Behzad Cinema, Movie theater in Bagh-e-Qazi district, Kabul, Afghanistan
Behzad Cinema is a building located in Bagh-e-Qazi, part of Kabul's historic old city area, displaying architectural features characteristic of 1930s entertainment venues in Afghanistan. The structure showcases design elements typical of early cinema theaters built during this period.
Constructed in 1934 by Kabul Municipality, this building was the first movie theater to open in Afghanistan. It represents a significant moment when motion pictures were introduced as a public entertainment medium in the country.
The cinema once served as a central meeting place where Kabul's residents gathered to experience films together, reflecting how cinema shaped the city's entertainment culture. It demonstrates the role that motion pictures played in bringing people together across different social groups.
The building is located in Kabul's older district and can be reached through local streets, though current conditions mean it does not function as an active entertainment venue. Visitors should be aware that the site is not currently available for public use.
Behzad Cinema was one of approximately 23 cinemas that operated in Kabul during its heyday, making it part of a larger cinema culture that once thrived across the city. The survival of this building makes it one of the few remaining physical reminders of that era.
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