Dr Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, director TRC, and H.E. The Honorary Afghan Consul in Rotterdam, Mr Ehsan Turabaz, conducting the opening of the exhibition Well-Dressed AfghanistanMen and women’s clothing from Afghanistan
A New Exhibition in the TRC Gallery: 8th November 2010 – 23rd March 2011
For hundreds of years Afghan-istan has been at the cross-roads of Asia, India and the West. During all that time, the country changed its name many times, but one thing that did not change is the love the Afghan people have for colourful clothing, jewellery and embroidery.
The materials, designs and colours used by the Afghans for their clothing reflect the central and strategic location of their country. This aspect is found among all the people. The main ethnic groups in Afghanistan are the Baluch, Hazaras, Nuristani’s, Pashtuns, Tajiks, Turkmens and Uzbeks. Each group has its own special way of living and its own history and background, which are reflected in their traditional dress. Some of these garments are relatively plain, others are decorated with woven, dyed and embroidered patterns in bright colours. Some garments are made of silk, others of heavy felt reflecting how cold the temperature can be at night in the mountains.
TRC Gallery, Hogewoerd 164, Leiden. Opening times: Monday to Wednesday, from 10.00 until 16.00, other days by appointment.
Afghan girl in traditional clothing. Photograph: Hans Stakelbeek
Although Western styles of clothing are becoming more widespread, the Afghan people are proud of their traditional dress and use it as often as possible, especially for special occasions such as the religious Eid festivals and the New Year celebrations at Nauroz. The exhibition includes over 30 outfits, plus other garments and accessories, for men, women and children. There is also an unusual outfit for buzkashi, the aggressive game of ‘polo’ played by Afghan men on horseback. In addition there will be the opportunity to try on a chadari (burqa`), the famous Afghan veil for women. Also on display will be a series of photographs taken by the Dutch photographer, Hans Stakelbeek, who spent many times in Afghanistan on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The organisation of the exhibition is supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Dr Willem Vogelsang, former curator Southwest and Central Asia of the National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden, and since June 2008 working in Uruzgan, Afghanistan.
The opening of the exhibition, on 5 November 2010, was attended by more than eighty people, including various representatives from the Afghan community in The Netherlands and from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, military and civilian personnel who served in Afghanistan, and many others who are interested in Afghan culture. The official opening was conducted by His Excellency the Honoraray Consul for Afghanistan in Rotterdam, Mr. Ehsan Turabaz. In his speech he stressed the importance of the exhibition in providing a different view of Afghanistan. His words were preceded by short speeches by the director of the TRC, Dr. Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, and her husband, Dr. Willem Vogelsang. After the official opening, all attendees enjoyed a marvellous Afghan dinner. When the meeting was concluded, no food was left.
