Dear Readers:
“A nation stays alive when its culture stays alive.”
This is the motto of the Kabul Museum , recently printed in bold letters on a banner above the entrance. In that spirit, I want to draw attention to a National Geographic's exhibition that is presently on tour in the U.S. It is called Afghanistan, Hidden Treasures From the National Museum, Kabul. The exhibition consists of more than 22,000 ancient objects of gold, a collection that includes exquisite and priceless artifacts dating back more than 2,000 years. The exhibit highlights Afghanistan’s rich past as a dynamic economic power in the Silk Road culture and its fascinating cultural history.
The exhibition is a miracle. But so is the story of how it came to be. The Bactrian Gold, as it is known, would never be on display today if not for the heroic acts of a handful of Afghans nearly 30 years ago. In its heyday, the Kabul Museum was home to more than 100,000 pre-Islamic and ethnographic objects. The curators took great care to preserve these artifacts for the edification and enjoyment of future generations. But when war broke out in the late 1970’s, Afghanistan ’s economic and cultural infrastructure was destroyed. Museums were plundered and priceless artifacts stolen or vandalized. Taking matters into their own hands, officials from the Kabul Museum hid the famed Bactrian Gold in hidden vaults of the Central Bank in the presidential palace. The treasure would stay there - hidden from view, its location known to only a handful of men - for a quarter of a century. During that time, the Soviet war claimed more than a million Afghan lives. Kabul was reduced to ruins in the ethnic conflict that followed. The Kabul National Museum was pillaged, its artifacts sold on the black market, and the building itself was shelled. When the Taliban took power, they destroyed more than 2,000 artifacts using hammers. I saw the remnants for myself when I visited the museum in 2003. It was a heartbreaking experience. The museum at that time consisted of little more than crate after crate of destroyed artifacts, some dating back to the time of Alexander The Great.
But then, in 2003, President Karzai announced the discovery of several boxes in the presidential bank vault in Kabul . An international team of archaeologists, along with officials from the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture, opened the boxes, and were delighted to find the Bactrian Gold intact. This was a moment of great national pride, finding these relics of Afghanistan ’s cultural past. The boxes contained brilliant sculptures, ancient jewelry, and magnificent gold that demonstrate the cultural kaleidoscope that is Afghanistan and highlight its rich past as a meeting place of cultures.
The exhibit is now on tour in the U.S. I hope you will go and see it for yourself. The exhibit can be viewed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C until Sep 7, 2008. It will be in Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Oct 4, 2008 thru Jan 25, 2009, then at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston from Feb 22 to May 17, 2009, and finally at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY from Jun 23 to Sep 20, 2009.
Lastly, it was my honor to be associated with this project. National Geographic graciously asked me to narrate the video that accompanies the exhibit, which I was more than happy to do. A longer version of the film will run on PBS this fall. I hope you will check it out.
Thanks, as ever, for your support and encouragement.
Khaled
P.S. Latest read was David Benioff’s City of Thieves , a novel set in the siege of Leningrad . It is an amazing story and a riveting read. I read it on a long transatlantic flight to France . I think I looked up from the pages about three times. Highly recommended.
Comments (21)
Dear sir,
I'm a fan of you in China.And now I study in the Zhejiang University.Thank you for such wonderful books. I can not control myself to cry for several times while reading them. Both of them are telling us life and belief are precious.What makes me moved most is the true love and hope inside people's hearts,even sometimes they are too deep to be found.In this world ,so many lies are being told,but tear won't.You know,dear sir,more than 30 years ago,China bared so much tragedy,just like Afghanistan.But, like a Chinese saying goes,tomorrow will be better,our great neighbor will be better, bless her.Thank you for your perfect work.
Posted by pensee | July 17, 2008 2:13 AM
Posted on July 17, 2008 02:13
I have learned so much about Afghanistan from your beautiful books. I can't wait until you tell us more in future books!
Posted by Dorothea | July 17, 2008 5:27 PM
Posted on July 17, 2008 17:27
All I can say is thank you for your books. When I finished "The Kite Runner" I passed it to a friend, who passed it to a friend. I think 10 people in my company read your book. I saw the movie and was moved. "The Kite Runner" is the best book I've ever read.
