Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/08. South Asia • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Afghanistan, sourced from Wikipedia's "Timeline of Afghan history".
Chronological Storyline (83 Milestones)
3300 BCE
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age Helmand culture in the middle and lower valley of the Helmand River, in southern Afghanistan (Kandahar, Helmand and Nimruz province) and eastern Iran (Sistan and Baluchestan province). Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (Prehistory):
Map of the diffusion of metallurgy. By User:Want - File:Diffusion métallurgie.png: After M. Otte (2007) Vers la Préhistoire, de Boeck, Bruxelles, CC BY-SA 3.0 cz, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41316620
2400 BCE
Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex
The Bronze Age Oxus civilization in present-day northern Afghanistan, eastern Turkmenistan, southern Uzbekistan and western Tajikistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (Prehistory):
Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex By Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=286126
1500 BCE
Gandhara
The earliest textual mention of Gandhara civilization, in ancient Indian manuscripts the Rigveda and the Zoroastrian Avesta. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (16th century BCE):
Rigveda MS in Sanskrit on paper, India, early 19th c., 4 vols., 795 ff. (complete), 10x20 cm, single column, (7x17 cm), 10 lines in Devanagari script with deletions in yellow, Vedic accents, corrections etc in red. Binding: India, 19th c., blind-stamped brown leather, gilt spine, sewn on 5 cords, marbled endleaves Provenance: 1. Eames Collection, Chicago, no. 1956; 2. Newberry Library, Chicago, ORMS 960 (acq.no. 152851-152854) (ca. 1920-1994); 3. Sam Fogg cat. 17(1996):42. By Unknown author - http://www.nb.no/baser/schoyen/5/5.20/ms2097.jpg[dead link], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103513
550 BCE
Cyrus II
Cyrus II captures Kabul, which becomes a center of learning for Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (6th century BCE):
Winged genius relief in Pasargadae By Surenae - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162225973
516 BCE
Darius I
Darius I invades Afghanistan, makes it part of the Achaemenid Empire. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (6th century BCE):
The face of Darius I on Mount Bistun in Iran By Rumlu - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146053444
330 BCE
Alexander III of Macedon
Alexander III of Macedon conquers Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (4th century BCE):
Alexander Mosaic (detail), House of the Faun, Pompeii By Unknown author - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=182741814
312 BCE
Seleucid Empire
Afghanistan becomes part of the Seleucid Empire after the death of Alexander III and breakup of the Macedonian Empire. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (4th century BCE):
Berlin Pergamon Museum, Tetradrachme Seleukos' I, Silver, Pergamon, 281-280 BC. By Hartmann Linge - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21343017
305 BCE
Hindu Kush
The Hindu Kush, Gandhara, Arachosia (centered around ancient Kandahar) and areas south of Bagram become part of the Maurya Empire after Chandragupta Maurya defeats Seleucus I in the Seleucid–Mauryan war. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (4th century BCE):
Aghanistan, Pakistan By Ninara from Helsinki, Finland - IMG_3637 Hindu Kush mountains, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74336552
50 BCE
farming
First known evidences of humans living in Afghanistan, and that farming communities of the region were among the earliest in the world. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (Prehistory):
Center pivot irrigation on wheat growing in Yuma County, Arizona. 1987. By Laura Wilson farm , USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - photogallery.nrcs.usda.gov No. NRCSCO87001, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=687412
15 BCE
Apracharajas
Buddhist Apracharajas dynasty with territory covering Swat, Gandhara, Taxila, and parts of eastern Afghanistan. (till 50 CE) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (1st century BCE):
Gondophares-Sases. Circa AD 19-20-46. Tetradrachm (21mm, 9.64 g, 3h). Gandharan mint. Sases on horseback right, raising right arm Zeus standing right, holding scepter By CNG Coins - CNG Coins Coin from CNG coins. Used with permission (CNG coin [1])., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54237389
19 CE
Suren kingdom
Suren kingdom founded by Gondophares with capitals in Kabul and Taxila, and territory covering southern Afghanistan, eastern Iran and northwest regions of the Indian subcontinent. (till 226 CE) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (1st century CE):
Coin of the Indian-Parthian king Gondopahres By [2] - Classical Numismatic Group [1], CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1223424
Jan 27, 30 CE
Kushan Empire
Kushan Empire founded by Kujula Kadphises in the Arghandab River valley. (till 375 CE) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (1st century CE):
Map of the Kushan Empire By Map created from DEMIS Mapserver, which are public domain. Koba-chan. Reference: Schwartzberg Atlas, v. , p. 145. Map g - This image has been extracted from another file, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115482936
