Rug
| Object Name: | Rug |
|---|---|
| Place Made: | Asia: Central Asia, Afghanistan |
| Period: | Late 20th century |
| Date: | 1980 - 1990 |
| Dimensions: | L 148 cm x W 93 cm |
| Materials: | Wool |
| Techniques: | Knotted pile; plain woven; fringed |
| ID Number: | T2008.1.66 |
| Credit: | Gift of Max Allen |
From Wikipedia: “Amanullah Khan's reforms were heavily influenced by Europe. This came through the influence of Mahmud Tarzi, who was both Amanullah Khan's father-in-law and his Foreign Minister. Mahmud Tarzi, a highly educated, well-traveled poet, journalist, and diplomat, was a key figure who brought Western dress and etiquette to Afghanistan. He also fought for progressive reforms such as woman's rights, educational rights, and freedom of the press. All of these influences, brought by Tarzi and others, were welcomed by Amanullah Khan. “In 1927 and 1928 Amanullah Khan and his wife Soraya Tarzi visited Europe. On this trip they were honored and feted, and in 1928 they received honorary degrees from Oxford University. “This was an era when other Muslim nations, like Turkey and Egypt, were also on the path to modernization. King Amanullah was so impressed with the social progress of Europe that he tried to implement the same progressive ideas right away in Afghanistan. This met with heavy resistance from the conservative sects and led to the abrupt end of his reign.”
