Tuesday September 18, 2012
Kabul (BNA) Your Excellencies, government ministers, and ambassadors from friendly countries, who have shown a special interest in Afghan cultural matters,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you for being here today to discussed one of the most important institutions in our country: the National Museum of Afghanistan.
I am delighted we have been able to arrange this event in the Museum itself.
In this building we celebrate, are educated and inspired by the rich, diverse and deep history of our land. We are also inspired today by the presence of so many who have been our partners in keeping the Museum alive through turbulent times.
Nancy Hatch Dupree, our longtime friend and most respected guest, has devoted her life to the Museum and to preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. Nancy Jan is a treasure to this nation.
Since 2002, numerous foreign nations, including Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands; organizations such as UNESCO, the British Museum, the Musee Guimet, the University of Vienna; and the Netherlands’ Center for International Heritage Activities contributed to the emergency reconstruction of the Museum, assisting in restoring objects, salvaging the catalogue, and working in close partnership with the Museum’s staff.
Their protection and their support bolstered our spirits in difficult times.
We envision a Museum that will be a great source of pride for Afghan from all regions and all ethnic groups. Afghan need a Museum where children can learn about our nation’s rich history as the crossroads of East and West.
They need to learn about the Silk Road, one of the richest historical and archaeological regions in the world and an epicenter in the development of international commerce, the exchange of ideas and rise of important cities and nations.
They need to understand the role of their region in the world’s history. The Silk Road is a “Melting pot of objects from China, India, Egypt, Greece, Rome and ancient Afghanistan,” and the objects, so many in our Museum, exemplify a 2000 year old culture. It is part of our pan-Asian heritage and indeed as heritage in the human family. During the middle ages our cities have been the major centers of Islamic civilization.
The heritage of this era has universal values.
The Museum is more than a building because of what it represents to the people of Afghanistan and the world.
The Museum shows the rich diversity of our past and the many cultures that contributed to the making of our country.
A museum can stand as symbol of growth, and provide a healing touch to past wounds. A story too little told around the world is the story of Afghanistan’s complex and resonant beginnings. Telling this story in a suitable setting will recreate the Museum as both a regional and international treasure, the world can learn much from Afghanistan’s cultural traditions.
Afghan’s determination to preserve their culture in the face of all odds is central to our identity as a people. Our vision is for the people of Afghanistan to build a Museum worthy of their past, their present, and their future.
Our new Museum must be solid and secure with up-date lighting, air control and heating. It should have space specifically designed so that one day the new building can proudly display the Bactrian Gold and other Afghan treasures from Mes Ayank recently discovered and other sites.
I thank our friends and allies who have persevered in helping the Museum. Afghans will not forget this.
Today we also thank the US Embassy, who worked with my Ministry to sponsor the International Architectural Ideas Competition. Soon we will see the winning design for the new National Museum of Afghanistan perhaps the best kept secret in Kabul.
But before the moment we have all been waiting for, let me say this: a new Museum is a sign of a hopeful future for Afghanistan. Our matchless cultural treasures must be housed safely and securely. We appreciate your support in meeting us here today, but we need something more.
I urge our friends here from embassies, international NGOs, UNESCO and the World Bank: please reach out to your capitals and headquarters. Tell them we in Afghanistan have a plan now for a Museum that will be a truly excellent place for learning, inspiration, this place will foster national pride and unity, and now we need our international friends.
One thing I can promise you:
Afghanistan will never forget those who get involved, offering ideas and contributions, now when we need them the most.
I announce today the launch of an international capital campaign which will allow the world to contribute to a tangible symbol of hope and optimism. As we launch the campaign, we plan and international exhibition of the prize-winning National Museum of Afghanistan design. Our campaign manager will conduct a feasibility study and contact potential donors. And of course, soon after today we will have a follow-up event to explain to donors the details of the campaign.
We are very much looking forward to working together with all of you. Our new National Museum of Afghanistan will be a place for learning and reflection. The Museum will create a legacy of hope and resilience. It will be a truly inspirational setting for future generations. In years to come, your will be able to say that you were one of the fortunate few to see the Museum design the moment it became public!
Thanks