120 CE
Kanishka
Kanishka becomes emperor of the Kushan Empire. He extends his empire from present-day southern Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, north of the Amu Darya (Oxus) in the north west to Northern India, as far as Pataliputra in the Gangetic Plains. A follower of Buddhism, he encourages Buddhist teachings, art and architecture. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (2nd century):
Gold coin of Kanishka. British Museum. Personal photograph 2005. By No machine-readable author provided. World Imaging assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=769444
151 CE
Kanishka Stupa
Kanishka Stupa is built. Reported by modern archeologists and ancient Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang to have had a diameter of 87 metres, height of 180–210 metres and covered with jewels. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (2nd century):
Kanishka Stupa By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1515624
191 CE
Vasudeva I
Vasudeva I becomes emperor of the Kushan Empire. His reign lasts till 232 CE. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (2nd century):
Vasudeva I Coin By Xarbold - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38785190
320 CE
Kidarites
Kidara Huns kingdom established, lasts till about 467. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (4th century):
440 CE
Hephthalite
Hephthalite (White Huns) empire established with its capital at Kunduz. Buddhism, Manichaeism and Zoroastrianism were their major religions. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (5th century):
Seal of Mani (cleaned up). Seal with figure of Mani, possibly 3rd century CE, possibly Irak. Cabinet des Médailles, Paris By ALFGRN - https://www.flickr.com/photos/156915032@N07/52548290597/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126407360
570 CE
Buddhas of Bamiyan
The smaller of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, known as the "Eastern Buddha" built (approximate year based on carbon dating), during Hephthalite rule. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (6th century):
Taller Buddha of Bamiyan By James Gordon - farsnews, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70963205
618 CE
Buddhas of Bamiyan
The larger of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, known as the "Western Buddha" built (approximate year based on carbon dating) during Hephthalite rule. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (7th century):
Taller Buddha of Bamiyan By James Gordon - farsnews, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70963205
630 CE
Xuanzang
Chinese monk, scholar and traveler Xuanzang visits Balkh, reports about a 100 Buddhist convents, 30,000 monks, large number of stupas and other religious monuments. The most remarkable stupa was the Navbahara, which possessed a gigantic statue of the Buddha. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (7th century):
A depiction of the Chinese monk Xuanzang on his journey to India. By Unknown author - https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/A-10600?locale=en, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=247641
665 CE
Turk Shahi
Establishment of the Buddhist Turk Shahi dynasty, with its capital in Kapisi near the present-day town of Bagram. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (7th century):
Bagram, Afghanistan. This is a photograph of the bazaar in Bagram city. By JE at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7113460
680 CE
Zunbil
Establishment of the Zunbil dynasty in present southern Afghanistan region, with its capital in Ghazni. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (7th century):
Citadel of Ghazni, seen from Tapa Sardar The Citadel in Ghazni, Afghanistan on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. (S.K. Vemmer/Department of State) By US State Department (US Embassy in Kabul) a US Government organization, hence PD-USGov applies - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95868259
683 CE
Umayyad Caliphate
Turk Shahi king routs the Arab army of the Umayyad Caliphate led by Yazid ibn Ziyad, who is killed in battle and an Arab invasion is decisively repulsed. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (7th century):
The Umayyad Caliphate at its greatest extent, in 720, under Caliph Umar II. By Ergovius - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101110977
698 CE
Zunbil
Zunbil king defeats an Arab 'Army of Destruction' led by Ubayd Allah b. Abi Bakra, who is forced to offer a large tribute, give hostages including three of his sons and take an oath not to invade Zunbil again. Twenty five thousand of the thirty thousand strong Arab army killed. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (7th century):
815 CE
Abbasid Caliphate
Defeat of the Turk Shahis by the Arab Abbasid Caliphate. The Turk Shah is forced to convert to Islam and pay an annual tribute. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (9th century):
Flag which can be used to represent the Abbasid Caliphate. Note that the concept of rectangular national flags did not exist during Abbasid times, but black was the dynastic color of the Abbasids (just as green was the dynastic color of the Fatimids, etc.), and the "black banner" of the Abbasids is famous in Islamic history. By Ec.Domnowall - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33988856
