My Return to Afghanistan

I returned to Afghanistan for the first time after more than 30 years—I was a small child when my family fled the Soviet invasion.

As I walked among the mountains of my birth, I found love in the faces of family I had forgotten. I witnessed the resilience of the Afghan people, carrying on with strength and dignity despite 40 years of war.

Life, in all its forms—weddings, births and funerals—moves forward, even in hardship.

This visit planted the seeds to create Mina Sahar Saffron.

I took these photos the summer of 2019, visiting Jalalabad in Eastern Afghanistan. Each image reveals the rich vibrancy of colors, textures, and light that define this land- the beauty of its people and the lush, natural landscape. I hope you too can see this through my eyes.

This is my great aunt in our ancestral village of Sorkhood. She is as strong as the mountains behind her. Geography and war separated us but I am so grateful for that fleeting moment of reuniting. Her faith and love are gifts I carry with me. I learned that she passed a few days ago. Rest in Paradise dear great aunt.

I feel a deep pride and humility in being Afghan. Education and chance has given me the opportunity to create a business that offers ordinary Afghans a dignified way to support their families. Investing in clean agriculture in Afghanistan is a source of hope, and I am thrilled to bring the finest saffron to the tables of my community.

As my favorite Sufi poet, Jalal al-Din Rumi, wrote, “Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.” Although Afghanistan, in my memory, has never been a ruin but rather a place of boundless beauty, nobility, and inspiration. We also have the most beautiful spices!

Thank you for supporting Mina Sahar Saffron and joining me on this journey. Together, we are planting seeds of hope and prosperity.