Taq-e Zafar

The Taq-e Zafar (Persian: طاق ظفر, English: Arch of Victory) is a triumphal arch located at the front of the gardens[1] in Paghman, Afghanistan. The famous victory arch commemorates Afghan independence after the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919.[2][3]

Taq-e Zafar
طاق ظفر
Taq-e Zafar in 2014
General information
TypeTriumphal Arch
Architectural styleNeoclassicism
LocationPaghman, Kabul Province, Afghanistan
Completed1928
Design and construction
Other designersSayed Mohammad Daud al-Hossaini (calligraphy)

History

Construction

The monument was constructed after King Amanullah Khan and Queen Soraya Tarzi's return from Europe in 1928. Amanullah brought in foreign experts to redesign Kabul. A Turkish architect designed the victory arch.[4] At that time, at the entrance of Paghman, they created a European-style monumental gate similar to but smaller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. Paghman turned into a holiday retreat as well as the summer capital. Its wide avenues contained fir, poplar and nut trees which flew past the arch, villas and a golf course. It was a popular place for the wealthy and the aristocrats to visit.[5] The gardens eventually became a popular place for local and foreign tourists.[6]

Destruction

During the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s, Paghman was a major battleground and it suffered from bombardment from both the Soviet-backed government and the mujahideen rebels. Most buildings were destroyed and residents had fled. Little remained of the prosperous Gardens, save for the remains of the Arc de Triomphe style arch, which had its top blown off.[7][8]

Restoration and 21st century

Following the formation of the Karzai administration, the Arch was restored and was completed by May 2005. Other damaged parts of the former Gardens were also rebuilt. It once again became a popular touristic site, and is popular with residents of Kabul. There was further development in the 2010s. The park is also used for dog-fighting contests.[9]

Design

The Victory Arch and Lion Gate are made of white marble.[10] Afghan calligrapher Sayed Mohammad Daud al-Hossaini[11] designed the calligraphic inscriptions on the ceiling and walls of the arch.[12][13]

Symbolism
See also: Afghan Afghani
Victory Arch and Lion Gate on the 10 Afghani banknote.
Victory Arch on the 2 Afghani banknote.
1000 Afghani banknote from the 1978 series.

The victory arch is a well-known symbol of the independence of Afghanistan. Since the 2002, it has appeared on the 2 and 10 Afghani banknotes. In the 1978 series, it appeared on the 1000 Afghani banknote.[14]

  • Victory Arch in 2014
  • Emblem of King Amanullah Khan
  • Lion Gate
  • Inscriptions

See also

References
  1. "Rug, T2008.1.94 – Textile Museum of Canada". Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  2. "Taq-e-Zafar ( Arch of Victory )". Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  3. "Central Square: Victory Arch (Taq-e-Zafar). | ACKU Images System". ackuimages.photoshelter.com. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  4. "Rug, T2008.1.94 – Textile Museum of Canada". Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  5. "BBCPersian.com". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  6. "Afghanistan as a Tourist. Really". GoNOMAD Travel. 12 December 2013.
  7. Lorch, Donatella (6 May 1992). "Only Flowers, Nothing Else, Survive in an Afghan Town (Published 1992)" – via NYTimes.com.
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2010.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. "A Lifetime Ago: The Elegance Of 1920s Afghanistan". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  10. "BBCPersian.com". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  11. "Written history: the calligrapher to the last King of Afghanistan". The National. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  12. "Calligrapher to the King – Daud Hossaini — Google Arts & Culture". artsandculture.google.com. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  13. "Calligrapher of Kings – Da'ud al-Hossaini - Exhibition at Pergamonmuseum in Berlin". ArtRabbit. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  14. "UNAMA News". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 10 January 2021. The Taq-e-Zafar Arch of Victory, marking the independence of the country, was built by King Amanullah Khan in 1919 in the Paghman district of Kabul. Depictions of the arch, a well-known symbol of Afghanistan’s rich history, been used on currency as recently as 1990s.
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