850 CE
Hindu Shahi
Overthrow of the unpopular Turk Shah Lagaturman by his minister Kallar and establishment of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (9th century):
964 CE
Jayapala
Jayapala of the Hindu Shahi dynasty conducts a number of invasions of Ghazni, the capital city of the Ghaznavids. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (10th century):
Mahmud of Ghazni first success. From Hutchinson's story of the nations, containing the Egyptians, the Chinese, India, the Babylonian nation, the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, the Phrygians, the Lydians, and other nations of Asia Minor. By Margaret Dovaston - Internet Archive identifier: hutchinsonsstory00londuoft, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20046503
Nov 27, 1001 CE
Mahmud of Ghazni
Mahmud of Ghazni's army defeats the Hindu Shahi army of Jayapala in the Battle of Peshawar (1001) Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (11th century):
Mahmud of Ghazni, Ghaznavid ruler, conquering Qasdar (modern Khuzdar) in India, miniature from the Jamiʿ al-Tawarikh of Rashid al-Din Il-Khanid Tabriz Ms Or 20 f.108v By 1314-15 - [1] Mahmud ibn Sebuktegin, Ghaznavid ruler, conquering Qasdar (modern Khuzdar) in India, miniature from the Jamiʿ al-Tawarikh of Rashid al-Din Il-Khanid Tabriz Ms Or 20 f.108v, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181049706
1219 CE
Mongol conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire
Mongol invasion of Afghanistan as part of the Mongol conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire, resulting in thousands killed in the cities of Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (13th century):
Traveling by helicopter enables us to see the beauty of Kandahar province from the air. (USACE Photo by Karla Marshall) By Karla Marshall - https://www.flickr.com/photos/usace-tas/8712299609/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26217100
1221 CE
Khwarazmian dynasty
In pursuit of the fleeing Khwarazmian king Jalal al-Din Mangburni, Genghis Khan massacres the entire population of Bamiyan after his favorite grandson Mutukan is killed in the Siege of Bamyan, but leaves the Buddhas of Bamiyan unharmed. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (13th century):
Coronation of Il-Arslan. This painting is from the book Jami' al-Tawarikh (literally "Compendium of Chronicles" but often referred to as The Universal History or History of the World), by Rashid al-Din, published in Tabriz, Persia, 1307 A.D. By Rashid Al-Din - Jami al-Tawarikh ("The Compendium of Chronicles" or "The Universal History") link, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59116821
1259 CE
Division of the Mongol Empire
Division of the Mongol Empire after Genghis's death. Afghanistan become part of the Chagatai Khanate. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (13th century):
Taizu, better known as Genghis Khan. By Unknown author - Digitized by National Palace Museum; file is directly from Shuge, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4126191
1383 CE
Timur
Invasion of Afghanistan by Timur, leader of neighboring Transoxiana (roughly modern-day Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and adjacent areas), becomes a part of the Timurid Empire. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (14th century):
File:Amir Timur (9333672292).jpg "Timur was a typical Mongoloid. His grandsons Ulugh-Beg and Mohammed Sultan were "hybrids" and in type closely ressembled the present-day town-dwelling Uzbeks. The sons Shah-Rukh and Miran-Shah possessed unmistakable features of a Tadjik type (Europoid of central Asia). Despite all these differences, aal five of these men belonged through blood-relationship to one family. This fact is undoubted." in Gerasimov, M. M. (Mikhail Mikhaĭlovich) (1971) The face finder, Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott, p. 116 By user:shakko - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9494028
1504 CE
Babur
Babur, deposed ruler of Fergana and Samarkand captures Kabul (Siege of Kabul (1504)). Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (16th century):
Humayun and Babur (Late Shah Jahan Album) "Babur and Humayun with Courtiers, from the Late Shah Jahan Album" (Babur detail); India; ca. 1640; Opaque watercolor and gold on paper mounted on board; H x W (overall): 37 x 25.3 cm (14 9/16 x 9 15/16 in); Purchase--Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds, Smithsonian Collections Acquisition Program, and Dr. Arthur M. Sackler.Smithsonian "Babur and Humayun with Courtiers, from the Late Shah Jahan Album" The first Mughal emperor, Babur, who reigned from 1526 to 1530, is shown seated on the right with his son and successor, Humayun. Such posthumous family portraits were painted to recall the glory of the first Mughal emperors and to assert a ruler's direct line of succession to the throne from Babur. In this case, the patron of the painting is Babur's great-great-grandson Shahjahan." Smithsonian (in English) (12 September 2017) Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond, Bloomsbury Publishing USA ISBN: 978-1-63557-077-9. (in English) (2005) The Turks in World History, Oxford University Press, USA, p. 131 ISBN: 978-0-19-517726-8. (in English) (1995) The Vision of Kings: Art and Experience in India, National Gallery of Australia, p. 137 ISBN: 978-0-642-13039-6. Writing My Truth: The Mughal Emperor Babur. National Museum of Asian Art. By c.1650 - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157043422
