Panjshir Valley,
Afghanistan

Image Story:


This Panjshiri was tending to his horse, in preparation for the game of bushkassi.


Bushkassi (various spellings) is unique to Afghanistan. There are loose rules and various forms of the game exist, agreed between participants.


Usually 2 teams on horseback battle it out. A sacrificed sheep's carcass is the 'ball in play' and the idea is to get that carcass over the opponents line to win a 'goal', before the next restart.


Here in the valley it can only be played on the valley floor close to the Panjshir River; there are steep, dramatic sides to the valley and there is limited space between.


This morning, the sun eventually rises above the heights of the surrounding mountains providing me with a great opportunity to highlight subjects in good light, against various backgrounds - the history of the place, the mountainous surrounds and the game itself suggest 'drama' and that is what I am trying to capture.


The Panjshiris are a proud warrior-like people rooted firmly in the dramatic and beautiful Panjshir Valley.


Unlike the rest of Afghanistan, they can claim to never have been fully defeated by the many invaders over the centuries from Alexander the Great to the Russians.


During the Soviet Invasion, the Russian forces reportedly carried out no fewer than 9 assaults on the strategic valley, involving aerial bombardment, gunship assaults, armoured assaults (tanks and armoured personnel carriers) and thousands of troops.


As if bearing witness, there remain many rusting wrecks in the valley of Russian tanks, APC's, helicopter transport and gunships, that had been destroyed during the fighting. There are also plenty of splintered tree trunks and entry/exit signs on long standing trees, from fire-fights in the area.


Each Russian military onslaught was limited by unsuitable and predictable tactics. The invaders would be met by resistance from agile, tactically aware, lightly armed fighters who would withdraw into the side valleys and mountains and attack the Russian forces at will with 'hit and run' raids.


Each time the Russians eventually withdrew their heavy military presence, the Panjshiris would regain control of the Valley.


Ultimately, the Russians withdrew altogether from Afghanistan having suffered significant losses.


Being a reasonably isolated community, with a strong sense of purpose and unity, the Panjshiris nurture the environmental health of the Valley, recognising its importance to their survival - clean river water for drinking and for crops.


This Valley is indeed a beautiful and bountiful paradise when compared to most of the country and they guard it fiercely.