Thread by @AfghanHistorian

June 13, 2020. #AhmadZahir would have been 74 years old today. MM 1/11

While the details of #AhmadZahir's death are shrouded in both mystery and controversy, it seems more apt to celebrate the societal contributions he made during his life. MM 2/11

The photo below is a glimpse of #AhmadZahir, as a teenager. He holds in his arms an accordion, an instrument he had long since mastered. MM 3/11
Photo Source: @afghanmagazine

Unbeknownst to him at this time, #AhmadZahir’s novel introduction of the accordion to the Afghan musical repertoire would be the first of many ways he innovated sound in the region. MM 4/11

In this photo, #AhmadZahir is at Habibia High School with his band the Amateurs of Habibia. اماتوران لیسه حبیبیه
Members include Nabil Miskinyar, Omar Sultan, Farid Zaland, Akbar Nayab
Source: Pashtun Jhazgh Magazine, 1347/1968. MM 5/11

#AhmadZahir recorded this track “باز آمدم باز آمدم” “I’ve Returned” with his band the Amateurs of Habibia at Radio Kabul in the 1960s, among the first “boy bands” in Afghanistan. MM 6/11

Next, it is only befitting to highlight #AhmadZahir’s deep #love for his mother. After her death, Ahmad Zahir sang this song in her memory. MM 7/11

The opening lyrics of the song for his mother follow:

I will cherish your pure heart, my dear mother
بنازم قلب پاکت ، مادر

I will walk around your grave, my dear mother.
من بگردم دور خاکت ، مادر من

MM 8/11

#AhmadZahir dedicated a particular song to his first wife and son after they both left to the United States in the 1970s, “May God Be with You” (خدا بود یارت). Shah Wali Taranasaaz had written the lyrics and composed the song for Ahmad Zahir. MM 9/11

The haunting lyrics wish for a safe passage on their journey and evinces his love for them. #AhmadZahir would never see them again. This was the second and last video he recorded at @rtaworld. MM 10/11

He prophecies his future in the lyrics: My heart saddened by sorrow دل من زین همه غمها فسرده My will overwhelmed by grief توانم را غم عشق تو برده Alas the day you arrive to visit دریغا روزی آیی بر سر من You will see my life has come to an end چراغ عمر من بینی که مرده MM 11/11