Thank you again,
Linda
Fremont CA
Posted by Linda | July 17, 2008 7:48 PM
Posted on July 17, 2008 19:48
Dear Mr.Hosseini,
I was in Washington D.C June 21st, and visited the exhibition from Afghanistan National Museum. I was amazed how closely Indian and Afghanistan cultures are related and how far they date back. The influence Buddhism had on Afghanistan is very evident from some of the artifacts. The destruction of Bamiyan Buddha is sure to move anyone to tears. It is one of the world’s monumental tragedies and forever will be a lesson in how much havoc man can create in name of religion. I admired the courage of the men who took steps to preserve and protect these national treasures for future generations. Kudos to National Geography for bringing this great culture home for all of us to admire and understand.
Sincerely,
Ramana Ayyagari
Posted by Ramana Ayyagari | July 18, 2008 1:21 PM
Posted on July 18, 2008 13:21
Dearest Mr. Hosseini,
I rather enjoyed this blog about the Bactrian Gold exhibit.. I'll definitely check it out since it's in the area.
Your writing has made a huge impression on the way I perceive culture and history. I'm sure this comment may fall into the backdrop and blend in with all of your other devout fans', but I would just like to reiterate how thrilled I am that you have moved the earth through your writing. People are paying attention to our side of the world in a positive way, and perhaps this sour impression/stereotype of Islam will slowly wear off.
Both of your novels beautifully fuse history with emotion and pure story... and this is one of the things that I love about you. For some reason I even found myself, after reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns", daydreaming about my own fictitious version of Tariq, or replaying scenes, the dewey/romantic ones, in my head. And this lasted for weeks on end. This constant presence of words, etched in my skull, made me realize your gift even more. Thank you for transforming your thoughts and experiences into gorgeous stories. I look forward to your next projects, and will pre-order every single one!
Lastly, and most importantly, I was disappointed to find, last year, that your book signing at one of the local stores in this area had simply vanished. I had made sure that I would attend it but I believe it was canceled or you were unable to make it.
I would be ecstatic if you would come around to bookstores or the like more often as I've always wanted to meet with you and share stories. Any information on your public signings/discussions would be wonderful. I have been waiting patiently for almost a year now to no avail.
Anxiously waiting your reply,
Asma :)
Posted by Asma | July 19, 2008 3:13 AM
Posted on July 19, 2008 03:13
Dear Khaled,
As I have said before, your books are amazing.
Being a refugee from Bosnia i understand a lot of the struggles the characters undergo.
I think it is important that people become aware of what is happening around them in the world and I think your books help do that.
I also want to thank you for recommending "What is the What" by Dave Eggers! I wouldn't have known about it if it wasn't for you. The books is so amazing and sad but also with a lot of humor.
It made me realize, reading your books and than this one, how every war is exactly the same. The reasons the suffering everything is the same. Being a War child I know what its like.
FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE NOT READ "WHAT IS THE WHAT" BY DAVE EGGERS I REALLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT THAT YOU DO.
THANK YOU SO MUCH KHALED FOR WRITING THOSE TWO AMAZING BOOKS AND SHARING YOUR GIFT WITH US. THANK YOU!
Posted by ViDi | July 21, 2008 7:03 AM
Posted on July 21, 2008 07:03
Dear Mr Khaled Hosseini,
I just finished your book "The Kite Runner".
I could not stop to read it. I cried when Hassan was killed because somewhere I pictured that the two of them, Amir and Hassan, would meet each other again someday. However, It is a very good book, and I'm looking forward to read your next book.
I´m born and I live in Sweden but I have been to Afghanistan through my work, actually to Mazar e Sharif, and to Aybak, so it felt even more interesting to read your story about Amir and his Afghanistan. It felt like a true story, like this could have happened to you. It felt so sincere.
Thank You! You have opened my mind!
Best Regards
/Annika Perä
Posted by Annika Perä | July 21, 2008 2:30 PM
Posted on July 21, 2008 14:30
Mr Hosseini,
(… don’t know if I’m posting my letter in the right place…)
I steal you just few minutes… in the desperate attempt to explain how I feel.
Even if I wrote in my language I would have difficulties to turn these emotions into words; trying to make it in English is even more difficult.
But I’ll try.
Last year I read "The Kite Runner" and I found it wonderful, extremely well written, such a touching story, a story of REAL human beings, of errors and deep sentiments, in a context that I just heard about from the medias.
Your writing gave me the occasion of living this story, and its context, closely, deeply, it was like opening a window and see another world in front of my eyes.
But it was a book, anyway.
Now, I just finished to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns".
I have to confess, I started this book thinking something like: ok, I’ll read it… but, for sure, the first is so beautiful that this one can only be the less-well-done copy of it.
And with these thoughts in my mind I met Mariam, Laila, Tariq and all the others.
I knew about their stories.
