Chapter 1

Introduction
(Vernacular Architecture of
Kabul, Afganistan)

1.INTRODUCTION
1.1WHAT IS VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE?
Vernacular architecture can be defined as architecture born out of local building materials & technologies,
an architecture that is climate-responsive & a reflection of the customs & lifestyles of a community.
It is an area of architectural theory that studies the structures made by empirical builders without the
intervention of professional architects.
. It tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural, technological, and historical context in
which it exists. While often not thoroughly and academically planned, this kind of architecture played and
still plays a major role in the history of architecture and design, especially in local branches.

FIGURE - 1 Kabul, Afganistan

That is vernacular architecture is the architecture of the particular place or region, and is carried out with the local
material and local techniques with out the help of any support from outside that region or place.

SOCIAL

1.2 VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IS BASED ON:

Vernacular architecture of any location is dependent on four aspects of the
PLACE those are :

CULTURAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

CLIMATE

KABUL, AFGANISTAN

Country

Afghanistan

Province

Kabul

No. of districts

18

Government
Mayor

Muhammad Yunus Nawandish

Area
2

City

275 km (106 sq mi)

Metro

425 km (164 sq mi)

Elevation

1,791 m (5,876 ft)

FIGURE 2 OVERALL SECTION OF KABUL CITY

Population (2013)
Urban

3,476,000 (March '13)

Metro

3,319,794

Demonym

Kabuli

Time zone

Afghanistan Standard Time

(UTC+4:30)

Area code(s)

(+93) 20

FIGURE 3 ABDUL REHMAN MOSQUE

1.3 HISTORY: TIMURID & MUGHAL ERA

In the 14th century: Kabul became a major trading center under the kingdom of Timur (Tamerlane).

In 1504: the city fell to Babur from the north and made into his headquarters, which became one of the
principal cities of his later Mughal Empire.

In 1525: Babur described Kabulistan in his memoirs by writing that: In the country of Kbul there are
many and various tribes:

1.

Its valleys and plains are inhabited by: Trks, Aimks, and Arabs.

2.

In the city and the greater part of the villages the population consists of: Tjiks (called "Sarts" by
Babur).

3.

Many other of the villages and districts are occupied by: Pashis, Parchis, Tjiks, Berekis,
and Afghans.

4.

In the hill-country to the west, reside the: Hazras and Nukderis.

5.

In the hill-country to the north-east lies: Kaferistn, such as Kattor and Gebrek.

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
Kabul also spelled Cabool, Caubul, Kabol, or Cabul, is
the capital and largest city of Afganistan. It is also the
capital of Kabul Province, located in the eastern section
of Afghanistan. Kabul is over 3,500 years old and many
empires have controlled the city which is at a strategic
location along the trade routes of South and Central Asia.
1.4 Location and Geography: Afghanistan is a landlocked Asian country of 251,825 square miles (652,225
square kilometers) bordered by Pakistan, Iran,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The
topography is a mix of central highlands and peripheral
foothills and plains. The country has an arid continental
climate. Summers are dry and hot, while winters are
cold with heavy snowfall in the highlands. Precipitation
is low, although some areas in the east are affected by
the monsoon. Most of the country is covered by
steppes, with desert areas and some patches of
cultivated land. Pastoral nomadism, subsistence
mountain agriculture, and irrigation are practiced. At
the end of the eighteenth century, Kabul became the
capital. It is located in a wide basin on the road linking
India with Central Asia.

