Zarnegar Park: Kabul's Verdant Retreat

Zarnegar Park, whose name translates from Dari to 'Adorned with Gold', is a 15.6-acre green space in the center of Kabul, Afghanistan [3, 14]. North of the Kabul River, the park has been a popular landmark for locals and tourists for decades [3, 14]. The park was developed in the late 1950s after the government demolished several state-owned buildings [3, 14]. The project cost approximately 50 million Afghanis, reflecting the park's importance to the city [3, 14]. The name 'Zarnegar' comes from a pavilion that stood on the site since the 19th century [3]. The park features a central green hill, landscaped with trees and flowers [3, 14]. Pathways invite leisurely strolls, while benches offer relaxation [12, 14]. The centerpiece is the mausoleum of Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, dating back to 1892, with a red dome and detailed minarets [3, 14]. The mausoleum is not always open to the public [14]. Zarnegar Park has long been a gathering place, once popular with civilians, students, and soldiers listening to Radio Afghanistan [3, 14]. More recently, it has served as a venue for protests and community campaigns [14]. In 2006, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture began rehabilitation work, including landscaping and upgrading irrigation [13]. Today, it remains a testament to the resilience of Kabul's people [12].