Afghan palace emerges from ruins as centenary nears

The exterior of Darulaman Palace, which is undergoing a complete renovation, in Kabul. Work to completely renovate the once-ruined Darulaman Palace must be completed by Aug 19, the date marking 100 years of Afghan independence from Britain. Photo: AFP

Inside an imposing building in Kabul, a team of welders hastily fuse a sweeping metal bannister to a grand staircase. Outside, gardeners spray torrents of water over the parched earth, willing the grass to grow.

They have just days to finish a total renovation of the once-ruined Darulaman Palace, a hulking showpiece of Afghan architecture that came to symbolise the country's turmoils during decades of war.