The Founding of a Cultural Haven
In 1974, the bustling streets of Kabul welcomed a new haven for book lovers when [ppp1] opened his bookshop, which soon became a treasure trove of knowledge. By 2003, his venture achieved international fame through “The Bookseller of Kabul,” a novel that depicted his collection of over 100,000 books in various languages. This vast assortment ranged from illustrated children’s tales to dense academic treatises, becoming a cornerstone for literature, history, and political science enthusiasts.
Loss and Resilience Under the Taliban’s Shadow
The resurgence of the Taliban in 2021 forced Rais to seek safety in the UK. He expressed fears to the Guardian about the potential destruction of his bookstore, which, devastatingly, came true. In December 2021, the Taliban forcefully closed his shop, confiscated his digital assets, and destroyed his life’s work, plunging Rais into deep despair and near blindness.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Rais’s resolve to rebuild emerged stronger. He used his international connections and linguistic skills to partner with an Indian IT firm, setting up a new platform to restore his collection. Now, books are printed in India and shipped across borders, ensuring the flow of knowledge continues despite the prohibitions in Afghanistan.
Empowering Through Literature
Rais’s commitment extends beyond commerce; he is dedicated to educating Afghan girls and women, defying the Taliban’s educational bans. By arranging the distribution of books to homes and underground schools, he supports hidden educational networks. His efforts are supported by covert operations that see bus drivers smuggling books across the country to ensure safe and discreet delivery.
Rais remains a staunch opponent of extremism, advocating for the transformative power of books to foster peace and understanding across diverse cultures. His life, marked by resilience in the face of adversity, echoes the themes of “Fahrenheit 451″—a narrative against censorship that he once sold. Undeterred by the threats and destruction he has faced, Rais vows to continue his mission, asserting, “No matter how many times you raze my bookstore, I shall resurrect it anew,” embodying the enduring spirit of resistance and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.