In response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, the Society of Architectural Historians offers the following resources about international concern for the people and cultural heritage of the country.
Scholars at Risk (SAR), in partnership with 40 higher education institutions, associations, networks, and over 1,000 professionals and students concerned about colleagues in Afghanistan, has sent a letter to US government officials urging them to take immediate action to help save Afghanistan’s scholars, students, and civil society actors. SAH has signed the letter, which is available online.
The articles and video below provide updates on the state of cultural heritage in the country and give advice about how to help the people of Afghanistan:
- Newsweek, “How Many UNESCO Heritage Sites are in Afghanistan? Calls to Protect Historic Landmarks,” by Soo Kim, August 24, 2021
- Architectural Digest, “With Taliban Forces in Control, Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage Faces Renewed Threats,” by Hadani Ditmars, August 21, 2021
- UNESCO, “Afghanistan—UNESCO Calls for Protection of Cultural Heritage and its Diversity” Press Release August 19, 2021
- TIME, “How You Can Help People in Afghanistan,” by Eloise Barry, August 18, 2021
- World Monuments Fund, Video of 2021 Paul Mellon Lecture “Afghanistan: Cultural Heritage and the Forever War” May 6, 2021
