From the archive record
This archival footage documents Bala Hissar, an ancient fortress located in the southern part of the old city of Kabul, Afghanistan. Believed to date back to around the 5th century AD, Bala Hissar has stood as a strategic and symbolic stronghold through centuries of Afghan history, witnessing empires, invasions, and political change. The visuals show the fortress rising above a dry, barren Afghan landscape, emphasizing the harsh terrain in which Kabul developed. Surrounding the fort, we see clusters of modest houses built close to the hillside, reflecting how civilian life evolved around this historic structure. Locals can be seen walking along roads and past homes, offering a quiet glimpse into everyday life near one of Afghanistan’s most historically significant landmarks. The contrast b