The Legacy of Zaffran Baba: Father of Afghan Saffron
Zaffran Baba second from the right. To his left, President Hamid Karzai who granted him the honorific title Zaffran Baba, meaning Father of Saffron. His son stands on the far left.
I often wondered about the early saffron pioneers in Afghanistan. How does the world's most luxurious, rare spice thrive in a place so often portrayed as desolate and hopeless? Precious things spring from unlikely places because of vision and courage, bringing hope.
Let me tell you the story of one of these individuals.
This is Zaffran Baba. He has a saintly white beard in the photo, second from the right. To his left, President Hamid Karzai granted him the honorific title Zaffran Baba, meaning Father of Saffron. His son stands on the far left.
Although Afghan saffron cultivation dates back 2,000 years, its export is relatively new. It started during the Russian occupation in the late ’80s when many Afghans fled to Iran as refugees. Iran produces 90% of the world’s saffron. Zaffran Baba saw the hope this spice could bring to his homeland. So, he carried 20 kilos of crocus bulbs on his back from Iran, trip after trip, through the mountains on foot. Iran had strict regulations against saffron crocus leaving the country. It was a labor of courage.
Through experimentation, Zaffran Baba learned how to cultivate saffron. His first attempts were unsuccessful. The crocus bloomed, but he didn’t yet know the delicate drying process or how to separate the aromatic red threads from the useless yellow. But Baba was an innovator. He documented his efforts and shared his knowledge with other farmers. His dream was to spread saffron cultivation throughout Herat and Afghanistan.
In 2004, DACCAR, an NGO, held a conference exploring Afghan saffron cultivation. Baba traveled there to share his knowledge and learn more. He arrived early and stayed outside the venue overnight. But when the coordinators saw him, they dismissed him as a nuisance and did not allow him to attend. He left disheartened but didn’t give up.
Baba kept growing saffron on his land, perfecting the process.
It has been 27 years since Zaffran Baba planted his first crocus. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 84. Rest in peace, Baba. You’ve inspired generations, including me. Your dream of saffron in Afghanistan is thrives. Afghanistan is now the second largest saffron producer in the world and it started with a story of resilience and a dream.
I’m proud to say that Mina Sahar Saffron works with Zaffran Baba’s family in Herat, continuing his mission. Thank you for carrying on Zafran Baba’s legacy by supporting us and stay tuned for more stories about this extraordinary spice.