Apr 21, 1709 CE
Mirwais Hotak
Mirwais Hotak, an influential Afghan tribal chief, gained independence at Kandahar after a successful revolution against the Persian Safavid dynasty. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
Map of the Afghan people in the world. (The map includes Afghans of any ancestry, ethnicity or citizenship) Afghanistan + 1,000,000 + 100,000 + 10,000 + 1,000 By Allice Hunter - Empty map: File:World map (Miller cylindrical projection, blank).svg Sources about ancestry available on the page: Afghan diaspora on the English Wikipedia Number of Afghans living abroad per country: NW, 1615 L. St. Global Migration Map: Origins and Destinations, 1990-2017 (American English). Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project. Retrieved on 2021-08-10. In China: According to The Diplomat In Irland: According to the Irish Times, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108374758
1709 CE
The Persian government sent two large
The Persian government sent two large armies to regain Kandahar Province but suffered defeat by the Afghans. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
Nov 1, 1715 CE
Abdul Aziz Hotak
Mirwais died of a natural cause and his brother Abdul Aziz inherited the throne until he was killed by Mahmud Hotaki, son of Mirwais. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
سکه ده شاهی محمود هوتکی By M.samei - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85465968
1722 CE
Battle of Gulnabad
Battle of Gulnabad: Led by Mahmud, the Afghan army captured the Safavid capital of Isfahan and Mahmad was declared Shah of Persia. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
A diagram of the 1722 Battle of Gulnabad, based on the descriptions of the Battle by Michael Axworthy and Laurence Lockhart By Kailanmapper - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107130380
Apr 22, 1725 CE
Ashraf Hotaki
Mahmud was murdered by his cousin Ashraf, son of Abdul Aziz, and succeeded him as Shah of Persia. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
سکه ضرب شده توسط اشرف شاه هوتکی که بعدها به اشرفی معروف شد By Ashrafi coin of Ashraf Hotak - https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=3374&lot=1331, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112252911
Sep 29, 1729 CE
Battle of Damghan
Battle of Damghan: Afsharid forces led by Nader Shah defeated Ashraf and his forces. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
جنگ نادر با اشرف افغان در مهماندوست (نبرد دامغان (۱۷۲۹)) By نامشخص. احتمالاً محمد علی بیک نقاشباشی یا علی بن محمد زمان یا علی اشرف. - نسخهٔ خطی جهانگشای نادری از مجموعهٔ ادیب برومند (اندازهٔ کتاب: ۳۵×۲۲ سانتیمتر). این اثر در کتابی به مشخصات زیر منتشر شده است:استرآبادی، محمدمهدی. تاریخ جهانگشای نادری: نسخه خطی مصور متعلق به ۱۱۷۱ ه. ق. با مقدمهٔ عبدالعلی ادیب برومند. خوشنویسی نستعلیق عباس اخوین. تهران: سروش (انتشارات صدا و سیما)؛ نگار، ۱۳۷۰., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97289209
1738 CE
Kandahar
Nader invaded and destroyed Kandahar, and restored the Abdali ethnic Pashtus to political prominence. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
Traveling by helicopter enables us to see the beauty of Kandahar province from the air. (USACE Photo by Karla Marshall) By Karla Marshall - https://www.flickr.com/photos/usace-tas/8712299609/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26217100
Jun 19, 1747 CE
Ahmad Shah Durrani
Ahmad Shah Durrani of the Abdali Pashtun confederacy declared the establishment of an independent Afghanistan, with its capital at Kandahar. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (18th century):
Cropped image of Ahmad Shah Durrani's Mughal miniature By Unknown author - http://expositions.bnf.fr/inde/grand/exp_037.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=182124511
1809 CE
Durrani
Durrani signed a treaty of alliance with the United Kingdom. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Figure 1. "Coronation" of Ahmad Khan Abdali. Translation of captions at top: No. 6. Drawing by Breshna, the famous contemporary Afghan artist. Sher-e Sorkh: The cluster of wheat is being placed on Ahmad Shah's turban. Since Saber Shah was a Sufi, he was respected by all leaders. Thus, Ahmad Khan was declared king of Afghanistan and the National Jerga of Sher-e Sorkh was adjourned after it accomplished an important historical task. Ahmad Khan left the Jerga as the king, wearing a gold-colored crown made of a cluster of wheat. This historic natural crown was placed on the corner of Ahmad Khan’s hat by Saber Shah. Ghobar’s text is accompanied by a colorful drawing by ’Abd al-Ghafur Breshna, a member of the royal lineage and a charter member of the Anjuman-e Adabi. This version of the accession of Ahmad Khan to the kingship of Afghanistan was included in many government cultural productions including the history textbook written by M. Osman Sedqi for grade 12 of Afghan high schools.(93) The Persian language textbook was first published in 1949 and was in use, at least through 1954, when I graduated from Ghazi High School. Sedqi was a member of Anjuman-e Tarikh (Persian: Historical Society), one of two successors. By Ustad Abdul Ghafur Breshna - 1943 book Ahmad Shah Baba-ye Afghan by Mir Gholam Mohammad Ghobar, facing page 90. http://zeroanthropology.net/all-posts/m-jamil-hanifi-editing-the-past-colonial-production-of-hegemony-through-the-loya-jerga-in-afghanistan/ http://www.freewebs.com/tawabwahab/apps/photos/photo?photoid=55306147, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20065764
