Officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture have announced the commencement of the National Archive restoration project at a cost of 4.6 million afghani.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson, the aim of the restoration is to protect the documents and storage facilities of the National Archive from damages caused by climate change.

The National Archive building, widely known by this name among citizens, was built more than 130 years ago by Amir Abdur Rahman Khan as a guesthouse for his son, Amir Habibullah Khan. During the era of Daoud Khan in 1973, the site was dedicated to housing the National Archive.

“The documents preserved here include royal decrees from various periods, starting from the time of Ahmad Shah Baba, Timur Shah Durrani, Amir Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir Sher Ali Khan, and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan,” said Homayoun Nikzad, an expert in historical documents at the National Archive.

Khabib Ghofran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, stated: “This project is one of the most significant undertakings of the Ministry of Information and Culture. Considering the importance of the National Archive as one of the country’s historical landmarks, implementing this project will help protect historical documents from natural and seasonal damages.”

National Archive officials expressed gratitude for the restoration initiative by the Ministry of Information and Culture, underscoring the importance of preserving the nation’s historical and archaeological sites.

“This building is over 132 years old and was in need of repairs. It is very important for us that this restoration has begun,” said Haron Noori, head of the manuscripts section of the National Archive.

The National Archive houses manuscripts adorned with gold and lapis lazuli, historical documents, and antique furniture such as tables, chairs, and cabinets belonging to King Abdur Rahman Khan.