FIGURE 4 VIEW OF KABUL

1.5 LANGUAGES: Afghanistan is a multilingual

country in which two languages - Pashto and Dari are both official and most widely spoken. Dari is the
official name of the Persian language in Afghanistan.
Both, Pashto and Persian, are Indo European
languages from the Iranian languages sub-family.
Other regional languages, such as Uzbek, Turken,
Balochi, Pashayi and Nuristani are spoken by
minority groups across the country. Harald
Haarmann believes that Afghanistan is home to
more than 40 minor languages, with around 200
different dialects.
1.6 CULTURE:
1.6.1 Art and music: Local art has spanned many
centuries. The world's first oil painting was found in
Afghanistan. Since the 1900s, the nation began to use
Western techniques in art. Abdul Ghafoor
Breshna was a prominent Afghan painter. He made
many paintings and skteches but most were lost or
destroyed during the decades of war.
Afghanistan's art was originally almost entirely done
by men, but recently women are entering the arts
programs at Kabul University. Art is largely centered at
the National Museum of Afghanistan, the National
Gallery of Afghanistan and the National Archives of
Afghanistan in Kabul. There are a number of art
schools in the country. The Center for Contemporary
Arts Afghanistan (CCAA) in Kabul provides young
people to learn contemporary paintings.

FIGURE 5 CULTURE OF KABUL

FIGURE 6 ART AND MUSIC

1.6.2 POETRY AND PHILOSOPHY: Poetry in Afghanistan has long been a cultural tradition and passion. It is
mainly in Dari and Pashto languages, although in modern times it is also becoming more recognized in
Afghanistan's other languages. Even though many people are illiterate, Classic Persian and Pashto poetry
plays an important role in the Afghan culture. Poetry has always been one of the major educational pillars in
the region, to the level that it has integrated itself into culture.
1.6.3 AFGHAN CUISINE: Afghan cuisine is largely based upon the
nation's chief crops, such as wheat, maize, barely and rice.
Accompanying these staples are native fruits and vegetables as
well as dairy products such as milk, yogurt and whey. Kabuli
Palau is the national dish of Afghanistan. Afghan kebab is most
often found in restaurants and outdoor vendor stalls. The most
widely used meat is lamb. Recipes differ with every restaurant.
Afghan kebab is served with naan, rarely rice, and customers have
the option to sprinkle sumac or ghora, dried ground sour grapes, on
their kebab. The quality of kebab is solely dependent on the quality
of the meat. Pieces of fat from the sheep's tail are usually added
with the lamb skewers to add extra flavor.
1.6.4 DRINK: Doogh (known by Afghans as Shomleh/Shlombeh) is
a cold drink made by mixing water with yogurt and then adding
fresh or dried mint. It is the most widely consumed drink in
Afghanistan, especially during lunch time in the summer season.

FIGURE 7 AFGAN CUISINE

1.6.5 RITUALS AND HOLY PLACES: Throughout the year, people

gather at noon on Fridays in the mosque. Most villages have a
place to pray, which also is used to accommodate travelers. The
tombs of famous religious guides often become shrines visited by
local people. They play an important role in the social life of village
community and the local identity. Pilgrimages allow women to get
out of the home in groups to chat and socialize.

FIGURE 8 RITUAL OF AFGAN

Chapter 2
ARCHITECTURAL
PLANNING

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
2.1 ARCHITECTURE: PLANNING OF CITY

Usually the residential area of the city was divided into separate sections with public centers
including a mosque, cafe, and small shops.

By the second half of the Nineteenth Century: large bazaars such as Shor Bazaar and
Chindawol Bazaar were formed in Kabul.

Later, the palace, the Gulistan Khana building, Bostan Sarai, a few government guesthouses, the Shahrarah Tower, Gunbad-e Kotawali, Polikhishti Mosque, Salamkhana Palace,
Bagh-e Bala Palace, mausoleum Amir, Dar-ul Aman, Chihlsotun Palace and Kabul National
Museum were built.

During the first years of Independence (1919), country's industry began to develop and construction
of main roads which linked Kabul with other large cities and regions were initiated.

During 1930-1940, construction of two- storied buildings were finished on both sides of the Kabul
riverside.

Between 1940 and 1950, Kabul experienced a significant degree of new construction of both
buildings and roads.

During this period the Behzad Cinema was constructed as was Kabul University.

The Shahrarah district was the site of a women hospital with 12 beds.

In 1949 the reconstruction of the city's main street, Jade Maiwand, was started and the old houses
were demolished and the construction of new 3-4 storied buildings began.

