Ghazni residents urge restoration of historic Nai fort

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Residents of Qarabagh district in southern Ghazni province have urged the authorities to restore the historic Nai Fort, saying that its renovation could attract tourists and generate income for local communities.

Located in a mountainous area of Qarabagh district, west of Ghazni city—the provincial capital—Nai Fort is considered one of the most significant historical monuments from the Ghaznavid era. Despite centuries of erosion, parts of its massive walls still remain standing.

According to locals, the fort once served primarily as a prison during the Ghaznavid period, where prominent individuals were detained.

Shafiq Yari, a resident and writer, described Nai Fort as one of the most famous historical sites and the largest prison of the Ghaznavid era.

He said: “The prison, built atop a mountain during the Ghaznavid period, was the largest of its kind. It was constructed so high and strong that entering it was almost impossible. The remaining half-ruined walls today still show how solid and well-built this historic structure was.”

Yari called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to reconstruct and preserve the fort as part of efforts to safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage.

Another resident, Ghulam Hussain, said restoring the fort could help attract both domestic and foreign tourists and create economic opportunities for local people.

“If the government repairs and protects this monument, it could become a source of pride and livelihood for the community,” he added.

Similarly, Haji Mohammad, another elder from the area, emphasized the fort’s historical significance and urged the government to prioritize its preservation.

Meanwhile, Mullah Hamidullah Nisar, Director of Information and Culture in Ghazni, told Pajhwok Afghan News that efforts were underway to register important historical sites in the province that have not yet been officially recognized as heritage monuments, including Nai Fort.

He said: “We have shared both written and verbal proposals with the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) to ensure this site receives proper attention in the future.”

Ghazni was declared the Capital of Islamic Civilization by UNESCO in 2013, during which several historical sites were restored. However, many of these monuments have since deteriorated once again due to neglect and lack of maintenance.

kk/sa