Department of History, AMU holds Symposium on “Afghanistan: From Medieval to Modern”

Afghanistan: From Medieval to Modern: The Centre for Afghan Studies (CAS), Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) hosted a one-day national symposium on Afghanistan’s historical evolution from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era – its history, polity, society, and culture.

Professor Gulfishan Khan, Chairperson and Coordinator of the CAS Department of History, welcomed the guests and discussed the historical significance of Kabul, the role of Babur in moulding the culture of the region, and the significance of Bagh-I Wafa, Bagh-I Safa, and the poet Saib.

Professor Emeritus of History Irfan Habib provided insights into Afghanistan’s history, tribal dynamics, languages, Gandhara art, and historical context. He emphasised Afghanistan’s significance as a cradle of religious and philosophical thought by highlighting its role in the compilation of the Avesta, one of the earliest monotheistic texts in the world.

In his presidential address, Professor Mirza Asmar Beg, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, discussed Afghanistan’s historical significance and current human rights issues affecting women and children, as well as the country’s complex political landscape.

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Symposium on “Afghanistan: From Medieval to Modern”

During the academic sessions of the seminar, Professor Mohd Sohrab from the MMAJ Academy of International Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia presented “Afghanistan: An Undying Pawn in Old and Contemporary Imperialistic Thinking.”

The ICWA, New Delhi’s Dr. Fazlur Rahman Siddiqui discussed “Two Years of Taliban 2.0: Its Past,” while Professor M. Waseem Raja discussed “Afghanistan’s Journey from Medievalism to Modernism: A Study in Tribalism, Reform, and Resistance.”

Dr. Farah Saif Abidin presented a paper titled “Tribal Communities and the Mughal State: Contestations, Alliances, and Imperial Sovereignty in Kabul,” while Dr. Saifullah Saifi presented “Bolshevik Revolution in Bukhara, Amir Alim Khan, and the Role of the Amir of Afghanistan.”

The Director of the India Arab Cultural Centre at JMI, New Delhi, Professor Nasir Raza Khan imparted his knowledge in a presentation entitled “History of Timurid Architecture of Iran and Afghanistan.”

Prof. Gulfishan Khan made concluding emarks and thanked all participants for their significant contributions.