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Shamal F, Dehpahlavan M, Rouhani B. (2024). Analysis of the Crises of Cultural Heritage in the Afghanistan (Challenges and Actions). Athar. 45(105), 141-179. doi:10.22034/45.105.6
URL: http://athar.richt.ir/article-2-1716-en.html

Abstract
Based on reports from the responsible organizations concerning cultural heritage in Afghanistan, including the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Afghanistan Archaeological Institute, the Aga Khan Cultural Institute, UNESCO, and others, thousands of pieces of ancient artifacts have been looted and stolen from the museums of this country over the years, and have been sold in various markets around the world. Following the fall of the Taliban regime in the 1970s, the presence of foreign forces in the 1980s, and the overwhelming influx of Western values in the form of democracy through media, another aspect of this country's cultural heritage (intangible cultural heritage) has been targeted. This has occurred while numerous international documents related to cultural heritage have been ratified and are currently in force. The research question of this study is how multiple crises have affected Afghanistan's cultural heritage and how optimal management of this heritage can be achieved to preserve national identity and promote sustainable development. The aim of this study is an analytical examination of the crises facing Afghanistan's cultural heritage. This research is classified as applied research based on its objective and was conducted descriptively and survey-wise in terms of research methodology. The findings of the study revealed that cultural heritage management in Afghanistan presents an opportunity to strengthen national identity and sustainable development. Given the existing challenges, the research indicates that weak management, a lack of public and specialized awareness, and tribalism are the main factors threatening Afghanistan's cultural heritage. Effective protection of this heritage requires the strengthening of civil society and nationalism, free from tribalism, with a focus on education and awareness-raising. This is not only vital for preserving the country's cultural identity but also for promoting peace and stability. It is essential for the Afghan government, along with the international community and organizations, to take effective steps towards the protection and management of this heritage
Keywords: Crisis, Cultural Heritage, Afghanistan, Protection, Sustainable Development, Historical Monuments.

Introduction
Cultural heritage is an integral part of a nation’s historical and national identity, serving as a bridge between the past and present while shaping the future. It plays a crucial role in preserving the culture, history, and traditions of a society, fostering national pride, and promoting social cohesion. Afghanistan, with its ancient history and rich cultural background, is home to some of the most significant cultural heritage sites in the region. Historical monuments, ancient structures, traditional arts, crafts, and manuscripts bear testimony to the country’s glorious civilization and contribute to the collective memory of its people. These cultural treasures offer valuable insights into Afghanistan's past and provide a sense of continuity and identity in the face of modern challenges.
However, Afghanistan’s cultural heritage has been under constant threat for decades due to prolonged war, political instability, and socio-economic challenges. Deliberate destruction and looting of historical artifacts, along with the absence of effective legal frameworks for heritage protection, have significantly damaged the country’s cultural assets. Additionally, budget constraints, insufficient political will, and a lack of public awareness about the true value of cultural heritage have compounded these issues. Moreover, political conflicts and the influence of extremist groups have caused irreversible damage to many archaeological sites and cultural treasures, further exacerbating the crisis.
The urgency of conducting research in this field is highlighted by the need to understand the underlying factors contributing to the deterioration of cultural heritage in Afghanistan and to propose practical solutions for its effective management and protection. This study seeks to identify the critical challenges faced in the preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and suggest strategies for mitigating the damage and improving heritage management.
The research will adopt an analytical-descriptive approach, combining a review of existing literature, detailed analysis of documented data, and an assessment of the impacts of various crises on Afghanistan's cultural heritage. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires, designed with both general and specialized sections, and will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
The primary objectives of this study include: analyzing the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan’s cultural heritage, examining the role of national and international institutions in heritage preservation, and proposing actionable strategies to enhance heritage management. It is hoped that the findings of this research will not only inform policy-making but also raise public awareness of the importance of cultural heritage, ensuring that Afghanistan’s cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.

