CULTURE — June 13, 2026

Conference in Krakow Highlights Afghanistan's History and Diversity

Speakers included Besmellah Taban of Jagiellonian University, who addressed Western perceptions, along with talks on cultural diversity such as buzkashi and the political situation.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV2 min read

Conference in Krakow Highlights Afghanistan's History and Diversity
Image courtesy Amu TV

A conference titled "Afghanistan: A Diamond in the Ashes" was held at the Krakow Institute of Culture and Library in Poland. The event brought together activists, cultural figures, and researchers to present a more comprehensive and humane image of the country beyond war and crisis.

Discussions focused on Afghanistan's rich history, ethnic and cultural diversity, and complex social realities. The gathering drew Polish university professors, researchers, social activists, and writers seeking to counter one-sided portrayals in media coverage.

Besmellah Taban, a PhD student at Jagiellonian University, spoke about one-sided Western perceptions of Afghanistan. Mahmoud Shamsi addressed the country's cultural diversity, including the traditional sport of buzkashi. Mateusz Gwozdz analyzed Afghanistan's political and social situation.

Read the original reporting at Amu TV

Reliability assessment

Single source provides concrete, attributable details including named speakers with specific affiliations, exact event title, host institution, and location; on-record quotes and descriptions make the reporting verifiable.

The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Amu TV: "more comprehensive and humane image", "this image alone cannot represent the country's rich history" - these phrases carry mild advocacy by framing standard media coverage as insufficient and pushing for a positively valenced alternative narrative.

Across the newsrooms

Filed by

Filed under

CultureAfghanistan, Poland, Krakow, Cultural conference, Buzkashi

Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.

Reader supported

Keep Ehtebar running

Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.

€5

helps cover daily verification runs

€15

supports a week of source comparison

€50

keeps independent analysis moving