Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Categories: Asia | History | Travel |

In 1969, Afghanistan was not at all like the place torn apart by war and terrorists that it is today. French photographer Francois Pommery took these images during repeated visits to Afghanistan in 1969 and 1974. These photos show the edge of fascinating landscapes, friendly and friendly people who happily talked to the photographer and posed for him.

Francois Pommery hitchhiked his way from France to Afghanistan in 1969. He also spent his entire scholarship after studying in Nevers, visited the Nuristan region, where a traveler rarely sets foot.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer
Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

The photographer returned to Afghanistan in 1974 with his wife and friends. In 1974, Kabul was a friendly and lively city. Pommery recalled: "We stayed there for a month. Nothing has changed since the last time I was here in '69, except that the prime minister overthrew the king, his cousin."

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Women with a covered head at a cart in Herat— the third largest city in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Knowledge passes from generation to generation: a man teaches a boy how to work on a loom.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

A boy on the street of Herat in 1974.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

A couple on the street of the village of Vaigal, Nuristan province, 1969.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

A man and a woman in Vaigal. The photographer said that all the people he met were happy to agree to be photographed.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

The inhabitants of Nuristan live at an altitude of 1800 m in wooden huts.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

According to legend, the inhabitants of Nuristan are descendants of Alexander the Great. It is noteworthy that among the locals there are sometimes blondes with blue eyes.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

A local resident is resting in the sun.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

The photographer was not intimidated by the inaccessibility of the region: "My friends were in Afghanistan in 1965 and mentioned the most beautiful place — Nuristan, where they were not allowed, because they needed a special permit. In search of adventure, I went there."

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Glassblower at work, Herat.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

The workshop is on the road leading to Bamiyan.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

On the streets of Kabul.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

The tranquility of mountains and clear lakes.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

During his second visit to the country, Pommery went to Bamiyan to admire the Buddha sculptures carved into the rocks.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

The statues were destroyed in 2001 by Taliban militants.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Buddha statues in Bamiyan from afar.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Bandi Amir Nature Park is the first in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Pommery: "People called us French doctors and asked us to cure their illnesses and injuries. We could only give them the ointment that was in the bag."

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Due to the language barrier, the photographer had to communicate with the locals using drawings in a notebook.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Bus from Kabula stopped at a gas station.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

A man and a boy are resting on their way to Bamiyan.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Decorated truck, 1974.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

A dried-up river that stretches through the whole of Kabul. The bridge over the river is used by locals for drying carpets.

Afghanistan in the 60-70s in the pictures of a French photographer

Francois Pommery in Nuristan, 1969.

Keywords: 60s | 70s | Afghanistan | Past | Difference | Photographer

     

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