PIRMOJI LIETUVOS ARCHEOLOGINĖEKSPEDICIJA AFGANISTANE
THE FIRST LITHUANIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPEDITION IN AFGHANISTAN

Summary/Abstract: afghanistan is most considerable for its historical, political and geographical situation, however this region of Ccentral Aasia is least explored. Ccountry falls into sphere of east Iran and Indo valley cultures influence. Afghanistan carries its rich history which reflects in most monuments of culture. The earliest records of Aafghanistan cultural heritage are the accounts of travelers, first Chinese, then Muslim and finally European. Interest of Afghanistan cultural heritage grew up in 20th century with the archaeological expeditions provided by Italian, Indian, German, Japanese, Russian, French and Aamerican scientists. The end of 20th century was marked as regress of the activities in cultural sphere. Oonly after 2001 started the works of heritage reestablishment. Priority of Afghanistan government and UNESCOco is the search, documentation and registering of cultural heritage sites.With the creation of International Security Assis- tance Force (ISAaF) in Afghanistan and establishment of provincial reconstruction team in Ghor province conducted by Lithuania, civilian projects related to culture, education and health service are carrying on. In 2007 the Ccenter of Aarchaeological projects “Antiqua” has started an archaeological heritage mission, related to the search, survey and registration of archaeological remains in province of Ghor. The search of new archaeological sites, according to the maps, was carried out within 30–40 km radius around Cchaghcharan (center of the province). During the expedition, 14 new cultural valuables and their complexes, situated on the banks of Hari Rud river were found. Aaccording to the fragments of pottery discovered at the sites, cultural valuables are dated back 4th millennium BC to XIX/XX cent. AD. These are complexes of ancient settlements usually called tapa (Pumbakar, Ahangaran, Sheke, Puze-i-Leče) dated 4th milenium BC–XX AD, fortified towns (Farizkuh, Qala Mana) dated XI–XIII  AD, castles and defensive towers (Qala Akbar Bek Zahak, Qala Malek Antar, Qala Kassi, Qala Kuhna, Shinia, Badgha) dated VI–XIX AD, and historic industrial objects such as brickfield, mills, caravan sarays and bridge. Many of surveyed cultural valuables are only not described and unregistered, but also are under the destruction of illegal excavations, natural forces and farming. Most afghan people still live and use some cultural monuments applying long lasting changeless farming system.

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