The disappearance of hooves

In the alleys of Khanabad: the ghadi, the Afghan horse-drawn carriage. With its clattering wooden frame, colourfully painted side walls and tinkling bells on the bridle, it was more than just a means of transport: it was part of everyday culture.

In the past, merchants used them to transport goods to the bazaar, families to attend weddings or celebrations, and travellers to navigate the dusty streets of the city. The coachman, usually dressed in simple clothing and protected from the dust by a light scarf, knew every shortcut and every bump in the road. A short shout, a click of the tongue – and the horse set off, accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the pavement.

With the advent of cars and motorcycles, the ghadi slowly disappeared from the cityscape. But in some smaller towns and villages, you can still see them – sometimes lovingly maintained, sometimes just a shadow of times gone by. | Afghanistan