By the 1950s the Jade Maiwand district had already built 50 houses, a cinema-theater for 1200,
restaurants, and a trade center.

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
2.2 ARCHITECTURE: VERNACULAR HOUSE
2.2.1 SOME INFORMATION ABOUT SITE:

Location: South Kabul, Qualacha

Site location: Near Bala Hissar

Land form: Slope of Sher Darwaza mountain

Building type: Courtyard house

2.2.2 CLIMATIC RESPONSE:

This traditional house has been made with mud which is a good insulation material.
All the windows are facing south side to gain the maximum amount of sunlight during the winters.
The flat roof gives an opportunity for the family to make dry fruits and dry vegetables, and for the males
of this house to sleep in summers.
Clustered buildings of this residential area are sharing walls to reduce exposure to cold winds.

FIGURE 9 GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIGURE 11 FRONT ELEVATION

FIGURE 10 FIRST FLOOR PLAN

FIGURE 12 COURTYARD ELEVATION

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: VERNACULAR HOUSE
2.2.3 SOME IMPORTANT SPACES
1. KITCHEN:
The kitchen in this house is a small room in which they just
store
dishes.
It is the space which is used only by women.
The cooking process is done the courtyard.
They make their bread in tandoor (clay oven).
2. LIVING ROOMS:
The living rooms are covered with mattresses, and the family
members can use these two rooms as their sleeping rooms and
dining room also.
There is an image of kaba right on the top of the door which is
the symbol of Islam.
3. MEHMAAN KHANA

Mehmaan khana is a room for male guests, and it

doesnt have connection to the courtyard and has a
direct way to the entrance via the staircase.

Being a conservative family the men are not allowed

to go inside the house and ladies can't come to
mehmaan khana.

FIGURE 13 LIVING ROOM

FIGURE 14 MEHMAAN KHANA

4. TANDOORKHANA
Tandoor or a clay oven has been made inside the
house for ladies to bake the naan.
They can also make food there especially when it
is cold.

5. WASHING ROOM:
Here the girls and ladies are washing the clothes in
the cold weather.
In summers they will wash the clothes in the
courtyard.

FIGURE 15
TANDOOR KHANA

6. THE STAIRCASE:
The steep staircase connects the mehmankhana to the
entrance.
It is made of timber and mud.

FIGURE 16
WASHING ROOM

FIGURE 17
THE STAIRCASE

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: VERNACULAR HOUSE
2.2.4 BUILDING MATERIAL
This house is made with mud, timber,and clay which
are the local materials andthey are cheap.
They used to cover the window from outside so it will
protect the rooms from cold wind.

FIGURE 18 TOTAL VIEW OF THE HOUSE

There are few facts which respond to the present lifestyle

needs in Kabul.
The flat roof.
The lighting system and the size of the windows.
The concept of courtyard, not because of the climatic effect, but
because of an open space especially for the females, which is
social effect.
The closeness of the houses makes the family of the neighboring
houses so close together.
The material which has been used are economic.
The orientation of the building.
Definition and segregation of the spaces ,especially for male and
female, to give them more privacy.

FIGURE 19 HOUSE CONSTRUCTION

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: VERNACULAR HOUSE
2.2.5 The merits of the sites and spaces in the old historic quarter are:

Historic quarters are close to the city and commercial centers.

Shorter distance to work or to market and small scale industries.
Link to social identity, and local art and architecture.
And the opportunities existing in these are: better residential neighborhoods ,better livelihood and
social interaction, integration of residential and commercial zones, and revitalization of the historic
quarters.
The choice of building materials used for houses and the techniques used to respond to the climatic
challenges and the techniques used to make housing cost effective (the best cost/quality ratio) are
all aspects which are too closely linked to culture and therefore have to be dealt with.
To make a city plan sustainable in the long term, it must respond to such cultural requirements.

