
Amanullah Khan Reforms
Following the Third Anglo-Afghan War, King Amanullah Khan aimed to break Afghanistan's historical isolation. After suppressing the Khost rebellion in 1925, he established diplomatic relations with many major nations. Inspired by a 1927 tour of Europe and Turkey, where he observed Atatürk's modernization efforts, Amanullah introduced several reforms aimed at modernizing Afghanistan. Mahmud Tarzi, his Foreign Minister and father-in-law, played a crucial role in these changes, especially advocating for women's education. Tarzi supported Article 68 of Afghanistan's first constitution, which mandated elementary education for all.
However, some reforms, such as the abolition of the traditional Muslim veil for women and the establishment of co-educational schools, quickly met with opposition from tribal and religious leaders. This discontent sparked the Shinwari revolt in November 1928, leading into the Afghan Civil War of 1928-1929. Despite the initial suppression of the Shinwari uprising, broader conflict ensued, challenging Amanullah's reformist agenda.
Afghan Civil War
The Afghan Civil War, spanning from 14 November 1928 to 13 October 1929, was characterized by the conflict between Saqqawist forces led by Habibullāh Kalakāni and various tribal, monarchic, and anti-Saqqawist factions within Afghanistan. Mohammed Nādir Khān emerged as a key figure against the Saqqawists, culminating in his ascension as king following their defeat.
The conflict ignited with the Shinwari tribe's revolt in Jalalabad, partly due to Amanullah Khan's progressive policies on women's rights. Concurrently, the Saqqawists, rallying in the north, captured Jabal al-Siraj and subsequently Kabul on 17 January 1929, marking significant early victories, including later seizing Kandahar. Despite these gains, Kalakani's rule was marred by accusations of severe misconduct, including rape and looting.
Nadir Khan, aligning with anti-Saqqawist sentiments and after a protracted stalemate, decisively forced Saqqawist forces into retreat, capturing Kabul and ending the civil war on 13 October 1929. The conflict saw approximately 7,500 combat fatalities and instances of widespread sacking during the capture of Kabul by Nadir's forces. Post-war, Nadir Khan's refusal to restore Amanullah to the throne sparked several rebellions, and Amanullah's later failed attempt to reclaim power during World War II with Axis support underscored the enduring legacies of this turbulent period in Afghan history.