A Historical overview of Education in Afghanistan

By: Dr. Najibullah Anwar

Pre-Islamic education in Afghanistan was based on local customs and traditions, including the study of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It was influenced by Vedic religions and, later, the Avesta civilization, until the arrival of Islam. Afghanistan before Islam was a multi-religious society. After Islam entered Afghanistan, Islamic religious education replaced the pre-Islamic religious education. Islamic education in Afghanistan has been central, heavily influenced by the importance of scripture and the study of the Quran and the Sunna.

Early education often began with children learning Arabic and memorizing the Quran at a young age. For the first few centuries of Islam, education primarily took place in informal settings, such as mosques. Later, maktab (elementary schools) were established, where children learned to read and write. These schools taught not only basic literacy but also included social and cultural studies.

During the Middle Ages, Islamic education evolved significantly. It integrated the study of science with religious teachings, making Islam renowned for its holistic approach to education. Institutions such as madrasas offered a diverse curriculum, which often included mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy alongside Quranic and Hadith studies. This integrated approach was influenced by the Islamic Golden Age, during which scholars made significant contributions to science and mathematics.

Formal education was not established at the time of Afghanistan’s founding in 1747. A formal educational institution was introduced during the reign of Amir Sher Ali Khan in 1875. Two notable schools were founded in Kabul: Maktab Harbia, a military academy for training officers, and Maktab-e Khawaniyan (Royalty School) in the Bala Hissar Garrison. However, similar institutions could not be established in other parts of Afghanistan at that time. 

The first modern school with a structured curriculum was founded in Kabul in 1903. Named Habibia, it was established to educate students from across the nation, including the elite.

Education in Afghanistan significantly improved under King Amanullah Khan after he declared the country’s independence. For the first time, he established the Ministry of Education and appointed Prince Abdur Rahman as its minister.

King Amanullah Khan took progressive steps to expand education. In 1924, he opened two boys’ schools: Amani School, which focused on German language instruction, and Amania School, which emphasized French language studies. He also founded Masturad, the first girls’ school, in 1920.

In addition to promoting education for women, he established a women’s theatre in Paghman and the first hospital for women, named Masturad Hospital, in 1924. Furthermore, he sent 15 female graduates from Masturad School and members of the royal court to study in Turkey, marking a significant advancement in women’s education and empowerment in Afghanistan .

Unfortunately, after the demise of King Amanullah, during the nine-month reign of Bacha Saqao (the son of a water carrier), all schools and educational institutions were closed. When Nadir Khan came to power, he reopened the educational institutions and established many new schools and colleges. In 1932, King Nadir Khan founded the Ministry of Education. He also opened the Faculty of Medicine in Kabul in 1932 with the support of a Turkish medical team led by Kamil Rifki Urga . 

In 1932, King Nadir Khan founded Kabul University, initially with only one faculty, the Faculty of Medicine. During the reign of his son, Mohammad Zahir Shah, additional faculties were established. The Faculty of Law and Political Science was introduced in 1936, and the Faculty of History in 1944, among others. Today, Kabul University has 17 faculties.

In 1964, another university, Nangarhar University in Jalalabad, was established, where teaching was conducted in English. In 1969, a polytechnic university was founded in partnership with Russia.

During King Zahir Shah’s era, Kabul University began accepting female students in 1950. Afghanistan’s leducation system was on a promising path toward becoming progressive and modern. However, political challenges hindered its progress. The education system suffered the most significant damage during the periods of the Mujahideen government and the Taliban regime.