Nobody knows just when a board game titled “Safe Travel through Afghanistan” was invented. Most likely, it was some time in the 60s or 70s, when it was safe to travel in Afghanistan.  Not earlier, given the presence of the Ariana Boeing 727 in the center of the image. Nevertheless, here it is, reproduced in the form of a carpet, probably made in the last few years.

Perhaps it was some mad spirit of ironic optimism that caused this to be transformed into a furry picture?  Or some lost-in-translation lack of understanding of the contemporary implications of the original graphic? Whatever, it certainly confuses one’s understanding of the emblematic use of the map of Afghanistan in all its other different political contexts. No matter what was its makers’ intent, iconophilia here shares it with you (wherever you may be) in our well-intentioned and peaceful tradition of greetings for the festive season…

(and thanks to Rob Little for the photograph).

Our translation of the Arabic texts above does not substantiate the claim made in the subtext on this page. The words on the atlas are the names of countries and oceans.  The text above the map on the left wall reads: “What do my enemies do to me, I, [with] my paradise and my orchard…” And above the map on the left the text appears to read: “The Crusaders’ occupation [and the] Muslim’s initiatives”

The former quote would seem to be a version of a text attributed to Ibn Taymiyyah: “What can my enemies do to me? My paradise and garden are in my chest, and do not leave me. My imprisonment is seclusion with Allah, and my death is martyrdom, and my expulsion is tourism.” While it is said that the thoughts of Ibn Taymiyyah have been influential on contemporary fundamentalist thought in Islam, such as Wahhabism and Salafism, the murals above could hardly be seen as targeting instructions…

And Boetti? Clearly, this Mappa has nothing to do with Alighiero Boetti, but it’s a provocative thought, given the claims of contemporary writers to his influence on other aspects of Afghan culture. Relax, we won’t be claiming a connection to al-Qaeda. On the other hand, it is of interest to see how atlas images circulate within Afghanistan.

(This page is from John F. Burns and Ian Fisher (Photographs by Tyler Hicks) Histories are Mirrors: The Path of Conflict through Afghanistan and Iraq. Umbrage Editions, New York.)

…such signs of modernity abound at the University of Nebraska Omaha Library, in the Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection. The design for this postage stamp was by Victor Vasarely.

This work is by Simon Gende who is a painter who lives and works in Goroka in the PNG highlands.  Tony Oates writes: There are several fascinating things about the work – firstly it is initially quite difficult to read if the artist is pro America or pro terrorist, as the planes causing the destruction feature local tribal highland groups as well as US flag designs.  From my conversions with Simon at the time and looking into his other works, plus the influence of his teacher Mathias Kauage, the painting does not really takes sides but just meant to document the event. So the inclusion of the highlander clans within the planes is pretty much just the way that he has always drawn planes, car or boats (a Kauage-esque style of motif).  Secondly, the airplane itself resonates strongly with the highlanders own history and symbolises how their society has changed so drastically in 60 odd years – their introduction to western civilisation and all contact with the outside world has been through airplanes (no easy road to Port Moresby!). Simon’s other work is often about history of the area and examining social and global issues – there is a real social conscience – you can find a few more of his things on my friend’s website – the other guy worth looking at on this site is Ratoos – some wild paintings (of varying quality)!

The details of the work are as follows: Simon Gende, Long 11-9-2001 tupela balus I bumpim twin tower long U.S.A, 2006
(acrylic on calico) 73 x 113 cm Collection: Tony Oates and Kerryn Wagg