Discussion
The crisis of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage stems from a complex interaction of historical, political, and economic factors. Years of war, political instability, and economic challenges have severely impacted the preservation of the country’s historical sites and artifacts. Despite efforts by national and international organizations, the protection of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage remains disorganized and lacks a long-term strategic vision. The absence of a comprehensive and sustainable approach has left many heritage sites vulnerable to destruction.
A major challenge in cultural heritage preservation is the difference in perspectives between experts and the general public regarding its importance. Specialists emphasize the role of cultural heritage in shaping national identity, fostering sustainable development, and promoting unity, while much of the population remains unaware of its value. This lack of awareness is primarily due to insufficient education, inadequate media coverage, and the absence of public discourse on the subject. To address this, targeted awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and media engagement should be introduced to enhance public understanding and encourage grassroots movements advocating for the protection of cultural assets.
Institutional weaknesses further exacerbate the crisis. The lack of strong enforcement mechanisms, limited financial resources, and bureaucratic inefficiencies has significantly hindered preservation efforts. Political instability, tribalism, and corruption further complicate these issues, preventing unified policies to safeguard heritage. Establishing an independent, well-funded heritage management body with legal authority is crucial to ensuring the long-term protection of Afghanistan’s historical legacy and to create policies that involve local stakeholders effectively.
International organizations have played a role in promoting heritage preservation, yet their efforts have been insufficient due to security challenges and inconsistent cooperation from Afghan authorities. Strengthening collaboration between national institutions and international organizations is essential for implementing sustainable policies and securing financial and technical support for conservation projects. This cooperation is vital for overcoming logistical and political hurdles.
Additionally, the economic benefits of cultural heritage preservation should not be overlooked. A well-managed heritage sector can boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic growth. However, achieving these goals requires investments in infrastructure, a stable security environment, and active community participation. Engaging local communities in preservation efforts can enhance sustainability and ensure long-term protection.
In conclusion, preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government institutions. Bridging the knowledge gap between experts and the public, establishing stronger legal frameworks, and securing long-term funding and institutional support are essential steps toward safeguarding Afghanistan’s historical legacy for future generations.

Conclusion
The issue of supporting and protecting cultural heritage in Afghanistan is crucial, particularly given the country’s prolonged internal conflicts. These conflicts have left little space for the government and the people to focus on preserving their cultural legacy. Reports from relevant institutions indicate that over the years, Afghanistan’s museums have been looted, and thousands of historical artifacts have been stolen and sold globally. Those artifacts that could not be moved, such as the Buddhas of Bamiyan, have been destroyed due to extremist ideologies. After the fall of the Taliban regime, the influx of foreign forces and the imposition of Western values, particularly through democracy and media, further targeted Afghanistan’s intangible cultural heritage. This has occurred despite the existence of various international conventions aimed at protecting cultural heritage. The occurrence of these events, despite the frameworks in place, reveals the challenges faced in implementing these conventions and demonstrates barriers preventing their successful application in safeguarding cultural heritage.
The importance of this research lies in its focus on identifying and analyzing these challenges, while proposing practical solutions. According to the quantitative analysis, it can be concluded that the general public in Afghanistan has an understanding of their cultural heritage similar to that of experts. However, there is a significant lack of awareness regarding the management of heritage and the responsibilities of heritage organizations. This gap is twofold: first, both the general public and professionals involved in heritage management share a similar understanding of cultural heritage, but specialized knowledge is absent. Second, neither the public nor heritage experts possess adequate awareness about the roles and duties of museum managers or heritage organizations. Additionally, there is insufficient knowledge about sustainable development and its connection to heritage management.
The research reveals that Afghanistan’s greatest issue is a management crisis across all sectors, including cultural heritage. This crisis is exacerbated by the lack of proper education regarding the nature of cultural heritage, the role of organizations, and the responsibilities of citizens. Furthermore, there is a notable shortage of up-to-date professional knowledge among heritage experts.
Based on these findings, several solutions are proposed: revising management systems, recruiting qualified experts, allocating more resources, and enhancing public awareness through education and media. Strengthening international cooperation is also crucial, as many of Afghanistan’s cultural treasures are of global significance. To address the cultural heritage crisis, Afghanistan needs a civil society that transcends tribalism, promotes national unity, and fosters democratic governance.