Afghanistan You Never See

Journalist Bilal Sarwary provides a rare glimpse into life in Afghanistan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

By Luke Royes 

ABC.NET.AU - 14 Jan 2015

Bilal Sarwary is showing the world the glimpses of Afghanistan few see.

The South Asian country used to attract tens of thousands of Western tourists each year, drawn by its rugged scenery, vibrant culture and relics from its time at the heart of the Silk Road trade route.
But its picturesque snow-capped peaks and luscious, fertile valleys have long gone uncelebrated, hidden from the world behind the veil of fierce conflict.
Armed with a smartphone, Sarwary, an Afghan freelance journalist and photographer, has harnessed the power of social media to challenge the prevailing view of the country as a war-torn void bounded by Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan and China.
By regularly posting photos of Afghan life, people and the country's diverse landscapes to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, accompanied by the #Afghanistanyouneversee hashtag, Sarwary has provided a chance for the curious to get a peek into a land long plagued by discord.

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