Chaman-e-Hozori: From Historic Green Space to Neglect
In ancient times, Chaman-e-Hozori was nothing more than a grassland. Later, it became one of Kabul’s green spaces and a suitable venue for traditional celebrations by the city's residents. Since 1317 SH (1938 CE), greater attention has been paid to Chaman-e-Hozori. At that time, Kabul Municipality assigned officials to ensure its greenery, preservation, and maintenance.
The field covers approximately 2.5 hectares of land. Today, however, it has sadly turned into a dumping ground and shelter for addicts and vagrants. Many believe that its reconstruction could not only remove these individuals from the area but also enhance the environment and revive a green public space.
Residents of Kabul have fond memories of this field. Fazl Ahmad Fazliar, Technical and Professional Director at the National Olympic Committee, says that in the past, Chaman-e-Hozori was irrigated and maintained by assigned staff through the Kabul River. After 1375 SH (1996), it became a ruin and was misused as a track for cars and motorcycles.
Eventually, in Hamāl 1390 SH (March/April 2011), reconstruction and landscaping began with financial support from the Azizi Foundation, and after one year, it was officially inaugurated on 2nd Aqrab (October 24) by the First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at the time.
Following the reopening, the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, along with the National Olympic Committee, provided training facilities for all football clubs in Kabul—including Premier League, Division A, and B teams—totaling over 40 clubs.
Chaman-e-Hozori then hosted:
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11 training fields for football
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2 standard competition fields with movable goalposts
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1 rugby field
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1 hockey field
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1 volleyball court
Athletes were delighted to play on green turf again. However, the grass seed used was ornamental, not suitable for sports activity. As a result, within two months, Chaman-e-Hozori returned to ruins.
In 1394 SH (2015), through a memorandum of understanding, the site was once again handed over to Kabul Municipality.
Mohammad Arif Payman, Head of Information and Public Awareness at the municipality, says:
"Chaman-e-Hozori should not be left in its current state; it must be transformed into a recreational and sports site."
Gol Mohammad, Protocol Manager at Ghazi Stadium, adds:
"Chaman-e-Hozori was built during the time of Amir Habibullah Khan, who used to play golf there. Over time, it was rebuilt several times, and its water channels dried up. The fences around the field were constructed when Anwar Jekdalek was the President of the National Olympic Committee with help from MTN Company."
In the past, buzkashi matches were held here. People from Kabul and surrounding areas came to celebrate public festivals. Vendors sold melons and bowls of salted chickpeas. People played football here.
Gol Mohammad recalls:
"In the past, during public festivals, Chaman-e-Hozori was so crowded you couldn’t find a place to stand. Now, there is no grass, the fences are gone, and the field has become a gathering place for drug addicts."
Athletes who once enjoyed training on the green field now say:
"Nothing remains but a dusty ground."