2.3 ARCHITECTURE: BL HER AND KABUL CITY WALLS

FIGURE 20
Ground floor plan
of Bala Hesar

The Bl er fortress is the heart of the ancient city of Kabul

It is located on a ridge on the northeastern slopes of the r Darvza mountain. Discoveries of
Achaemenid and Indo-Greek coins suggest a settlement existed here from the 6th century BC.
Trenches cut in for planned new military buildings (since halted) produced samples of late Kushan
ceramics as well as foundations of medieval and Mughal buildings

10

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: BL HER AND KABUL CITY WALLS

FIGURE 21 UPPER & LOWER PARTS OF BALA HESAR

The Bl esr consists of two sections, the Bl esr-e Pin Lower Bl esr and Bl esre Bl Upper Bl esr .
The lower Bl esr covers a low, terraced mound on the north, west, and east faces of the citadel
and encompasses approximately 42 hectares.
The high, thick stone and packed mud walls that are still visible date mainly from the mid-18th to late
19th centuries

FIGURE 22 The Bag-e

Babor

11

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: BL HER AND KABUL CITY WALLS

The slope of the hill below the walls has been enhanced
to form a glacis.
On the south side are the remnants of an early 19thcentury faussebraye (a second, lower rampart)

The outer defenses were once surrounded by a wet ditch

(now dry), while the south side of the citadel was
protected by the amat Khan marsh.

Both outer and inner walls are punctuated by D-shaped

bastions.

The interior of the walls included vaulted casements with

angled fire loops.

The bastions and walls are surmounted by plastered mud

and brick parapets with merlons and angled, hooded fire
points.

The Mughals substantially strengthened the outer line of

walls and extended the area of the lower fort northwards.
Jahngr constructed new palaces, audience halls, and a
garden.

Aurangzeb later added a mosque.

The Bl esr-e Bl, or upper fortress, lies on an

elevated knoll in the southeast corner of the citadel.

It is enclosed by its own wall with three-quarter circle

bastions.

The ruined main gate, the Darvza-e Ki is located in the

angle of the south and east walls.

One of the two wells, near the Darvza-e Ki, became

the notorious Siy h dungeon.

The fort was finally abandoned as a fortified royal

residence in the 1890s

Above the main fortress on a knoll of the r Darvza are

the remains of a brick and mud plaster tower known as
the Borj-e Lalau, Borj-e Hulgu, or Bl which overlays
a stupa, part of the ja af complex.

FIGURE 23 The mausoleum of Amir Abdal-Rahman Khan

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KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: BL HER AND KABUL CITY WALLS

In the early 19th century, the keep was linked to the Bl esr by a line of parallel mud walls The
towers function was to strengthen defenses on the southwest from artillery and musket fire laid down
from the r Darvza .

The walls of the old city run for some 5 km to the west of the fortress from the Borj-e Hulgu One line
runs up the ridgeline of the r Darvza to the Tat-e h peak.

A second line descends into the Deh Mazang gorge, where it crosses the Kabul river, and ascends the
Kuh-e Asm and down its north face, terminating west of Deh Afnn .

The walls were once punctuated by six gateways, none of which have survived.

Stone and mud plaster fortifications along their length give a Hephthalite (6th cent. CE) date in some
sections.

The walls must be considered multi-period, since they have been repaired and rebuilt on many
occasions.

2.3.1 MATERIALS USED:

1. MUD PLASTER.
2. SAND MORTAR.
3. STONE.
4. LIME.

2.3.2 PLANNING:
ACCORDING TO ISLAMIC &
MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

FIGURE 24 View of Bala Hesar

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KABUL, AFGANISTAN
2.4 ARCHITECTURE: TIMURID STRUCTURE
Scattered monumental fragments of a Timurid structure:
(4 m high, 11 m 6 m base): a recreational pavilion, on the peak of Tat-e h.
2.4.1 MATERIAL USE:
1. The baked brick.
2. The Mud architecture.
2.4.2 ARCHITECTURE FEATURES:
i.
single domed tombs of r-e Sur and the Zirat-e Seh Ulu in the amat Khan area are also
attributed (stylistically) to the late
ii.
Timurid Excavations within the grave enclosure of the B-e Bbor have uncovered foundations of a
Timurid structure, possibly a tomb.