Jul 1, 1819 CE
Battle of Shopian
Battle of Shopian: Sikh Khalsa Army of Ranjit Singh defeated the Durrani force led by governor Jabbar Khan, annexing Kashmir into the Sikh Empire. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Closeup of the central sun motif on one side of the battle standards, Lichfield catherdral, Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK By Unknown author - Kapany Collection, Asian Arts Museum SF, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50400355
1823 CE
Dost Mohammad Khan
Dost Mohammad Khan took the throne in Kabul, where he proclaimed himself emir. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
01. Amir Dost Mohammed Khan Dost Mohammed Khan (1793-1863), a member of the Barakzai dynasty, was Amir of Afghanistan from 1826 to 1863. (NAM 1964-08-44) By British Company artist - [1] - The Road To Kabul: British armies in Afghanistan, 1839-1919, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20886465
Nov 1, 1837 CE
Siege of Herat
Siege of Herat: A Persian force attempts to capture Herat but are defeated and leave in 1838. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
A PAIR OF QAJAR LACQUER BOOK COVERS ATTRIBUTABLE TO MUHAMMAD ISMA'IL, QAJAR IRAN, CIRCA 1865 Each of rectangular form with a detailed depiction of the preparation of the siege of Herat populated by numerous soldiers, the second depicting the taking of Turkman prisoners following a victorious battle along the frontier, the scene identified in two small inscriptions at the top in nasta'liq, narrow floral meander borders, the reverse of each with gold medallion on red ground Each 13 3/8 x 8½in. (34 x 21.5cm.) Major-General Sir Robert J. Murdock Smith (1835-1900), from whose collection these boards come, spent over 20 years in Iran as the director of the Persian Telegraph Company in Tehran. During that time he built up a significant collection. In 1873 Smith was engaged by the South Kensington Museum to purchase works of art on their behalf. He remained in that role until 1885, providing what later became the Victoria and Albert Museum with the foundation of their collection of Iranian art. Notably Smith secured for the museum the purchase of the collection of Frenchman Jules Richard (1816-91), which was subsequently the subject of a major exhibition in 1876, for which Smith also wrote the accompanying guide. Muhammad Isma'il was the most notable follower of Najaf 'Ali. The two artists had probably a master - pupil relationship and it has ever been suggested that Muhammad Isma'il was Najaf 'Ali's brother. Muhammad Isma'il recorded works are dated between AH 1256/1840-41 AD and AH 1288/1871-72 AD. He received the title naqqashbashi 'chief painter', from Nasir al-Din Shah in around AH 1275/1858-59 AD. A penbox signed by Muhammad Isma’il of similar period to these book covers was sold in these Rooms, 6 October 2009, lot 151. Muhammad Isma’il was noted for his accomplished depictions of battle scenes. A closely related depiction of both battle scenes depicted on our book covers can be found on a casket in the Historical Museum of Bern signed by Muhammad Isma’il and dated AH 1282/1865 AD (Toby Falk (ed.), Treasures of Islam, Geneva 1985, no.162, p.183). Toby Falk described the comparable casket as, ‘perhaps the most spectacular piece of Persian lacquer in existence’, and suggests that it was probably commissioned by Mirza Muhammad Khan Qajar to celebrate his victories. Our book binding appears to depict moments of both events which slightly precede the narrative shown on the Bern casket, for instance preparations for the siege at Herat where the casket follows with the actual battle. It is therefore highly likely that our bindings and the casket in Bern were part of the same commission. By Attributed to Muhammad Isma'il - https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5985301, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114398088
Mar 1, 1839 CE
First Anglo-Afghan War
First Anglo-Afghan War: A British expeditionary force captured Quetta. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
From the UK National Army Museum: https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1971-02-33-480-4 "Lithograph from a volume of 14 coloured lithographs 'The Storming of Ghuznee and Kelat' by W Taylor after Lieutenant Thomas Wingate, 2nd Queen's Royal Regiment, 1839 (c). After forcing the Bolan Pass and capturing Kandahar without a fight, Sir John Keane's Army of the Indus advanced on the formidable Ghazni fortress. Protected by thick, 60-feet high walls it presented a major problem for the British who lacked heavy artillery. They were only able to capture it because Mohan Lal, a Kashmiri interpreter, spy and assistant to the political officer Captain Sir Alexander Burnes, managed to discover that one of the gates was poorly defended." By W Taylor - https://collection.nam.ac.uk/images/960/1016000-1016999/1016321.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106897135
Nov 1, 1841 CE
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
