Life in Afghanistan before plunging into hell

Using his Kodachrome film, his images show a peaceful Afghanistan making strides towards a more liberal and Westernised lifestyle - a stark contrast to harrowing sights seen during Taliban regime.

 The idyllic images were captured in 1967, when the teacher teemed up with UNESCO to work in the Higher Teachers College of Kabul.

As well as building a relationship with the Afghans he encountered, the amateur photographer set out to document their way of life.

 Serene images include men relaxing outside with a picnic, boys playing in the Kabul river in the sun and girls smiling during lessons.

Others show colourful marketplaces, gardens alive with colourful flowers and even a giggling boy decorating cakes.

 While many feature happy Afghans, there are many of the Podlich family peacefully enjoying their time living in the country. 

While he was teaching, Podlich's daughters attended classes at the American International School of Kabul, which had a number of American and foreign students with parents who lived and worked in the country.

 Dr Podlich's daughter Peg states these images are incredibly important in her eyes. 

'When I look at my dad's photos, I remember Afghanistan as a country with thousands of years of history and culture,' Peg Podlich told the Denver Post.

'It has been a gut-wrenching experience to watch and hear about the profound suffering which has occurred in Afghanistan during the battles of war for nearly 40 years. Fierce and proud yet fun loving people have been beaten down by terrible forces.' 

The incredible collection is now managed by Peg’s husband Clayton Esterson, who immediately recognised the historical significance of the pictures.

 'Many Afghans have written comments [on the website] showing their appreciation for the photographs that show what their country was like before 33 years of war,' he said. 

(Daily Mail)