Home / Arts and Entertainment / UNESCO Honors Behzad: Afghan Artists Find Light in Heritage
UNESCO Honors Behzad: Afghan Artists Find Light in Heritage
4 Feb
Summary
- Behzad's miniature art style, influential and ancient, was honored by UNESCO.
- Afghan artists find hope in heritage recognition amid difficult conditions.
- Taliban restrictions impact artists, but Behzad's legacy persists.
Kamal ud-Din Behzad's distinct miniature art style, a celebrated aspect of Herat's cultural heritage, has been inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition provides a much-needed source of joy and hope for Afghan artists, who are navigating challenging circumstances.
Artists like Mohammad Younes Qane, who has practiced Behzad's style for decades, draw inspiration from this UNESCO honor. The recognition comes at a time when artistic expression is constrained by the Taliban authorities' strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has led many artists to leave Afghanistan.
Behzad, a contemporary of Italian masters like Leonardo da Vinci, introduced a novel style to Herat, depicting scenes of everyday life. His influence extended to artists like Henri Matisse. Despite current restrictions, which include a ban on representing living things and the enforcement of covering human faces in art, Behzad's legacy continues to inspire.
