Chehelseton Garden: Kabul's Historic Oasis

Chehelseton Garden, whose name translates to 'Forty Columns', is a historic landmark located in Kabul, Afghanistan [3]. Constructed in 1796 by Emperor Zaman Shah Durrani, the garden has served many roles throughout its history, including as a royal retreat and a state guesthouse [3, 21]. The location was expanded in the late 19th century by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, who constructed the current palace and pavilion [3]. Habibullah Khan added paved walkways and marble fountains, transforming it into a formal axial garden [3]. Throughout the 20th century, Chehelseton Garden hosted prominent figures such as U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev [3, 16, 21]. During the communist era, it functioned as a government media hub [3, 16, 21]. The garden suffered extensive damage during the civil war and fell into disrepair [3]. However, it was restored and reopened in 2019 [3, 16, 21]. Today, Chehelseton Garden stands as a tranquil oasis within the bustling city, offering a respite from the urban hustle [3]. Visitors can explore the landscaped grounds, adorned with flower beds and trees [3, 13, 19]. The elegant pavilions reflect traditional Afghan architectural artistry [3]. The garden features ponds and fountains [3, 19].