Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Inspects the Reconstruction of Behzad Market and Exhibition Hall

Monday, 19 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi, the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture at the Ministry of Information and Culture, conducted an official visit to inspect the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Behzad Exhibition Hall, also known as the Behzad Cultural House, and the newly developing Dried Fruits Commercial Market in central Kabul. 

Accompanying him were Qari Wali Gul Jawad, the Director of Cultural Affairs at Kabul Municipality, and Engineer Haseeb Naseemi, the Director of the Department for the Preservation of Historical Monuments. 

During the visit, Mawlawi Azizi emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Behzad Exhibition Hall. He pointed out that this site holds immense value not just as a heritage landmark but also as a center for promoting national identity and showcasing Afghanistan's rich artistic legacy. Unfortunately, the site had been neglected for nearly three decades, resulting in its deterioration and transformation into a waste accumulation zone.

He highlighted that, thanks to the combined efforts of the Ministry of Information and Culture and partnerships with national investors, the site has been restored using traditional Afghan architectural styles. Additionally, a commercial area has been developed and designated as a trade center for Afghanistan's dried fruits sector. This development has significantly enhanced both the cultural and economic value of the region.

Speaking at the site, Mr. Yousafzai, a prominent investor in the dried fruits industry, stated that the newly developed commercial complex will not only serve as a hub for exhibiting and selling dried fruits but will also include facilities for processing and exporting products. He noted that these initiatives aim to strengthen the domestic market and increase Afghanistan's dried fruit exports to international markets.