When you picture Afghanistan today, you almost certainly don’t think of liberal culture, fancy cars and generally comfortable lifestyles. But this collection of beautiful photos of the country in the 1960’s before the severely damaging rise of the Taliban shows a very different country from what we unfortunately see today.
American university professor Dr. Bill Podlich took a leave of absence in 1967 to work for UNESCO in Afghanistan. He acted as the Expert of Principles of Education at the Higher Teachers College in Kabul, and throughout his time there he captured some beautiful photographs of every day life for citizens in Afghanistan. Only ten years later, The Soviets invaded and pulled the country into war, with Taliban rule commencing and the US invading the country in 2001. Take a look at these important images depicting the peaceful and blossoming nation that’s been crippled by years of fighting and corruption.
A normal bus journey in the centre of Kabul.
A Young western woman taking photos with her friend.
Locals enjoying tea and music together.
Kindergarden children enjoying a dance.
Male and female pupils being taught in a co-education school, something very rarely found in the country now.
Students studying and chatting at the American International School Of Kabul.
Rush hour in Kabul.
A big sister looking after her younger sibling as they take a stroll.
A young woman buying scarves from a market.
Young pupils being taught outside in the shade.
A young boy selling balloons with friends.
A couple of colleagues walking back home after work.
A worker with a very trendy skinny tie.
The Masked Parade in the centre of Kabul.
Locals celebrating New Years
