The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan on Wednesday marked 107 years since it gained independence from Britain, commemorating the day King Amanullah Khan declared the country’s independence in 1919.
The anniversary, known as Independence Day or Aug. 19, is a public holiday in Afghanistan and is traditionally marked with ceremonies and events across the country, including speeches, sporting competitions, poetry readings and musical performances.
Afghanistan gained control over its foreign affairs following the Treaty of Rawalpindi, which ended the Third Anglo-Afghan War in August 1919. The treaty followed a brief conflict that began on May 6 of that year.
Amanullah Khan, who ruled Afghanistan from 1919 to 1929, is remembered by many Afghans as a nationalist and reformist monarch who sought greater independence and modernization for the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, described the anniversary as a “proud” day for the Afghan people. The Taliban has declared Aug. 19 a public holiday.
Afghanistan fought three major wars with Britain during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The First Anglo-Afghan War began in 1839 and ended in 1842. The Second Anglo-Afghan War took place from 1878 to 1880 and resulted in Britain gaining significant influence over Afghanistan’s foreign policy.
The Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919 ended with the Treaty of Rawalpindi and Afghanistan’s restoration of control over its foreign affairs.
The anniversary remains an important date in Afghanistan’s national history and is celebrated each year across the country.
