The Afghan war with the United States started in 2001 right after the 9/11 attack in New York. One of the biggest and most terrifying wars in the new millennia, the Afghan war has extended for a little over a decade. Locals have been displaced from their homes. The cities have been shattered to pieces. And historical monuments and mosques have been torn apart.
The once colorful image of peace and art has been turned into war and destruction. Now, a decade later, Afghan artists start to rebuild and restore their colorful and historical art. A report from BBC has shown that famous, historical mosques in the country are adorned fully with intricate mosaics on both its interior and exterior.
Afghan art has been growing and developing for centuries. Once in the region known as the cradle of civilization, Afghanistan was home to art that combines the beauty of Persia and Islam. After a decade-long war and restorations of historical landmarks are in place, it is noticeable how local artisans incorporate western techniques.
Made up of small tiles that have been carefully made and painted by hand are now the new décor of old shattered mosques, giving color to its once drab exterior that resulted from the war. Colorful images that remind the locals of their roots with the use of westernized techniques of making and painting the tiles are used to cover mosques' exteriors. Monuments and mosques are not the only ones the Taliban has destroyed.
A report from History explains that Afghan artisans are happy that many trunks of museum relics have been found intact in 2003. Local artist together with international experts have recovered, verified and restored these relics. Although a good number has been destroyed by war, the National Museum of Afghanistan does what they can to restore as many as possible.
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