MAUSOLEUM OF MASSOUD

The mausoleum, overlooking the river, dominates the entire valley of Panjshir. It is at the top of a hill, above the birthplace of Ahmad Shah Massoud. The Panjshiris want to make it a symbol. Nicknamed the Lion of Panjshir, Massoud was murdered in his Général Bahauddin headquarters by two false journalists in 2001. An enormous green dome was built and its tomb was covered with marble and green flags, the colour of Islam. From here, the view is magnificent across the valley and the river.

On every anniversary of his death on September 9, the Panjshir is besieged by thousands of nostalgic people who go to his tomb. Whole buses are rented for the occasion and the entrance of the valley is blocked by the caps. You are strongly discouraged from visiting the Panjshir that Day… Cars are covered by Massoud portraits and shops mark grief by hanging black flags on storefronts. Official commemorations take place in Kabul on September 9, and the following day in Bazarak.