National Archives of Afghanistan, Kabul

At the end of the 19th century, Abdur Rahman Khan built a palace for his son. Today that structure is home to Afghanistan’s National Archive. There are over 15,000 documents in the Archives that include newspapers, photographs, old currency, and various Quran books from the Durrani period. Many important documents (originals or copies) are displayed for visitors to see. Among them you will see the treaty signed with the British Empire in 1919 that was giving Afghanistan complete independence. There is another important letter, dating the 14th century, which was written by Timur. Visitors will appreciate both the contents of the Archives as well as the interior design of the building with its beautiful painted ceiling and carved woodwork.