عمارت باغ بالا Baghe Bala Building and pool, Parwan Travel Guide

Baghe Bala, translating to "High Garden", is a captivating historical site in Kabul, offering a tranquil retreat with panoramic views [5, 6]. Constructed in 1893 by Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, this palace and surrounding park served as the Emir's summer residence, providing a cool escape from the city's heat [5]. The location was strategically chosen, perched atop a hill in the Karte Parwan area, allowing for commanding views of the Kabul valley and surrounding mountains [5, 6].The palace itself is an architectural blend of Mughal and European styles, reflecting the influences prevalent during Abdur Rahman Khan's reign [5]. Over the years, Baghe Bala has played various roles in Afghanistan's history [5, 6, 10, 11]. After Abdur Rahman Khan's death in 1901, it served as a castle under Emir Habibullah Khan and later as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries [5, 6, 11]. In 1919, it briefly housed the National Museum of Afghanistan before the museum's collection was moved to a more suitable location [5, 6, 10, 11]. During the reign of King Ghazi Amanullah Khan, the palace was used as a military house [5]. By 1930, the palace was abandoned, falling into disrepair [5]. However, in the 1960s, King Zahir Shah renovated the palace and transformed it into a restaurant, restoring its former glory and opening it to the public [5, 11].Baghe Bala survived the tumultuous civil war of the 1990s, although it sustained some damage [5, 6, 11]. In the 2000s and 2010s, extensive renovations were undertaken to preserve the palace's original 19th-century design [5, 6, 11]. While the interior is not currently in official use, the surrounding area has been transformed into a large public park, attracting locals and tourists alike [5, 6]. The park provides a space for recreation, relaxation, and cultural events, contributing to the social fabric of Kabul [5]. Today, Baghe Bala stands as a symbol of Afghanistan's rich history and resilience [5].