And now that I finished my reading, I have to tell you something:
1 It wasn’t simply like finishing a book, it was like coming back from a journey;
2 I cried and cried like I had never done at the and of a book, or of a journey as well;
3 I cried for the pain and suffering, and the simplicity of joy;
4 and I also cried because I felt (and I’m still feeling) like I had physically lost that persons;
5 I cried because of their undying force which is moved from one unique thing: love
(..hope to learn just the tenth part of that attitude towards life, to face my everyday problems);
6 And I thought so much, again and again, of my life at that time…
(…1987: where was I? 1997: what was I doing? …What the hell was I doing while violence cut short all that lives???);
7 I cried because I just read their history, without doing nothing for them, without trying to protect Mariam and Laila, without aiding them to escape… without spending my time with Aziza in the orphanage, without screaming, and scraping, and biting, and fighting with them.
Mr Hosseini, I’m not crazy, that is exactly the way I felt reading the book, believe me.
7 I cried because of Mariam and Laila’s ability to turn pain into hope;
8 And I cried for the miracle of life.
This is a book from which, once read, one can not come back.
So, thanks, thanks, and a thousand splendid thanks, for having slapped my face so strongly, to wake me up and remind me what life has given to me.
A thousand splendid thanks for all chemical reactions you were able to create in my heart.
Posted by Serena | July 22, 2008 8:28 AM
Posted on July 22, 2008 08:28
I´m sorry, but I will not speak about your article now. I would love to see this exhibition but I´m living in Germany (actually I´m from Brazil). I didn´t know where I could send you a comment about your book, I hope you will not might, if I do it here.
Now I wish I could speak a better English, because I don´t know if I will find all the words to describe how wonderful is your book. It is not only a very beautiful and sad story but it also touch all the people, it makes us think about how we make our decisions "What would I do if I was in Amir´s place". I could fell how scary he was. How much pain he had, the doubt...it was magnificent.
It makes me to think. I want to do international relations to help people and with your book, I fell more stronger that I´m in the right way.
You are a gorgeous and talented writer. I will read your other book soon.
Thank you for the pleasure of your book=)
Ana Carolina
Posted by Ana Carolina | July 22, 2008 4:28 PM
Posted on July 22, 2008 16:28
Dear Khaled,
I just finished your book The 'Kite Runner'. I am finding myself in a stage where words will be short to describe my feelings about this book. This book has made me very silent. While reading, I was feeling my presence at each and every happenings of the story of the book.
It was so natural and touching story, I ever had read.
With my best wishes
jaya
Posted by jaya | July 24, 2008 7:37 AM
Posted on July 24, 2008 07:37
I will check out the special on PBS. I love your books. When can we expect more???
Posted by Allen Hansen | July 26, 2008 2:18 PM
Posted on July 26, 2008 14:18
Your two books are the best I have ever read!
I have recommended them to everyone I know.
I have enjoyed learning more about the culture and understanding life in Afghanistan. You have a gift that touches people all over the world and helps us realize that we have a common thread of humanity.
Thank you for sharing your talent and I can't wait for your next book!
Best wishes to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Janis
Palm Desert, CA
Posted by Janis Clarke | July 29, 2008 1:07 PM
Posted on July 29, 2008 13:07
Dear Khaled,
Many, many thanks for your wonderful books!
You know, you are doing a tremendous work, not only as an extremely gifted writer and storyteller, but also as a missioner of freedom and humanity.
The Sufies say that the purpose of life and the key of happiness are when the one realizes his/her own mission (no matter how insignificant it might look like to the others)…
You must be a very happy person - involved in such a big cause and with so many faithful readers all around the world!
Thousands blessings,
Bistra,
Bulgaria
Posted by Bistra Kirova | July 30, 2008 4:03 AM
Posted on July 30, 2008 04:03
I'm not different to the others readers. My feelings, my tears, my opinions, are the same. So just THANK YOU. Thanks for this two splendid books.Don't stop writing, please.
Best regards.
Anna (Spain)
Posted by Anna | August 1, 2008 5:22 PM
Posted on August 1, 2008 17:22
Khaled Jan,
It is said that Shakespeare added 500-600 words to the English language, but I still can't find enough words to express my thoughts of how brilliant you are.
"The Kite Runner" movie was so amazing. I didn't think I would like it because the book was so good, but it was very well done. It was a real treat to see you in the movie, too!
I am half Afghan, and after reading "The Kite Runner", I took my 2 children over to Peshawar, Pakistan to see my grandmother after 15 years. Your books don't bring shame to Afghanistan, rather the opposite, I think you have give the country and culture the glory it deserves! It inspired me to reconnect with the roots that I had been ashamed of as a child.
