TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN

About Turquoise Mountain

Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit, non-governmental organization specializing in urban regeneration, business development, and education in traditional arts and architecture. We seek to provide education, skills and livelihoods to Afghan men and women. Since 2006 Turquoise Mountain has cleared 45,000 cubic meters of rubbish from the streets, restored or built 150 historic and community buildings, created a primary school and a clinic, and installed water, electricity, and sanitation through the historic traditional craft neighborhood of Murad Khani in the old city of Kabul. It has created the internationally accredited Institute for Afghan Arts & Architecture, training the next generation of craftsmen and women in woodwork, jewelry and gem cutting, calligraphy and miniature painting, and ceramics. Finally, it has sold over US$15,000,000 of Afghan artisan products internationally.

Karwan Sarai Project Context:

The Shashpul Caravanserai is an evocative example of an earthen caravanserai from an extensive 17th century network, located close to the entrance to the Bamiyan valley, on what has been a hugely important path which was connected Safavid Persia, Mughal South Asia, and Central Asia through Afghanistan during the early modern period.

Shashpul Caravanserai was a bustling hub of trade and cultural exchange as well as a safe haven for weary travelers and their animals on one of the most important trade routes in the world.

Turquoise Mountain aims to bring back the Shashpul Caravanserai to its ancient glory. Over the next few years, we will restore, preserve, and expand public access to this historical site and bringing economic regeneration to the area.