With all these wars and terrorist attacks going on, it’s a little difficult for us to even imagine a peaceful world. Which is why it’s difficult to believe there’s a village in Afghanistan (of all places!) where there are people who live in complete oblivion. They are so cut off from the rest of civilization, they have no idea their country was invaded by the USA or that the Taliban is now trying to occupy the area.
Over 12,000 people living in the Wakhan Corridor, situated at an altitude of 4,500, have no idea that the US Army invaded their country or that the Taliban was in power. These stunning images were captured by French photographer Eric Lafforgue, who took the road less travelled.
Known as Wakhis, these people lead a simple life, devoid of any luxury or technology.
Not only are these people unaware of the political developments in their country, they also don’t have any means of modern entertainment.
The Wakhi kids have no knowledge of Messi or Ronaldo.
The Afghanistan government is encouraging tourism in this village.
To reach the place, one has to travel through the tense Afghan atmosphere, pass border control, and drive up a road that’s half a century old.
These people live inside a yurt and prepare food on an open flame with the help of a pit for fuel and ashes.
The photographer captured beautiful homes of the Wakhi tribe set against the backdrop of Grand Pamir mountains. These people claim that they have been living in the mountains for over 2,000 years.
Photographer Eric Lafforgue first travelled to Khandud, famous for the colourful outfits of its women, and then explored other regions to meet the nomads that the world knows nothing about.
Living with the bare essentials which includes their livestock, the main attraction of this village is Pamiri houses, also known as Chid. These homes are built of stone and plaster, each one with a distinct feature.
With the government’s step to encourage tourism, women of this region have also opened a souvenir shop that sells embroideries, vests and socks!
But despite all the efforts to attract people to visit this isolated village, Lafforgue was the first tourist. Soon, the tourist season will end because of the snowfall that covers the mountains for six months.
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