Located at the Eurasian crossroads, Afghanistan has soaked in Central Asian, Indian, Persian and Turkic cultures with evidence of these influences sensed in the rich musical heritage. Interestingly, the Persian word for music is ‘musiqi’, derived from the Greek “mousike”. The epicentre of musical creativity in Afghanistan has historically been the musicians’ Quarter in Kabul, Kucha-e Kharabat, where hereditary music practitioners have lived for generations. In the 1990s, with the ban on music and public performance by the Taliban, musicians from Kharabat around the country were forced to flee to Iran and Pakistan. Hereditary musicians such as Ustad Asif Mahmoud and his family — who now live in London — moved abroad, as Afghans tried to maintain their musical traditions in exile.

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Unfortunately, history has repeated itself, and after 20 years of relative peace for musicians, the Taliban are back in force and pride — claiming the defeat of the West and their values. Once again, musicians are prime victims of the political unease.

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Afghanistan's history is filled with excessive conflicts resulting in destruction, loss of life, damage to cultural heritage and, of course, the exodus of many people from their home country. However, as the great mystic poet of Balkh, Rumi, said: “Anyone who is separated from their roots, will pursue the path to be reunited” — these peoples of the arid Hindukush, with a great capacity for resilience, have always kept their heads up — defiant and raised. In Afghanistan we have an expression: “Taa risha dar aab ast, omid-e samar ast” — literally, “Until the roots are in the water, there is hope for fruit!”

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Mirwaiss Sidiqi, London 01 December 2021