Detailed Islamic
inscriptions in urdu

FIGURE 25 Maqbara-i Ulugh Beg bin Abu Sa'id

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KABUL, AFGANISTAN
2.5 ARCHITECTURE: Mausoleum of King Timur h Saduzy

The maqbara mausoleum of King Timur h Saduzy

(d. 1207/1793), lies on the right (south) bank of the
Kabul river in ahrb, on the site of a built-over
Timurid-Mughal garden (Bbor-nma).

This imposing mausoleum is in the style of late 18thcentury Mughal India, though the recessed, arched
niches also evoke earlier, Timurid, forms.

The grave is located in a crypt under a massive

octagonal brick structure supporting double domes.

The mausoleum was never completed.

The graves of three of Timurs sons, including h ojal-Molk (d. 1842), lie outside the tomb The mausoleum
of Sardr Sultan Mohammad Teli (1795-1861), halfbrother of Amir Dst Mohammad Khan lies on the
southeastern side of Tepe Maranjn.

This plain brick and stone, octagonal mausoleum is

surrounded by a portico.

The dome (now almost destroyed) was added.

FIGURE 26 Arabic inscription at the

entrance foyer

2.6 ARCHITECTURE: NADIR SHAH TOMB:

King Nadir Shah was assassinated in 1933.

His tomb sits atop Teppe Maranjan, home of

the annual Nauroz kite flying festival.

A blend of Indo-Mughal architecture.

Starting of Iranian architect ture.

The site was chosen at the hilly or terraced

area as it was a major element of the mughaarchitecture.

Dome & fortressed boundaries are the major

architectural elements.
FIGURE 27 NADIR SHAH TOMB

15

KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: NADIR SHAH TOMB:
2.6.1 MATERIAL USED:

The material used for the construction

was that of stone & mud.

Buildings front elevation consisted of

stone.

It had features of very long and

elevated rectangular windows.

Large entrances welcomed the

visitors.

FIGURE 28 NADIR SHAH TOMB

2.7 ARCHITECTURE: ahr r palace

The ahr r palace and garden, in the modern
district of the same name in northern Kabul, was
constructed in 1899-1900.
named after the Mughal garden of the same name,
which was located on the left (north) bank of the
Kabul river.
Much of the late 19th-century palace and gardens is
overbuilt, partly by the Malaly womens hospital and
the barracks to the east.
An octagonal red brick tower, the Borj-e ahr r,
and a fortified gateway, now used as the entrance to
the barracks, as well as sections of the walls, in poor
condition, have survived

FIGURE 29 ahr r palace

2.8 ARCHITECTURE: Id Gh mosque

The religious center of Abd-al-Ramn Khans new

city was the Id Gh mosque, built between 1894 and
1897 on the right (south) bank of the Kabul river.
One of the largest mosques in Kabul city, it is still
used for major religious festivals and state occasions.
Conceived on a vast scale, the open, paved
courtyard accommodates thousands of worshippers.
Behind the courtyard, the entrance of the mosque
proper was dominated by three red brick, arched
halls and flanked by a colonnade of arches with
minarets in neo-Mughal style.
FIGURE 30 Id Gh mosque

16

2.9 SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN AT 2002

2.9.1 Method of construction
1, Interlocking block system
*Size : 300mm x 150mm x 150mm
*Ratio : 1Cement, 5Sand, 1Aggregate
*Compression strength (include hole)
35.68t / 446cm2 = 80kg/cm2

2, Block making machine

*Automatically operation type
Performance : 1100pc/day(8hours)
*Manually operation type
Performance : 300pc/day(8hours)

Reinforce masonry work

*Each 60cm, set up vertical reinforcing bars with 1:1.5:3 mixed concrete
*Each 5th layer, set reinforcing bars and fill up concrete horizontally

Figure 31: Reinforce masonry work

17

FIGURE 32: SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION 1 IN KABUL

18

FIGURE 33: SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN KABUL 2

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.

www.google.com

2.

www.wikipedia.com

3.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Afghanistan

4.

http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Afghanistan.html

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