Aug 19, 2019
Afghanistan Independence Day 2019
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates the 100th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence. The tricolor Afghan flag—with black, red, and green vertical stripes representing the nation’s turbulent past, its struggle for independence, and its belief in a prosperous future—will fly all across the south Asian nation today. The flag also includes a national emblem that includes the year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar), when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom.
Strategically located between India, Persia, and the storied Silk Road, Afghanistan has been contested territory for many centuries. Shortly after signing the Treaty of Rawalpindi guaranteeing neutral relations between Britain and Afghanistan, which was never officially part of the British Empire, Emir Amanullah Khan declared independence from any British influence on this day in 1919.
The occasion is marked by official ceremonies and parades in the capital city of Kabul. Many citizens spend the day visiting mosques to offer prayers or attending local carnivals featuring traditional song and dance.
Happy 100 years of independence, Afghanistan!
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