October 6, 2007
No. 137
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, and the
Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that Canada
will invest $3 million over four years in support of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation’s
efforts to accelerate the economic, social and cultural regeneration of Murad Khane, a
commercial and residential district in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul. The Ministers
made the announcement while in Kabul as part of a two-day tour of Afghanistan.
“Years of war and neglect have significantly damaged the city’s historic Murad Khane
district, a key commercial and cultural hub. Today’s investment will help Afghans
improve conditions in the district and protect the valuable cultural heritage of the area,”
said Minister Oda. “This means that this city will be ready to welcome the citizens and
artists of Afghanistan with restored buildings, improved infrastructure and a refurbished
cultural centre.”
“By establishing Afghanistan’s first Centre for Traditional Afghan Arts and Architecture,
which brings great masters together with trainees, the Turquoise Mountain Foundation
is reestablishing that market and opening new markets for fine Afghan products,” said
Minister Bernier. “Canada’s New Government is proud to help Afghans in Kabul lay the
foundation for a more prosperous future.”
The Turquoise Mountain Foundation has been active in Murad Khane district since
2006. Among other efforts, the foundation has helped clear garbage, restore
infrastructure and homes, and provide literacy, health and vocational training to
residents.
Speaking from Ottawa, Rory Stewart, CEO of the Foundation, said, “The Turquoise
Mountain Foundation is pleased to be entering into a new, constructive partnership with
the Government of Canada. The Murad Khane project will bring together education,
training, business, urban regeneration, cultural preservation and livelihoods to rebuild a
strong, vibrant community and supporting institutions.”
Today’s announcement of $3 million is part of Canada’s total contribution of more than
$1 billion over 10 years aimed at governance, security and development in
Afghanistan. It builds on the commitment made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in
February 2007, when he announced substantive funds to accelerate the reconstruction
and development process.
For more information on Canada’s programming in Afghanistan, please refer to the
Government of Canada’s Afghanistan website at www.canada-afghanistan.gc.ca.
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A backgrounder is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
819-953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.cida.gc.ca
Isabelle Bouchard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Backgrounder
REGENERATION OF MURAD KHANE
Murad Khane district is located on the Kabul River, near the new city hotels and the old
bird market, in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul. Its residents form a remarkable
community comprising diverse ethnic and religious traditions, and it is in proximity to
many of the city’s most celebrated landmarks.
While years of neglect and war have damaged the area, Murad Khane retains much of
its original fabric, with a network of small streets connecting the bazaar, religious
structures and houses in a layout that represents the area’s unique ties to nearly 400
years of Afghan history.
Implemented by the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, the Murad Khane project will
support the economic, social, and cultural regeneration of the district through an
integrated, demand-driven, community-based approach. The project will encompass a
variety of activities aimed at raising the community’s standard of living, enhancing its
economy, strengthening its traditions and identity, and opening it up to visitors and
shoppers.
The Turquoise Mountain Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization
specializing in urban regeneration, business development, and education in traditional
arts and architecture. It seeks to provide jobs, skills, and a renewed sense of national
pride to Afghan men and women. More information is available on the Foundation’s
website at http://www.turquoisemountain.org.
