Chicken Street (Dari: کوچه مرغ Koch-e Murgha) is a narrow street located in the Shahr-e Naw district of Kabul east of the Asamayi.[1] It has been an iconic shopping street in the city and popular with foreigners,[2] famous for its carpets, handicrafts and antiques.[3]
| Chicken Street | |
 A shop on Chicken Street | |
| Native name | Koch-e Murgha کوچه مرغ (Dari) |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Zargona Road and Shahrara Road, Kabul, Afghanistan |
| Coordinates | 34°31′42″N 69°10′13″E / 34.5282°N 69.1702°E |
| Other | |
| Known for | Popular destination on 1960s/1970s hippie trail; popular destination amongst foreigners in the 2000s |
History
edit
Chicken Street was the major attraction for foreigners during the Hippie trail from the 1960s to late 1970s. Afghan coats, bracelets and plenty of hashish made it popular.[4] Hippies would also smoke opium here. Along with hotels, it provided items for the travelers to use en route towards Kathmandu. The street and tourism in general declined with the start of the Soviet–Afghan War.[5]
Following the United States invasion of Afghanistan and the influx of foreign diplomats and other visitors, the street was thriving again for it became a popular place for Afghan souvenirs. Traditional Afghan rugs and lapis lazuli stones were popular with shoppers.[6] Emerald, rubies, exotic food and artists selling paintings are among the other attractions on offer. However the departure of most foreign NATO troops by 2014 led to a significant downturn in business. Security issues have also hampered business.[6]
Despite its name, the street is not known for its sale of chickens; those are sold on the adjacent Flower Street.[7]
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Antiquity in Chicken Street -
Antiquity in Chicken Street -
Antiquity in Chicken Street
In popular culture
editChicken Street was the subject of the eponymous 2005 novel by Amanda Sthers.
The street is featured in the 2007 documentary film 16 Days in Afghanistan.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Shopping in Kabul". 6 April 2016.
- ^ "As Afghanistan's iconic chicken street fades, peace brings new hope". 2 December 2020.
- ^ Nordland, Rod (22 April 2018). "There Are No Chickens on Chicken Street. Now There Are No Customers Either". The New York Times.
- ^ Fletcher, Martin (2009-10-06). "Only the brave survive on Chicken Street in Kabul".
- ^ "Afghanistan's Hippie Trail". www.arcgis.com. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ a b "Hard times on Kabul's Chicken Street". BBC News. 6 December 2015.
- ^ "The Kabul Express". 12 January 2003.