Azizuddin Wakili Popalzai
| Azizuddin Wakili Popalzai | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1918 Kabul, Afghanistan |
| 20082008 | |
| 💼 Occupation | |
Azizuddin Wakili Popalzai (1918-2008) was an Afghan historian. His primary interests included the art of calligraphy, the history of the Durrani dynasty, and genealogy, to which he dedicated much of his life.
Family
Popalzai was born into a virtuous and scholarly family renowned for its talents in calligraphy and poetry. The family belonged to Kandahar and enjoyed a position of respect, competence, trust, and credibility from the time of Ahmad Shah Abdali until the end of Sadozai rule. As several of Azizuddin Popalzai's ancestors had been appointed to the position of Vakil al-Dawlah (representative of the monarchy), he and his father, Nizamuddin Khan son of Sardar Faqir Muhammad Khan, were given the surname “Wakili”. Since Sardar Faqir Muhammad Khan was the brother of the maternal grandmother of His Highness Amanullah Khan, the family held great honor, status, and credibility in the eyes of Ghazi Amanullah Khan and made significant efforts to strengthen and support his monarchy.
Early life and education
Azizuddin Popalzai was born in Diwan Begi Castle in the Chardehi District of Kabul in 1918, during the War of Independence, which is why he referred to himself as the “son of Independence.” Under the guidance and care of his father, Nizamuddin Khan (who served as Superintendent of Transcription in the Amani cabinet of Amanullah Khan), he began his early religious and artistic education in this fortress. He later enrolled in school during the Amani period; however, before completing his education, schools in Kabul were closed during the rule of Habibullah Kalakani, depriving many children of their education.
With the rise of Mohammad Nadir Shah, Azizuddin Popalzai resumed his studies and continued his education during the reigns of Mohammad Nadir Shah and Zahir Shah.
Career
After graduating, he began working at the Ministry of Information and Culture in 1938, where he served until 1992, when jihadist groups entered Kabul and the Afghan governmental system collapsed.
Calligraphy
In addition to writing and poetry, Popalzai possessed exceptional skill in calligraphy across various styles, which became his main profession. In 1963, he was officially recognized as a master calligrapher and was awarded the title “Haft Qalam” by the Ministry of Information and Culture. He also received a certificate and a master’s medal in this art from King Zahir Shah.
Death and legacy
Wakili Popalzai passed away in 2008 and was buried in the private burial ground in Diwan Begi in Kabul.
References
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