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Elephants pull steam roller & motors for Amir of Afghanistan
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Elephants pull steam roller & motors for Amir of Afghanistan
The most remarkable caravan that ever entered Afghanistan - a steam roller and motors for the Ameer. Ten elephants sent to Chaman to convey a steam roller, a motor car, a stone-crushing machine and a motor boat to Cabul (Kabul). All intended to improve road systems in Afghanistan and for the Amir to be able to travel to the outer reaches of his dominions in days rather than weeks. Date: 1909
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Media ID 14375496
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Afghanistan Amir Apr16 Caravan Crushing Elephant Elephants Fortunino Matania Modernisation Motors Roller Systems Ameer Chaman
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This extraordinary photograph captures the moment ten elephants, led by their mahouts, make their way through the rugged terrain of Afghanistan with a remarkable cargo. In 1909, the Amir of Afghanistan, seeking to modernize his country's infrastructure, arranged for the transportation of a steam roller, a motor car, a stone-crushing machine, and a motor boat from the port of Chaman to Kabul. The elephants, with their immense strength and sure-footedness, were the ideal choice for traversing the mountainous and uneven terrain that would have been impassable for conventional vehicles. The steam roller, a symbol of modern engineering, was intended to improve the road systems in Afghanistan, making travel faster and more efficient for the Amir and his entourage. The motor car, a marvel of the industrial age, represented the latest in transportation technology, while the stone-crushing machine was essential for building and maintaining the roads. The motor boat, although not depicted in the photograph, was also part of the convoy and would have been used to navigate the rivers and waterways of Afghanistan. The photograph, taken by the renowned Italian photographer Fortunino Matania, captures the determination and ingenuity of the people of Afghanistan in the face of challenging conditions. The caravan, led by the majestic elephants, made its way through the landscape, bringing much-needed modernization to the Amir's dominions. The image is a testament to the power of human innovation and the resilience of the human spirit, as well as the enduring bond between humans and animals.
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