Framing and photographing Aaghil

Aaghil's Frame Story

On August 15, 2021, the country of Afghanistan was re-captured by the terrorist group known as the Taliban, leaving the country in turmoil.

Hundreds of people were persecuted because of their identity and political opinions; families were forced to leave their homes and seek safety in neighboring countries; women were wholly removed from society; and schools were closed for secondary and high school female students.

It changed everything.

Insecurity, restrictions, violence - it has been a confusing and devastating adjustment for a generation of Afghans who, until now, had thrived and enjoyed a beauty of the country that few outside of Afghanistan knew existed.

Aaghil's photo story

It's that beauty and the recollections of once freely enjoying Afghanistan's eclectic culture and environment that we celebrate in this photo exhibit we call Aaghil.

A Hazaragi word, spoken by the Hazara people who mainly live in Afghanistan, aaghil refers to a community where everyone lives in peace and harmony.

Aaghil can be found in communities like the Bamyan province of central Afghanistan, represented in this collection of photographs. The beauty of this community makes us proud when we reflect on Afghanistan and we hope it opens a window to what it means to so many.