Papers by Abdul Wasay Najimi
Shāh-i Mashhad is the name of 12th-century archaeological remains located in the Murghāb Valley o... more Shāh-i Mashhad is the name of 12th-century archaeological remains located in the Murghāb Valley of Bādghīs Province in north-western Afghanistan. This structure was an educational centre – a madrasa and a mausoleum – and is one of the best examples of architecture and structural decorative art work of the Ghurid period. The structure was first published in 1971, not by architects or archaeologists but by two German ethnographers studying the region’s nomadic community. Discussions on Shāh-i Mashhad in the context of Ghurid art have been published previously; this author looks at Shāh-i Mashhad in the context of the conservation of monuments, despite the fact that due to its remote location Shāh-i Mashhad may not receive any conservation programme in the immediate future. Reflecting on its architectural scale, style, construction techniques and details, in the context of potential work for the preservation and conservation of what remains, this paper studies and presents a virtual reconstruction of the building in an effort to understand the form, functions of spaces and related architectural ornamentation of the original construction. The reconstruction is based on the author’s visit to the site in 1993 and transcriptions of inscriptions not previously read.
WIT Transactions on State of the Art in Science and Engineering, 2012
In the case of the historic quarters of Kabul in Afghanistan, however, an urban conservation prog... more In the case of the historic quarters of Kabul in Afghanistan, however, an urban conservation programme was conceived at an early stage of the rehabilitation process, with the goal of both conserving war-damaged historic property and addressing the abject living conditions that prevailed ...
Development of Kabul, 2004
library.witpress.com
In the case of the historic quarters of Kabul in Afghanistan, however, an urban conservation prog... more In the case of the historic quarters of Kabul in Afghanistan, however, an urban conservation programme was conceived at an early stage of the rehabilitation process, with the goal of both conserving war-damaged historic property and addressing the abject living conditions that prevailed ...
... Document! Conservation Information Network (BCIN). Author: Najimi, Abdul Wasay Title of Sourc... more ... Document! Conservation Information Network (BCIN). Author: Najimi, Abdul Wasay Title of Source: Herat, the Islamic city : a study in urban conservation Title of Series: Occasional papers (Scandinavian Institute of Asian Studies); no. ...
Archnet IJAR, 2012
As a component in higher education in Afghanistan, educating architects to steer the country's co... more As a component in higher education in Afghanistan, educating architects to steer the country's conservation and planning of built environment is crucially needed. To raise the technical capacity for professionals working in built environment related fields in Afghan cities, higher education in architecture commenced at Kabul University (KU) with support from USAID in 1968 and the first group of Afghan academic architects graduated in 1973. Despite having a good standard, ten years later as part of the Engineering Faculty, the Department of Architecture degraded when the Soviet backed regime looked at it objectionably after 1979. Supported by the former USSR, the Kabul Polytechnic Institute (KPI) as a favorite alternative school initiated architectural education in 1980. This paper studies the process of educating architects in Afghanistan from the pre-war era and up to now. Limitations and opportunities in view of educating young architects for current and future conservation activities and development of the Built Environment in Afghanistan are examined.
Afghanistan Journal Graz, 1982
Résumé/Abstract Construction de 20 20 m réalisée sous Hassan Khan Shamlu, gouverneur safavide d&#... more Résumé/Abstract Construction de 20 20 m réalisée sous Hassan Khan Shamlu, gouverneur safavide d'Hérat (première moitié du XVII s.), située près du dôme principal du grand marché public Char-Suq (" quatre bazars"). Technique de construction des voûtes et de la ...
International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2011
The built heritage of Afghanistan – encompassing its historic quarters, monuments and archaeologi... more The built heritage of Afghanistan – encompassing its historic quarters, monuments and archaeological sites – manifests the country’s rich history at the crossroads of culture. While this heritage is the country’s pride and identity, the authorities lack policies and resources for the preservation of the monuments and the protection of historic sites; communities lack awareness of the monuments’ significance and need for their protection. Illicit excavations, inadequate renovations and damage to the historic fabric are taking place on many sites. This paper aims to present an historical survey of institutional engagement in the study of archaeological sites and conservation works in Afghanistan. Then it highlights issues related to conservation verses development and practical difficulties in preserving the built heritage. There are complex effects of social indigence, war and influences of the development sector, which bear on the contemporary donors’ interest in conservation projects in Afghanistan.
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Papers by Abdul Wasay Najimi