The library Centres - what will they Be?
Text Box: “I love Hafiz’ poems. I always read them. They change and inspire me. Music talks to the innermost feelings of a human being. Poetry and music have influence on every one.” Ahmad Shah Massoud   We envision the Library Centres to contribute towards alleviating Afghanistan’s current situation in the areas of culture and education In the ongoing Afghan development effort funded by the international community most projects aim at alleviating the obvious physical and institutional shortcomings of Afghanistan, while there is little effort to alleviate the more intrinsic damages done by the conflicts to the Afghan cultural expression, skills and awareness. Read more The Library Centres are each to feature the following elements: Library with multi media centre Adult / Evening School Cinema / Theatre Stage Commercial Units and Café Ahmad Shah Massoud Museum & Archive Download our information leaflet in PDF here Ahmad Shah Massoud has reached people’s mind inside and outside of Afghanistan as a brilliant military strategist and extraordinary leader during the Soviet Jihad and later during the resistance against the Taliban. A spot in history as Afghan National Hero is guaranteed to him. There was, however, the other side of this man. His true self, his true calling above and beyond his military genius, his obligation and dedication he felt towards his country and the enormous struggle resulting from that. Ahmad Shah Massoud was an educated person. Not only did he receive formal education up to University level until the rising conflicts forced him to abandon his studies, he also had universal interest in most everything. His personal collection of books was to fill a whole room in his new house in Panjshir. His assassination left most of those boxes unpacked! Visitors and friends will testify that he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge in many areas but particularly in science and the arts. He himself incorporated talent for both: He was an engineer by training and, already during his school years, displayed intense interest in the sciences. During that time in Kabul he even created a mathematics club which raised great interest among his peers (find more details about his life here) – He was a strong advocate for education of both genders stating that “men and women are created equal in the eyes of God”. He believed that women should be involved in work, school, medicine, and government - everything that impacted their lives. He was the only member of the Afghan government to sign a women's Bill of Rights. At the same time he was “fou de poesie et de beaute”, as his long time friend and schoolmate Ashmat Froz called him. He and like-minded friends would recite poetry for hours; he owned ornately bound complete volumes of his favourite poets like Hafiz, Mauwlana-e-Balkhi and others. European literature of many kinds interested him just as much. His training in the French language during his youth at the Lycee Istaqlal in Kabul enabled him to read French literature and news publication. Another of his passions was design and architecture, in other words beauty of structures. He designed many buildings in Panjshir personally, not to mention his own house and garden which in summer is overflowing with roses and other flowers. During his short patronage of his new house one could observe him caring for the rose bushes personally. Ahmad Shah Massoud was also first and foremost a man of faith. As a good Muslim he prayed five times a day without fail from young. Yet at the same time “he was moderate. What I want to say is that he was never an extremist, neither in his private nor political life”, as his brother Ahmad Wali testifies As a man seeking God, not the religious form, he was interested in and tolerant towards other religions. Ahmad Wali again: “He believed that a modern moderate Islam could work in Afghanistan. He said that the extreme left or right failed in Afghanistan, since both had neglected the needs of the people. Therefore, we could not govern Afghanistan like any traditional Muslim country.“ A Library in his name is ideally suited to pay respect to "the man behind the legend" and preserve the memory of the man Ahmad Shah Massoud truly was. It will pay tribute to: His passion for literature and knowledge His intellect which carried and supported his momentous struggle of 20 years, His incredible benevolent dedication to his people and country His deep religious faith, the tolerant nature of which should be a shining example to today’s Muslim world and which can only be promoted through education and literacy His values of Education Cultural expression Cultural tolerance and appreciation Women’s rights We envision the Ahmad Shah Massoud Library to be a state of the art institution of reading, learning and cultural exchange throughout Afghanistan. Suggested physical attributes and design of the buildings: A two storey building - if possible with garden and in old Afghan style in an accessible area if unavailable a suitable one will be built from scratch A welcoming atmosphere appropriate to the community, Unless secured via donations, all equipment, furniture and other details will be sourced and manufactured in Afghanistan as much as realistically possible. The entire building will feature wireless internet access. Energy efficiency Environmental friendliness wherever practically possible Adequate lighting, Maximum flexibility in the wiring and outlets to meet the needs of changing technology, A durable roof, water and snow resistant A dependable heating and cooling system that can be maintained and repaired by local businesses The entire building will feature photo displays on Ahmad Shah Massoud.