نگرانی از ثبت خط‌های بومی افغانستان به نام کشورهای دیگر

A calligrapher in Herat has been practicing the art of calligraphy for the past 15 years in an effort to preserve and promote Afghanistan’s indigenous scripts and to prevent them from being registered under the names of neighboring countries.

According to this artist, some neighboring and regional countries have made attempts to register Afghanistan’s authentic art forms as their own.

The Nastaliq, Shekasteh Nastaliq, and Niyāyesh scripts originated in Afghanistan, though they are also widely used in some neighboring countries.

Bismillah Faramarz Sarwari, the artist, stated: “During the Timurid era, the artists of this land sparked a renaissance in the East. Mir Ali Heravi perfected the Nastaliq script, and Master Kamaluddin Behzad elevated the arts of illumination and miniature painting to their peak.”

He noted that some countries in the region are seeking to register these Afghan scripts with international organizations under their own names.

Sarwari called for more opportunities for Afghan artists to participate in international exhibitions to promote the country’s authentic art.

Many citizens have also voiced the need to protect and preserve Afghanistan’s cultural heritage.

Basir Ahmad Nadi, a university professor, said: “Countries like Iran and Turkey have registered many art forms that originated in Afghanistan—especially in the culturally rich city of Herat—as their own, even with UNESCO. The reason is that we ourselves have not invested in preserving our arts.”

According to several artists, art within Afghanistan also receives little support.
Many participate in exhibitions with the hope of promoting and selling their creations, but they say their work rarely sells.

Mohammad Ammar Nusratyar, a visitor, said: “More exhibitions should be held so that people can engage more and become familiar with various scripts, the poetry of our elders, and Islamic arts.”

Seyed Masoud Sadat, another visitor, said: “The civilizational and cultural works of Herat must be supported and introduced to the world. The world needs to know that we are not a backward nation—this is a living center of civilization.”

The birthplace of the scripts showcased in these artworks is Herat. These calligraphic styles were born, developed, and perfected in this land. Nastaliq, Shekasteh Nastaliq, and Niyāyesh scripts, while native to Afghanistan, also have many enthusiasts across the region.