The Herat Jihad Museum, located in the heart of Herat province in western Afghanistan, was established in 2010 as a center to understand the country’s history of conflict and resistance. The museum serves as a memorial to the heroes of the Mujahideen who fought against the Soviet forces during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as to the countless Afghan civilians who lost their lives during these turbulent times.
Situated atop a hill in a beautifully landscaped park with colorful gardens and flowing fountains, the museum’s circular building is painted in shades of blue, green, and white. The exterior walls bear the names of war victims, both men and women, while several poems honoring the martyrs adorn the walls, reflecting the deep respect for those who sacrificed their lives.
Inside the museum, visitors encounter exhibitions that include Soviet-era weapons, portraits of over 60 Mujahideen commanders, and dioramas depicting the resistance battles against the occupying forces. One of the museum’s most striking features is a large mural illustrating key events in Afghanistan’s history, including the 1979 uprising against the communist government in Herat.
The museum aims to educate new generations of Afghans, many of whom have limited formal knowledge of their country’s historical struggles. By presenting the human cost and brutality of war through murals, animated visuals, and commemorative inscriptions, the museum offers a vivid, educational, and non-political perspective on Afghanistan’s past conflicts.
The Herat Jihad Museum not only preserves historical artifacts but also stands as a symbol of resistance, sacrifice, and the national identity of the Afghan people. It provides visitors with a profound understanding of the courage and resilience of those who fought to defend their homeland, ensuring that these stories of bravery and hardship remain alive for future generations.
