Usurpation, excavation of historic site Hazarsum thwarted

AIBAK (Pajhwok): The usurpation and excavation of the ancient and historical site of Hazarsum in the village of Kokjar, Hazrat Sultan district of northern Samangan province, has been completely prevented and the site would be preserved as part of the country's cultural heritage, an official said on Tuesday.

According to archaeologists, Hazarasum, which dates back thousands of years, covers 335 hectares of land and included hundreds of caves and "Samoj" that were once inhabited by humans. The area is considered one of the most important cultural and historical heritage sites in Samangan.

Information and Cultural Affairs Department Director Mawlavi Ferozuddin Munib told Pajhwok Afghan News A few days ago, some people attempted to encroach and excavate the ancient site of Kokjar, which covers 335 hectares of land.

He added: “Therefore, we traveled to the Kokjar area of ​​Hazrat Sultan district and stopped those who were engaged in digging, we also spoke to those who were planning to usurp the land and informed them that this land belongs to the government and the nation and no one has the right to usurp it or build on it.”

He said that everyone has been warned that if such an act repeated again, they would be brought to justice, some areas were usurped in the past and residential houses were built there, but after the Islamic Emirate came into power, no place was usurped and the area has been completely preserved.

Munib emphasized that about 40 to 45 houses were built in this area in the past and excavation work was also carried out at the same time, but currently this area is fully protected.

He called on the people to cooperate in preserving this historical and ancient land and to fulfill their responsibility towards this national heritage properly.

Samangan cultural figures hoped that the Hezarsum historical site would be preserved as one of Afghanistan’s cultural treasures and will remain for future generations.

These efforts could also help develop tourism and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage,

Mohammad Alam Nawabi, head of the Samangan Poets and Writers Association, also stressed the importance of preserving Hezarsum, saying that these works represent part of the nation’s identity and history.

Its preservation could help attract tourists and boost the tourism industry, and be an important source of income for local and national communities.

nh