The Shewaki Stupa in Kabul is considered one of the ancient parts of the capital, which was once a Buddhist place of worship.

Spanning over twenty meters in width, the Shewaki Stupa was discovered by archaeologists from various countries between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, and excavations began in 1820.

Abdul Qadir Timouri, an employee of the Department of Historical Relics at the Ministry of Information and Culture, said, "Stupas of this size were typically built for several purposes: firstly, for religious purposes and Buddhist worship; and secondly, as high places along caravan routes to attract pilgrims or caravans coming from other paths."

The architectural style of this Buddhist temple encompasses both Kushan and Hellenistic periods, and its construction primarily used fieldstones, mud, and plaster.

Timouri added, "This stupa is one of the very valuable Buddhist-era artifacts that date back to the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, namely the Kushan period, and is located in this area. Indeed, prior to the 18th century, there was no precise information about ancient sites and historical relics in Afghanistan."

The residents of Shewaki in Kabul are urging the interim government to protect the country's historical relics.

Hamed, a resident of Shewaki, said, "I have been responsible here for almost three years. We request the ministry to appoint a specific person for this place."

But what does 'Shewaki' mean and why is this area named so?

Khairkhwa, a resident of the village of Shewaki, explained, "The term Shewaki is derived from 'shiveh,' which means method, manner, and masculinity. Everyone has their own style."

Decades of conflict in the country have damaged the Shewaki Stupa, and between 2020 and 2022, the Department of Historical Relics, in collaboration with the Hajj Mountain Institution, conducted restoration work.