, with parts of the land even seized illegally.

Historian Mohammad Wali Sulaiman warned that the historic fortress dating back to the era of Shah Hussain Hotak is also threatened by land grabbing and collapse.

“Many historical sites have been seized, and those that remain are gradually disappearing,” he said. “Serious steps must be taken to restore them and prevent further encroachment.”

Helmand: 113 Registered Sites

In Helmand province, officials say 113 historic sites have been registered, including Bost Castle, palaces of Sultan Masoud Ghaznavi, the Old City, Bolan Fort, Mokhtar Fort, Sarwan Fort, Zamindawar Fort, and the Bibi Jana fortresses in Khanashin district.

Local residents complain that these sites are largely ignored and have urged the Taliban to take concrete action to protect and restore them.

“These are historical treasures wherever they are,” said Obaidullah, a Helmand resident, speaking to The Kabul Tribune. “Both the authorities and the public are responsible for protecting them.”

Uruzgan: Heritage Under Encroachment

In Uruzgan province, 143 historic sites and artifacts have been registered, some dating back thousands of years. Notable sites include Kafir Fort, Bozicha, Takht-e-Sulaiman, the hot water spring, the Grand Mosque and Marcha Fort.

Historian Hikmatullah Hakimi said historical heritage is a national asset and its protection is the responsibility of whoever holds power.

“It is deeply concerning that our historical monuments are facing destruction,” he said.

A local resident, Habib Rahman, said some artifacts are kept privately in homes, while other sites have been illegally seized.

Zabul: Smuggling Threatens Ancient Artifacts

Zabul province is home to 28 registered historic sites, including the shrines of Sheikh Mati Baba and Mohammad Hotak, the house of Nazo Ana, Qalat Bala Hissar, and the Arrow Minaret.

Resident Aminullah Amin said land grabbing, unauthorized construction and smuggling pose serious threats.

“Some people build houses on these sites, and if someone finds an artifact, they keep it or smuggle it elsewhere,” he said, adding that a local private museum exists where artifacts should be handed over.

Taliban Efforts and Ongoing Concerns

Despite the challenges, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture says it has begun restoration efforts in some areas. In Kandahar, the house of Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Ahmad Shahi reservoir have been restored, while in Helmand, work has started on building a road leading to Bost Castle.

Cultural figures warn, however, that without urgent and comprehensive protection measures across Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan and Zabul, dozens of historic sites could be permanently lost to looting, smuggling and decay.

They say failure to act would deprive future generations of Afghanistan’s historical legacy and erase irreplaceable chapters of the country’s past.