Taj Mohammad
Taj Mohammad
Halima
Halima's Hands
Halima Smoking a Hookah
In Afghanistan, the hookah is locally known as "Chilim." These are traditional, handmade hookahs in which only pure tobacco is used.
Taj Mohammad's Mom
Taj Mohammad's House
Taj Mohammad Smoking a Hookah
Sayed Ahmad
Sayed Ahmad bears the marks of multiple surgeries on his abdomen, a testament to the hardships he has endured. From severe intestinal infections to a ruptured appendix, these scars tell the story of a young boy’s resilience in the face of adversity and limited medical resources.
Sayed Akbar
Enduring Wounds: The Story of Taj Mohammad and His Unending Struggle with Life
Seven years ago, Taj Mohammad, a farmer from Jowand District in Badghis Province, faced a tragedy that changed his life forever. His wife, Halima, fell severely ill, and he was forced to take her to Herat for treatment. Unaware of the battles raging along the route, Taj Mohammad and other travelers were caught in a crossfire between the former government forces and insurgents. They were forced to abandon their vehicle and seek refuge in nearby homes. During the clashes, an explosion occurred, and shrapnel struck Taj Mohammad’s left side, just beneath his ribcage, causing a severe injury.
Although Taj Mohammad survived, his life was never the same. Seven years have passed, and his left hand is now completely incapacitated, leaving him unable to farm. His eldest son, 13-year-old Sayed Ahmad, must now collect waste and recyclables from the alleys to support the family. This, despite the fact that he has suffered multiple intestinal infections and once underwent a major surgery after his appendix ruptured due to cold weather and lack of medical care.
Taj Mohammad’s 70-year-old mother, who lost her husband 12 years ago, now witnesses her son and six grandchildren endure unimaginable hardships. Taj Mohammad bears the heavy responsibility of raising six children, but poverty and the weight of life’s challenges have crushed his spirit.
The endless cycles of war in Afghanistan have driven countless families like Taj Mohammad’s below the poverty line. The ongoing sanctions and international pressures have only deepened the suffering, making life unbearable for those who have already lost so much.
Public Project
Enduring Wounds: The Story of Taj Mohammad and His Unending Struggle with Life
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