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KABUL - Vernacular Architecture
KABUL - Vernacular Architecture
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.
SOCIAL
CULTURAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
CLIMATE
KABUL, AFGANISTAN
Country
Afghanistan
Province
Kabul
No. of districts
18
Government
Mayor
Area
2
City
Metro
Elevation
Population (2013)
Urban
Metro
3,319,794
Demonym
Kabuli
Time zone
Area code(s)
(+93) 20
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: VERNACULAR HOUSE
2.2.5 The merits of the sites and spaces in the old historic quarter are:
FIGURE 20
Ground floor plan
of Bala Hesar
10
KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: BL HER AND KABUL CITY WALLS
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
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)
12
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.
2.3.2 PLANNING:
ACCORDING TO ISLAMIC &
MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE
13
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
14
KABUL, AFGANISTAN
2.5 ARCHITECTURE: Mausoleum of King Timur h Saduzy
This imposing mausoleum is in the style of late 18thcentury Mughal India, though the recessed, arched
niches also evoke earlier, Timurid, forms.
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.
15
KABUL, AFGANISTAN
ARCHITECTURE: NADIR SHAH TOMB:
2.6.1 MATERIAL USED:
16
17
18
19
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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