First Anglo-Afghan War: A mob killed the British envoy to Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Flag of the United Kingdom, Union Jack or Union Flag in a 1:2 ratio (typical on British warships and also the rank flag of an admiral of the fleet). By Original: Acts of Union 1800 Vector: Zscout370 - Own work based on: United Kingdom at Flag of the World United Kingdom Flag at the Flag Institute, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=347935
Jan 1, 1842 CE
Massacre of Elphinstone's army
Massacre of Elphinstone's army: A retreating British With mostly Indian regiment force of sixteen thousand was massacred by the Afghans. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Painting : The Last Stand of the 44th Regiment at Gundamuck, 1842. By William Barnes Wollen - https://www.britishbattles.com/first-afghan-war/battle-of-kabul-and-the-retreat-to-gandamak/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4324548
1857 CE
ajar dynasty
Afghanistan declared war on Persia. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Jan 1, 1878 CE
Second Anglo-Afghan War
Second Anglo-Afghan War: Afghanistan refused a British diplomatic mission, provoking a second Anglo-Afghan war. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
A painting from the Second Anglo-Afghan War depicting the Battle of Kabul By Richard Caton Woodville, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=179551679
May 1, 1879 CE
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Second Anglo-Afghan War: To prevent British occupation of a large part of the country, the Afghan government ceded much power to the United Kingdom in the Treaty of Gandamak. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Flag of the United Kingdom, Union Jack or Union Flag in a 1:2 ratio (typical on British warships and also the rank flag of an admiral of the fleet). By Original: Acts of Union 1800 Vector: Zscout370 - Own work based on: United Kingdom at Flag of the World United Kingdom Flag at the Flag Institute, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=347935
Jul 22, 1880 CE
Abdur Rahman Khan
Abdur Rahman Khan was officially recognized as emir of Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Abdur Rahman Khan, King of Afghanistan from 1880 to 1901 By Frank A. Martin - https://www.wdl.org/en/item/17697/ https://www.wdl.org/en/item/17697/view/1/161/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78811821
Nov 12, 1893 CE
Abdur Rahman Khan
Abdur Rahman and British Raj representative Mortimer Durand signed an agreement establishing the Durand Line. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (19th century):
Abdur Rahman Khan, King of Afghanistan from 1880 to 1901 By Frank A. Martin - https://www.wdl.org/en/item/17697/ https://www.wdl.org/en/item/17697/view/1/161/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78811821
Oct 1, 1901 CE
Habibullah Khan
Habibullah Khan, son of Abdur Rahman, became emir of Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Habibullah Khan was the Emir of Afghanistan from 1901 until his assassination in 1919. He was born in Tashkent, the eldest son of the Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, whom he succeeded by right of primogeniture in October 1901. By Unknown author - Image copied from en.wikipedia.org, uploaded by Hadi1121, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1360724
Feb 20, 1919 CE
Habibullah Khan
Habibullah was assassinated. His son Amanullah Khan declared himself King of Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Habibullah Khan was the Emir of Afghanistan from 1901 until his assassination in 1919. He was born in Tashkent, the eldest son of the Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, whom he succeeded by right of primogeniture in October 1901. By Unknown author - Image copied from en.wikipedia.org, uploaded by Hadi1121, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1360724
1922 CE
Solar Hijri calendar
Solar Hijri calendar officially adopted in Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Iranian calendar By I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: - Ebrahim, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113712121
Jan 1, 1929 CE
Amanullah Khan
Amanullah was forced to abdicate in favor of Habibullāh Kalakāni in the face of a popular uprising. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
King Amanullah Khan of Afghanistan By Unknown author - http://www.britannica.com/bps/image/7798/70739/Amanollah-Khan-of-Afghanistan, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9662431
Nov 8, 1933 CE
Mohammad Nadir Shah
Nadir was assassinated. His son, Mohammad Zahir Shah, was proclaimed King. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Mohammed Nadir Khan, King of Afganistan (b.1880-d.1933) By Unknown author - http://www.stichting-san.nl/index.php?page=6, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21101399
Oct 1, 1964 CE
1964 Constitution of Afghanistan
A new constitution was ratified which instituted a democratic legislature. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Stamp By Post of Afghanistan - https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/413461-Proclamation_of_the_New_Constitution-Afghanistan, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98395018
Jan 1, 1965 CE
Marxism
The Marxist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) held its first congress. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Emblem of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan By Falerístico - Own work based on: Flag of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan.svg, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13334594
