Arg (Kabul)
The Arg ( Pashto : ارګ; Dari : ارگ; meaning: "Citadel") is the Afghan presidential palace in Kabul . It is located in the affluent Wazir Akbar Khan district. After the Bala Hissar fort was destroyed, the building was erected by British-Indian troops in 1880. It was used by many kings and presidents.
origin
Construction began in 1880 when Emir Abdur Rahman Khan became king. A castle was designed with a water-filled moat around it. The emir called it Arg-e Shahi (citadel of the king). The citadel included a residence for the royal family, barracks and the state treasury. The Bala Hissar used to serve as the citadel or headquarters of the emirs until it was destroyed by British-Indian forces during the Second Anglo-Afghan War . Under the various rulers, the Arg underwent many modifications and revitalizations.
The Arg today consists of the following rooms:
- The Gul Khana Room, which serves as the President's Office and the President's Protocol Office.
- The office of the President's Chief of Staff.
- The National Security Advisor building and the President's Spokesman's offices.
- Offices for the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
- Different rooms for the reception of delegations or for large meetings.