Afghans urge protection of Ghazni’s ancient monuments amid decay
Residents warn that centuries-old mosques, forts and tombs face collapse as restoration efforts lag in Afghanistan’s historic province
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan’s ancient city of Ghazni, once celebrated as the “Centre of Islamic Civilisation,” is facing mounting threats to its historic monuments as community leaders warn that centuries-old forts, mosques, and tombs are falling into disrepair.
According to Independent outlet Pajhwok Afghan News, despite limited restoration efforts, dozens of landmarks remain vulnerable in the province, which is home to nearly one hundred officially registered sites.
Ghazni’s heritage spans pre-Islamic Zoroastrian and Buddhist eras and includes relics from Islamic dynasties such as the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Timurids.
Many monuments rebuilt during the 2013 celebrations, when Ghazni was awarded the title of “Centre of Islamic Civilisation,” have since deteriorated due to poor workmanship and years of neglect.
Among the most threatened are Ghaznīn Fort, the city’s historic towers, Mohammad Sharif Khan’s palace, Qala-i-Ghaznīn Mosque, Begum Tomb, and the shrine of Mullah Mushk Alam.
“Historical monuments are the most authentic markers of a community’s past,” said Mohammad Ghaws Alimi, an elder from the old city, urging authorities to protect what remains.
Another resident, Sayed Agha Qadiri, stressed that cultural heritage embodies national identity and warned that failure to preserve it risks erasing centuries of history.
Cultural activist Mohammad Asif Hanifi echoed these concerns, calling the landmarks vital reflections of Afghanistan’s civilisation. “Protecting these monuments is not optional — it is essential. If they vanish, we lose not just our past, but also our identity,” he said.
Provincial authorities acknowledge the challenge. Mullah Hamidullah Nisar, Director of Information and Culture in Ghazni, said some monuments had been repaired last year after decades of destruction caused by war and natural disasters, but warned that many others remain at serious risk.
He has appealed to the Ministry of Information and Culture and urged international cultural organisations to provide assistance.
During a recent visit, Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture Maulvi Atiqullah Azizi said restoration work was underway across Afghanistan and pledged that Ghazni’s monuments would not be overlooked.
Still, residents fear that without urgent and sustained action, some of the province’s most irreplaceable heritage sites could be lost forever.
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