Who was Ahmad Zahir?

Zahir was born on June 13th, 1946, in Laghman, in the province of Nagarhar. He was the son of Dr Abdul Zahir, who was prime minister under King Zahir Schah in the 60s.

He sang his songs in Pashto, Dari, Hindi and English. He gave his concerts in India, Iran, Australia, Europe and the United States. Due to the musical interpretations of valued ancient poets such as Hafez or Rumi, he conquered the hearts of the Dari and Farsi speaking nations with his songs.

Ahmad Zahir is popular with and respected by all social classes, tribes and peoples living in Afghanistan. He became a symbol for national unity. Like many others, Ahmad Zahir welcomed Daoud’s proclamation of the Republic in 1973. But soon it became obvious that Daoud and his group just made empty promises, built a dictatorship and pursued a policy of hegemony.

In his songs, Ahmad Zahir raised his voice and publicly criticized Daoud’s policy. Their provocative content triggered a controversial discussion and resulted in many radio stations boycotting his music bowing to pressure from the government of that period. This hostility escalated into Ahmad’s imprisonment which lasted several months.

On June 13th, 1979, Ahmad Zahir died at the age of 33. He and his car plummeted into a gorge below the famous Salang pass, Afghanistan’s highest mountain road. Everybody wanted to carry his bier on the day of his funeral. Thousands of his fellow countrymen, even women who usually are not allowed to participate in funeral processions or in funerals, accompanied him to his grave. Ahmad Zahir was honored with an unparalleled ceremony which was something that not even modern age Afghan kings and statesmen have been granted with yet.

Up until now, most Afghans do not believe it was an accident, but are convinced that Ahmad Zahir’s murder was planned. The circumstances of his death have never been officially solved.

During the reign of the Taliban, his grave was destroyed several times. It was forbidden to listen to his music. Today it is rebuilt. Friends and fans pilgrimage there. Every year, hundreds of visitors commemorate Ahmad Zahir on his day of death.