This Is What Life In Afghanistan Looked Like Before War and Invasion By the U.S.

Afghanistan, a country now drenched in war, under the control of brutal, blood-hungry ISIS/Taliban and a country that was once one of the most developed countries- now nowhere to be seen.

Filled with rich history, a time when it was extremely well-developed and modern in that decade, the current story of Afghanistan is utterly sad.

Good fortune and peace was Afghanistan’s best characteristic till terror and war embraced the borders of the country.

In 1967, Dr. Bill Podlich – a professor of Arizona State University- started a two year stint with UNESCO in Afghanistan. His aim was to teach at the Higher Teachers College located in the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul. As safe as one could imagine, Podlich took his wife, Margaret and two teenage daughters, Jan and Peg alongside.

While Podlich was there, he took a number of photographs, which the family shared with the world. Here’s what Afghanistan looked like back then:

Dr. William Podlich (second from left) with friends he made in Afghanistan

Dr. William Podlich (second from left) with friends he made in Afghanistan

 

Jan Podlich pictured

Jan Podlich pictured in Kabul

Peg Podlich (pictured in sunglasses) while on a family trip from Kabul to Peshawar

Peg Podlich (pictured in sunglasses) while on a family trip from Kabul to Peshawar

 

Jan Podlich in Kabul bazaar

Jan Podlich in Kabul bazaar

 

Afghani men sitting on top of Istalif village

Afghani men sitting on top of Istalif village

 

Jan Podlich (left) and Peg Podlich (right) enjoying at the Paghman Gardens that no longer exist.

Jan Podlich (left) and Peg Podlich (right) enjoying at the Paghman Gardens that no longer exist.

 

Afghani schoolgirls

Afghani schoolgirls

 

Young Afghani children dancing and playing

Young Afghani children dancing and playing

 

Men and boys at Kabul river

Men and boys at Kabul river

 

Chemistry class

Chemistry class

 

Shar-e Naw, Kabul

Shar-e Naw, Kabul

 

Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque, Kabul

Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque, Kabul

 

Smiles that are hardly seen in Afghanistan now

Smiles that are hardly seen in Afghanistan now

 

Salang Tunnel

Salang Tunnel

 

The Bamiyan Valley

The Bamiyan Valley

 

Smiles and joy

Smiles and joy

 

Jalebi in making

Jalebi in making

 

Two sisters roaming freely

Two sisters roaming freely

 

American International School in Kabu

American International School in Kabul

 

Assembling of Afghan military band

Assembling of Afghan military band

 

Inside American Inernational School, Kabul

Inside American Inernational School, Kabul

 

William Podlich enjoying a stroll on a hillside outside of Kabul.

William Podlich enjoying a stroll on a hillside outside of Kabul.

 

Dr. Bill Podlich who is no longer in this world had a special place in his heart for Afghanistan. Looking closely, you can see how beautiful the country was — women and men nattily attired, walking freely in green parks, using modern vehicles and dressed in Western clothes. It was a place where tourists were least bothered about safety.

Insightful Photos of 1960s Afghanistan Reveal What Life Was Like Before the Taliban (1)

 

Insightful Photos of 1960s Afghanistan Reveal What Life Was Like Before the Taliban (3)

It is sad to see what is happening to Afghanistan now, a country that was known for its rich culture and history.

Images sourced from izismile.com

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