Afghanistan—Sahibdad Abdulla | A collection of 38 photographs of Afghanistan. Kabul, c. 1919-1933

Afghanistan—Sahibdad Abdulla

A collection of 38 photographs of Afghanistan. Kabul, c. 1919-33

38 silver and gelatin silver prints (from approx. 164 x 210mm. to 192 x 294mm., or the reverse), 14 with the photographer's stamp on the verso, a few slight creases, one with small marginal tear

RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT PHOTOGRAPHS from the period of modernisation in Afghanistan commenced during the reign of Amanullah Khan (1919-1929). The photographs give a vivid insight into the compulsory reforms imposed by King Amanullah, and the disastrous effects occasioned by the unwelcome reforms. 

Among the images is a photograph of the assembly of tribal representatives at the Loya Jirgah on the 2nd of September, 1928. The King and Queen are shown surrounded by subjects who have been forced to wear European dress for the first time in their lives. Such compulsory modernisation lead to King Amanullah's overthrow a few months later, when Habibullah Kalakani led an uprising against the King and his attempts at westernisation. Shortly after the uprising, Nadir Shah took the throne and ordered the execution of Habibullah Ghazi. The public execution of the latter and his gang is also depicted here. Other images include photographs of Nadir Shah and his dignitaries (1930); Afghan warriors; foreign guests with Nadir Shah; and numerous others which together provide a fascinating insight into this turbulent period of Afghan history.  

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 8 May 2002, lot 304