Introduction

In a tragic turn of events, a series of four deadly earthquakes, each measuring 6.3 magnitude, struck Afghanistan’s rural countryside between October 7 and 15. The seismic activity wreaked havoc on ancient structures, particularly in the Herat province, leading to the destruction of historic villages constructed from bricks and mud straw.

Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis

The initial two earthquakes, centered around Zinda Jan, resulted in the loss of at least 1,500 lives, with thousands more left injured, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The impact was severe, leading to the decimation of 11 villages and leaving 114,000 people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The Zinda Jan and Injil districts bore the brunt of the damage, with many of the affected villages housing ancient vernacular architecture dating back to the Safavid dynasty and even the Ilkhanate dynasty.

Irreplaceable Heritage in Rubble

Among the casualties of the seismic activity were unique structures dating back centuries. Arash Boostani, a project manager for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Afghanistan, lamented the loss of 600-year-old windmills in the area, describing them as “truly one of a kind.” The ancient vernacular architecture, a testament to the region’s rich history, now lies in ruins.

Herat’s Cultural Icons Bear the Brunt

The earthquakes also took a toll on key monuments in the city of Herat, a UNESCO tentative list candidate since 2004. The Ikhtyaruddin Citadel complex, dating back to 330 BCE and previously rebuilt after various demolitions throughout history, now displays cracks in its towers and a collapsed stairwell, impacting its historical integrity.

Historic Landmarks Damaged

Herat’s cultural heritage further suffered with damage to the 13th-century Ghurid mosque Masjid-i Jami, where cracks mar its structure, and parts of its blue-tiled minarets have collapsed. The Musalla complex, a significant architectural ensemble from the early 15th century built by Queen Gawharshad, also endured harm with damage to its tiles and brickwork, along with the partial collapse of one of its minarets.

As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of these earthquakes, attention turns not only to the human toll but also to the irreplaceable cultural heritage that now lies in ruins, highlighting the vulnerability of the nation’s rich historical legacy in the face of natural disasters.

Feature Image: Makeshift shelters outside the Masjid-i Jami Mosque in Herat following earthquakes last monthMohsen Karimi/AFP via Getty Images

Ancient Roman Bath Unearthed in Cologne’s Neumark: A Glimpse into Lavish Residential Living