Jul 17, 1973 CE
Mohammad Daoud Khan
Mohammad Daoud Khan declares himself President in a coup against the king, Mohammad Zahir Shah. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Портрет Президента Афганистана Мухаммеда Дауда (1977—1978). By Unknown authorUnknown author / Government of Afghanistan; processing by Roman Kubanskiy - GettyImages Published anonymously in The Kabul Times (Kabul, Afghanistan) on 22 August 1973, Vol. 12, № 125 Also this portrait was used in the official funeral in 2009., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=176599451
Apr 27, 1978 CE
Saur Revolution
Saur Revolution: Military units loyal to the PDPA assaulted the Afghan Presidential Palace, killing President Mohammad Daoud Khan and his family. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Day after Saur revolution in Kabul By Cleric77 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3609170
Sep 14, 1979 CE
Nur Muhammad Taraki
Taraki was murdered by supporters of Prime Minister Hafizullah Amin. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Retrato de Nur Muhammad Taraki. By Associated Press - Publicado en el Diario "El Litoral" el 17 de septiembre de 1979. Fotografía: 1978-1979. Full image, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92463831
Apr 14, 1988 CE
Soviet Union
Soviet–Afghan War: The Soviet government signed the Geneva Accords, which included a timetable for withdrawing their armed forces. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Feb 15, 1989 CE
Soviet Union
Soviet–Afghan War: The last Soviet troops left the country. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Apr 24, 1992 CE
Afghan Civil War
Afghan Civil War (1989–1992): Afghan political parties signed the Peshawar Accord which created the Islamic State of Afghanistan and proclaimed Sibghatullah Mojaddedi its interim President. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Aug 1, 1994 CE
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
The Taliban government began to form in a small village between Lashkargah and Kandahar. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Traveling by helicopter enables us to see the beauty of Kandahar province from the air. (USACE Photo by Karla Marshall) By Karla Marshall - https://www.flickr.com/photos/usace-tas/8712299609/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26217100
Jan 1, 1995 CE
Pakistan
The Taliban, with Pakistani support, initiated a military campaign against the Islamic State of Afghanistan and its capital Kabul. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Kabul, Afghanistan view By Weaveravel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109285675
Sep 26, 1996 CE
Afghan Civil War
Afghan Civil War (1996–2001): The forces of the Islamic State retreated to northern Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Aug 1, 1998 CE
Taliban
Afghan Civil War (1996–2001): The Taliban captured Mazar-i-Sharif, forcing Abdul Rashid Dostum into exile. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (20th century):
Nowruz or Newruz (meaning "New Day" of the Persian New year) celebration in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan. By Peretz Partensky from San Francisco, USA - Mosque Grounds, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70694735
Mar 2, 2001 CE
Buddhas of Bamiyan
Destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan by the Taliban with dynamite, on orders from its leader Mullah Omar. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Taller Buddha of Bamiyan By James Gordon - farsnews, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70963205
Jul 1, 2002 CE
2002 loya jirga
2002 loya jirga: Hamid Karzai appointed as President of the Afghan Transitional Administration in Kabul, Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Chairman Hamid Karzai surrounded by supporters after his victory in balloting at the Loya Jirga, or Grand Council. He won the most votes of the 1500-member council, and will be Afghanistan's president for up to two years. By Unknown author - U.S. Department of State, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3831002
Dec 14, 2003 CE
2003 loya jirga
2003 loya jirga: A 502-delegate loya jirga was held to consider a new Afghan constitution. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Oct 9, 2004 CE
Hamid Karzai
Hamid Karzai was elected President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan after winning the Afghan presidential election. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Afghan President Hamid Karzai listens as United States President Barack Obama speaks during the Enduring Strategic Partnership Agreement signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan on 2 May 2012. By Pete Souza - White House Flickr account, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=186035638
2005 CE
Taliban insurgency
Taliban insurgency: An insurgency began after a Pakistani decision to station around 80,000 soldiers next to the porous Durand Line border with Afghanistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Map of the 2021 Taliban-led offensive in Afghanistan after the announcement of the United States' withdrawal. All credit goes to Islamic World News' work (https://english.iswnews.com). By Rr016 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107875810