You could write a story about a cardboard box, and it would be a best seller. You have a gift for writing that is so rare, please don't hide it, share it with the world!
I am looking forward to books, plays, movies, and anything else penned by your hand for many years to come.
Your devoted fan,
Mary
Posted by Mary | August 6, 2008 1:29 AM
Posted on August 6, 2008 01:29
I have just finished "The Kite Runner" and have also read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" and I thought they were both just wonderful!
Both books were so emotional that I spent most of the time in tears they were so very powerful.
Just fantastic books.
Posted by margaret eley | August 7, 2008 10:57 AM
Posted on August 7, 2008 10:57
Dear Khaled,
Words fail me right now as I seek to express my profound gratitude for your phenomenal novels. The lyrical language punctures my soul (I definitely see you as a poet), and the themes transcend time and place to really reign sublime. Thank you for your honesty, integrity, and classy professionalism (for caring what readers think!). Most of all, thank you for your authenticity. I am teaching THE KITE RUNNER to my AP Lit class (next week!) and I am excited to discuss this with my students.
I am also curious about your experience in Paris--I studied abroad there in college, and it is my favorite city in the world. Have you written anything that stems from your time there? Will you in the future?
Best of luck in your career. Bon courage avec tous!
God bless you for sharing your gifts with the world.
With sincerest admiration,
Carlie Frye
Fresno, CA
Posted by Carlie Frye | August 11, 2008 4:17 PM
Posted on August 11, 2008 16:17
Dear Mr Hosseini,
Alhamdulillah for your talent. Having read both of your books made me a better person. Because it's not easy to forget Sohrab, Aziza or Zalmai (especially when you have food left over!) . I know your books are good, but until reading your blog and the comments only I realized that it wasn't only the soft me, you have touched millions of people.
I'm particularly glad that in "A Thousand Splendid Suns" you have managed to tell that Islam is not equivalent to Taliban or terrorism.
My husband says me reading story books is a waste of time. I know he is wrong. I pray one day he will read your books so I don't have to cry alone.
By the way Mr. Hosseini, how can Baba betrayed Ali if he loved him so? Stealing your brother's wife, to me that's bigger betrayal than Amir's.
Hmm..what is better than being a healer?
The answer is being a teacher.
Thank you for teaching me.
Salam Alaykum.
p/s if you are coming to UK or Europe to meet the readers can you please notify in real advance? You know tickets these days, they are cheaper if booked months ahead.
Posted by hasma | August 11, 2008 7:38 PM
Posted on August 11, 2008 19:38
Dear Mr.Hosseini,
My job needs me to travel a lot, and had been eyeing for long to buy a copy of one of your books at the airport lounge book stores. So finally I got a copy of "The Kite Runner".
"The Kite Runner" caught me by surprise and did to me what a book has not been able to do for a long time. I started reading it on a Saturday evening and could not put it down at all. I took it everywhere with me, even reading it in the parking lot, while my wife went for shopping.
Now, sitting back, I realize that the poignant tale has touched an emotional chord deep inside. Being a refugee from the strife torn region of Kashmir in India, I lived through each and every page of the book, as if it was my story and my homeland which was being described. At various instances in the book, what also struck me was the cultural congruence between the Afghan and the Kashmiri culture, the burning of "isband" to ward off "nazar" being just one. Also, like a true Bollywood fan, I also waited for a miracle to happen so that Hassan could come to life and he and Amir could have a tearful re-union on a rainy day.
My wife is a surgeon at a hospital which is frequented by a lot of Afghans. Now, having read the book, she too excitedly talks about the culture to her Afghan patients. To her credit, she has already got us invited to come and see Kabul and be guests of her patients' family. If not today, then someday who knows we may actually go and see that place for ourselves.
I have now bought a copy of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" now and like a birthday boy itching to open his birthday gifts, I wait for the weekend for my reading to start.
Posted by Amit D, Noida ( India ) | August 11, 2008 11:57 PM
Posted on August 11, 2008 23:57
When is your next book coming?
Both your books "The Kite Runner" and a "A Thousand Splendid Suns" were great work.
Posted by Ritu | August 12, 2008 8:32 AM
Posted on August 12, 2008 08:32
Dear sir
I'm a young boy in China ,and I'm also a fan of your. i just want to say THANK YOU to you .because you know your books are too moving for me ,also other readers in the other countries in the world.i want you go on your writing .don't stop,please!
best wishes
Daniel Hua from Wuhan,China
Posted by daniel | August 12, 2008 10:57 AM
Posted on August 12, 2008 10:57