The lens of a master photographer has captured the unseen beauty of Afghanistan like never before – or so we're told by Daniel Malikyar's stunning new book. Born in the States to Afghan parents who fled just weeks ahead of the Soviet invasion, Malikyar's passion project is more than just a collection of images – it's a love letter to his ancestral homeland.
With cameras in tow, Malikyar has traversed Afghanistan since 2018, immersing himself in provinces and regions that have often been shrouded in mystery. His grasp of the local language, Dari, has opened doors for him with locals, allowing him to get up close and personal – literally – as he photographs children at their eye level to capture a sense of heroism and resilience.
The star-studded image that stands out from the collection is that of Shargha, a young girl calmly milking a yak in the unforgiving but breathtakingly beautiful Pamir Mountains. This rugged region, home to a small band of nomadic Kyrgyz people, is one of the highest inhabited elevations on the planet and remains largely uncharted territory for outsiders.
The candid nature of Malikyar's photographs – often shot in villages where locals are as yet unfamiliar with visitors – yields unposed and authentic portrayals that humanise those living in a country beset by conflict. It's a timely reminder, too, given the tightening restrictions on photography within Afghanistan. The book serves as a vital record of the nation's diverse landscapes and people.
'Afghanistan' is set to be published by teNeues on 4 August 2026 – and it promises to give readers an unprecedented glimpse into this often-misunderstood land. For those with a taste for documentary storytelling and cultural exploration, Malikyar's work will resonate strongly, as will the likes of documentaries available on BBC iPlayer and Channel 4.
A poignant footnote is that Malikyar's mother, who hasn't set foot in Afghanistan since 1979, has been moved to tears by her son's photographs – sparking a desire to revisit the country with him. It just goes to show: sometimes, it takes someone from within to capture the true essence of a place.