Mar 1, 2006 CE
George W. Bush
Bush and wife visited Afghanistan to inaugurate the renovated Embassy of the United States in Kabul. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Official photograph portrait of U.S. President George W. Bush. By Eric Draper - This image was released by the United States Department of Defense with the ID 030114-O-0000D-001_screen (next). This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing. العربية ∙ বাংলা ∙ Bahaso Jambi ∙ Deutsch ∙ Deutsch (Sie-Form) ∙ English ∙ español ∙ euskara ∙ فارسی ∙ français ∙ italiano ∙ 日本語 ∙ 한국어 ∙ македонски ∙ മലയാളം ∙ Plattdüütsch ∙ Nederlands ∙ polski ∙ پښتو ∙ português ∙ русский ∙ slovenščina ∙ svenska ∙ Türkçe ∙ українська ∙ 简体中文 ∙ 繁體中文 ∙ +/−, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=187133686
May 13, 2007 CE
Afghanistan–Pakistan border skirmishes
Afghanistan–Pakistan border skirmishes: Skirmishes began with Pakistan. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Afghanistan-Pakistan border in red By Weaveravel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107817927
2010 CE
Barack Obama
U.S. President Barack Obama sent additional 33,000 U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan, with the total international troops reaching 150,000. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
U.S. President Barack Obama's official photograph in the Oval Office on December 6, 2012. By Official White House Photo by Pete Souza - P120612PS-0463 (direct link)Official White House page direct link), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23956389
2011 CE
death of Osama bin Laden
After the death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, many high-profile Afghan officials were assassinated, including among them were Mohammed Daud Daud, Ahmed Wali Karzai, Jan Mohammad Khan, Ghulam Haider Hamidi, and Burhanuddin Rabbani. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Osama bin Laden Compound By Sajjad Ali Qureshi - Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15178292
Dec 31, 2016 CE
Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan
United States troops withdraw from Afghanistan after 15 years. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
Command Sergeant Major, Delbert D. Byers, salutes during the presentation of the Resolute Support Colors at the Change of Mission Ceremony in Kabul. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Change of Mission Ceremony from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to Resolute Support Mission was held, Dec. 28, 2014, in Kabul, Afghanistan. By Photo courtesy ISAF - http://www.army.mil/article/140565/Operation_Enduring_Freedom_comes_to_an_end/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37678946
Feb 29, 2020 CE
United States–Taliban deal
U.S. signs peace agreement with Taliban, committing the U.S. to a drawdown of troops and conditional full withdrawal by 1 May 2021. The agreement further required the Afghan government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 Afghan soldiers held by the Taliban. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
US representative Zalmay Khalilzad (left) and Taliban representative Abdul Ghani Baradar (right) sign the agreement in Doha, Qatar on February 29, 2020. [State Department photo by Ron Przysucha/ Public Domain] By U.S. Department of State from United States - Secretary Pompeo Participates in a Signing Ceremony in Doha, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87607524
Jan 15, 2021 CE
first presidency of Donald Trump
U.S. completes the final Afghanistan troop drawdown of the first Trump administration, reducing the U.S. troop level to 2,500. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
President Donald Trump poses for his official portrait at The White House, in Washington, D.C., on Friday, October 6, 2017. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) By Shealeah Craighead - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ppbd.00608.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63768460
Oct 1, 2023 CE
expulsion of Afghans from Pakistan
Pakistani government ordered the expulsion of Afghans from Pakistan. Iran also decided to deport Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan a few months later. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Afghan history" (21st century):
This map is designed to clearly show geographically the Soviet troops that entered Afghanistan from the north, and the refugees (orange arrows) that flew from within to other countries. The wider arrows approximately showcase higher numbers of refugees to the specific destination. Source: Amstutz, J. Bruce (1994) , Diane Publishing ISBN: 978-0-7881-1111-2. OCLC: 948347893. As at 1984, 3.2 million Afghanese refugees were in Pakistan, 1.8 million in Iran, 40,000 in India, and a total of 30,000 elsewhere in the world (represented on the map by a globe). By Weaveravel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113307036
![US representative Zalmay Khalilzad (left) and Taliban representative Abdul Ghani Baradar (right) sign the agreement in Doha, Qatar on February 29, 2020. [State Department photo by Ron Przysucha/ Public Domain]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Secretary_Pompeo_Participates_in_a_Signing_Ceremony_in_Doha_%2849601220548%29.jpg/500px-Secretary_Pompeo_Participates_in_a_Signing_Ceremony_in_Doha_%2849601220548%29.jpg)
