It all started with warnings and requests for the protection of the National Museum of Afghanistan. From the letter from ICOM Global to the heads of various museums whose goal was to prevent a repeat of the tragedy of 20 years ago in Afghanistan.
According to ISNA, 20 years ago, the experience of destroying two large statues of “Salsal” and “Shahnameh” Buddha in Bamyan province of Afghanistan from 300 to 700 AD, which according to the fatwa of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the group’s leader, exploded with dynamite and threw stones. This time, they became more afraid of activists and those interested in the protection of cultural heritage in Afghanistan and other countries.
Director of the National Museum of Afghanistan to protect the country’s historical monuments, especially the National Museum of the international community; People interested in the protection of Afghanistan’s historical monuments also asked in various messages to hide these monuments from view as much as possible.
Even in one of the first steps, Mohammad Fahim Rahimi – Director of the National Museum of Afghanistan – on Monday afternoon, August 16th; In a message posted on the Afghan National Museum Facebook page, he called on the international community and security officials to help protect Afghanistan’s monuments, especially the National Museum.
“Unfortunately, Kabul today is witnessing unprecedented chaos, and looters in various parts of the city have taken advantage of this opportunity to make efforts to loot and destroy public and private property,” he said. Although the staff of the National Museum of Afghanistan is still safe, the continuation of this chaos has caused serious concern to the responsibility of the National Museum of Afghanistan for the protection of the works and property of the National Museum of Afghanistan. “We call on all security officials, the international community, the Taliban and other influential institutions to pay serious attention to the security and safety of the Afghan National Museum and not allow this situation to lead to the looting and destruction of the works and property of this national institution and opportunists to use it.”
Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage and Museums Are in Danger