Palace of Darul Aman

Kabul, Kabul Province, Afghanistan

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The Palace of Darul Aman is a grand and historic building located about 16km southwest of the center of Kabul, Afghanistan. It sits atop a hill in the Darulaman area and is surrounded by important sites like the National Assembly and the National Museum. The palace's name means “Abode of Peace” and reflects dreams of a modern and peaceful Afghanistan.

This large, three-story palace was constructed in the 1920s during the rule of King Amanullah Khan. The king aimed to modernize Afghanistan, and the palace was intended to be part of a new capital city called Darulaman. The design combines European neoclassical architecture with Afghan touches. German and French architects, led by Walter Harten, oversaw the work. The palace was one of the first buildings in Afghanistan to feature central heating and running water.

Darul Aman Palace has around 150 rooms spread over three floors. The structure is U-shaped, with a semi-circular main hall and marble spiral staircases. The four corners are marked by domed towers, and Corinthian columns decorate part of the building’s facade. The palace sits on an area of more than 1,400 square meters and offers views over a flat, dusty valley.

Throughout its history, the palace has witnessed many dramatic events. After King Amanullah was removed from power in 1929, the palace was left unfinished and unused for a long time. Later, it housed a medical school for Kabul University, then served as the Ministry of Defense. Fires and fighting during coups and wars repeatedly damaged the building. During the Afghan civil war in the 1990s, the palace was badly destroyed, becoming a symbol of the country’s struggles.

In the 2010s, a major restoration project started to bring the palace back to life. Hundreds of engineers and architects, including many women, worked on repairs. The restored palace was reopened to the public in 2019 on the 100th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence. It remains an important symbol of the country’s history, resilience, and desire for peace and progress.