Photos from Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a fascinating and magnificent country of barren deserts, soaring mountains, a harsh and unforgiving place but with a beauty all its own. There are ancient towns and villages of adobe bricks, crumbling forts of a bygone age, ruins attesting to the many battles fought on its soil, but also richly decorated mosques that form a focus of this profoundly religious Muslim society.

Travelling in this fantastic country is an unforgettable experience, but not always a safe one as banditry is a problem in some areas, especially after the recent wars when lawlessness was the norm among different factions.

However, back in 1973, when these photos were taken, it was still relatively safe and easy to get around by local buses, a great way to enjoy the scenery and meet the Afghan people.