Built in 2010, the Jihad Museum is located in the western provincial capital of Herat in Afghanistan. The museum depicts brave struggle of Afghan simpletons against Soviet invasion. The exhibits depict the brutality and human effects of war through the murals, diorama and inscription of names surrounding the rotunda.
The museum exhibits Soviet weapons used during the war such as tanks, a fighter jet, a helicopter and a light rocket launcher. There is also a large collection of Russian rifles, grenades and plastic land mines on display. Since its opening, the museum has welcomed many visitors, including U.S. congressmen and the deputy commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
The museum seeks to inform visitors of the mujahideen’s plight and to educate Afghans. It is a memorial to the mujahideen heroes who fought the Soviets in the 70s and 80s as well as to the Afghans who lost their lives fighting.
The museum is designed as a blue, green and white rotunda. The outside of the building is inscribed with some of the names of victims of the war, both men and women. There are also several poems dedicated to martyrs covering the rotunda.
The portrait hall of fame displays portraits of over 60 commanders who fought the Soviets. Using a graphic diorama, this exhibit enables visitors to see how villagers raised up against Soviet soldiers. The stages of battles end in a mujahideen victory.
The mural is located in a large circular room in the museum. It depicts important events in Afghans history, including the different stages of the 1979 uprising of Afghans against the Soviet-supported government around Herat.
