Afghanistan

May 1, 2014

Istalif Pottery at IFAM

The Traditional pottery from Istalif will be exported out of Afghanistan for the first time and can be found at the International Folk Art Market. The selection represents the work of 40 families, Ali said, and provides a glimmer of hope in a country where it can sometimes seem like there are few bright spots.
May 3, 2014
A vendor loads his donkey with wares to bring to market in Istalif, Afghanistan. Circa 1974

Remembering Istalif in the ’60s & ’70s— Pre-Wars Golden Years

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March 21, 2020

Art’s Glimmer of Hope

When Ali, now 28, returned to his family village in 2003, he found a ghost town of rubble piles inhabited by wild dogs. The village had been forgotten, and its people...
March 29, 2020
Afghanistan Center at Kabul University

Afghanistan Center at Kabul University

The mission of ACKU is to promote literacy, facilitate scholarly work, and provide academic research training through its archive, digital library, and outreach and research programs.
April 7, 2020
Students make pottery in the style of Istalif, Afghanistan

Inspired by Istalif

In 2009, inspired by Istalif’s story, the Arnold Hill Secondary school in London incorporated Istalif’s signature style of pottery-making into their curriculum...
April 10, 2020
Ali Istalifi - Hand / Eye magazine

Hand / Eye Magazine – Rebuilding Istalif

Because the ruined marketplace had been the economic heart of the town, Abdul and Ira reasoned the rebuilding 120 main street...
April 15, 2020
An Afghan Success Story - CNN interview with Ali Istalifi

CNN – An Afghan Success Story

August 3, 2020

Istalif In Bloom – Afghan National News