ILN 1927, 03 — Visiting Europe: Afghanistan’s King
Three men in European dress, standing in the terrassed gardens of Paghman, in front of the koti sorkh.
This photograph was taken in 1924 by L. Thomas.
From left to right:
1 Sardar Rahmatullah Khan, son of King Amanullah Khan (11.1.1.2.3);
2 Sardar Mohammad Kabir Khan, son of Amir Habibullah Khan (11.1.1.2);
3 Mahmud Beg Tarzi, son of Sardar Ghulam Mhd Khan ‘Tarzi’ (16.3), Afghan Foreign Minister;
4 King Amanullah Khan (1892-1919-1929-1960), son of Amir Habibullah Khan (11.1.1.2)
Three generations: the King of Afghanistan (right); his father-in-law, Mahmud Beg Tarsi; and Prince Mohammed Kabir Khan, one of His Majesty’s brothers, holding one of the king’s sons.
The King of Afghanistan, who is accompanied by his Queen, began his journey to Europe the other day, and he explained the reasons for that journey to a farewell gathering of officials at Kabul. The “Times” reports: “The King said that Afghanistan, in the shadow of freedom, had said good-bye for ever to her stationary position, and had joined the ‘social and living nations of the age.’ In the past eight years he had reformed the internal state of the country, and now wished to acquaint himself with the present mode of living in Europe. Certain customs of that continent were being adopted in Afghanistan, and he wished further to introduce those which he thought desirable.” His Majesty’s itinerary includes Bombay, where it was arranged that there should be a reception by the Viceroy; Egypt; then, probably, Angora [Ankara], where the King will be greeted by Ghazi Mustapha Pasha; Rome, where the King of Italy will be host; Paris; London, where his Majesty will stay as the guest of the King, at Buckingham Palace; possibly some British industrial centres; Brussels; Berlin; and Moscow – with a return journey through Central Asia and, it may be, a visit to north-eastern Persia. King Amanullah Khan – the title of Amir was discarded in 1926 – was born on June [sic!, July] 1, 1892, third son of Amir Habibullah Khan, by his principal wife, Ulya Hazrat, and succeeded, on the assassination of his father, on February 20, 1919.
- L. Thomas (1925): Beyond Khyber Pass, f.p. 212: the same photograph.
- Souvenir d’Afghanistan, SdA 2-40 and SdA 3-033: shows the same balcony.
- Adamec (1975), p. 118-119; (1987), p. 18-19; (1991), p. 28-29; (1996), p. 52-53.
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