Afghan Islamic Press (AIP)

HERAT: (AIP): The ancient historic monuments located in Chisht Sharif district in Herat province are at the verge of collapse, local residents said Sunday (March 12).

Half of the ancient historic monuments had been completely destroyed or damaged, they said. 

A local resident, Abdul Mateen told AIP that about 27 historic monuments existed in this district. They were about 1000 years old. 

These monuments included historic buildings, mosques and other places, they said. Most of them were in bad condition, damaged and facing the threat of extinction. The government needed to pay attention to these places, he added.

Meanwhile, the officials of Herat information and culture department said that they were planning to conduct the survey of the historic monuments in all the districts of Herat after which the information and culture ministry, relief agencies and other organisations would repair these places.

Information and culture department historic monuments protection officer, Zalmai Safa said that the selected teams had paid visits to some districts to register the historic monuments, visit these places and work on other facilities.

Herat has an ancient and rich history of civilization. Over 800 historic places exist in this province. Some of them are in Herat city while mostly are located in the districts. National and foreign tourists are keen to visit these places. 

Chisht Sharif Khanqah, the shrine of Sultan Modood Chishti, the dome of Soraz and Aab-e-Garam spring in Chisht Sharif district are very famous. 

It is pertinent to mention here that the former government had paid special attention to historic places in the country. However, work for the protection of most of the places was not possible due to deteriorated security situation. The Islamic Emirate repeatedly said that they would protect the historic places whether they belonged to Islamic empires or before that time. The incumbent Afghan government has urged the international organisations to provide assistance in this regard.

Some coins and a pot dating back to Sasanian Empire were presented for display in an exhibition in Baghlan province yesterday. These items were about 2000 years old. Earlier, the bid to smuggle a historic statue had been foiled in Zabul. The government has also increased attention to the protection of historic and ancient monuments in other provinces of the country.

The Taliban blew up a massive statue of Buddha in Bamiyan province during their first round of government in Afghanistan. However, they are protecting statues in the current government. Money is taken from tourists in return for their visit. 

10:38 (GMT)