Bach-e Kabul: A German Engineer’s Enduring Love for Afghanistan

By ADN

In the far-left corner of a seminar room, Hans Deleri, a kind man in his late 70s, watches the Hamburger Afghanistan Week unfold with a gentle smile. His face shows the wisdom of a long life, but his eyes are bright with the energy of youth as he listens to discussions about Afghanistan’s fascinating history, rich culture, kind people, and the challenges the country is facing today. 

This annual event is a great chance for experts, enthusiasts, and Afghan expatriates to come together and explore the country’s rich heritage, as well as its sometimes troubled past and uncertain future. For Hans Delere, it’s a wonderful chance to reconnect with a country he’s loved for decades.

Han’s connection to Afghanistan is so much more than just academic or fleeting. It’s very personal to him. Hans was born to a German road engineer who first travelled to Afghanistan in the early 1950s. Hans spent much of his childhood in Kabul, growing up immersed in Afghan culture. 

His dad worked closely with the Ministry of Public Works, helping to oversee some of the country’s most important road construction projects. Meanwhile, young Hans, with the help of some local boys, learned to fly kites, hunt, and navigate the bustling bazaars of the Afghan capital.

This early exposure to Afghanistan left a lasting impression on Hans. He learned to speak the local language (Dari), made friends with Afghan children, and was given the nickname “Bach-e Kabul” by Kabul’s traders. “Afghanistan wasn’t just a place for me—it was a second home,” he says with a nostalgic smile.

“My connection to Afghanistan continues to this day. Thanks to my childhood and my professional engagement, I feel both German and half Afghan,” he says proudly. 

Hans shared some amazing photos from his recent trip to Afghanistan at this year’s seminar. They took him right back to his own time there and brought back so many powerful memories. Even though the Afghanistan of today is very different from the one he knew in the 1950s, Hans still feels a strong connection to the land and its people. His photos showed not only the stunning natural beauty of the country—the rugged mountains and winding roads—but also the incredible resilience of the Afghan people. 

One image really stood out: it was a road his father had worked on, stretching through the Tangi Naghlu. “This is where my father spent most of his time,” Hans said with a warm smile. “It’s like coming home again.”

At the heart of Hans’s story is his deep admiration for the Afghan people. He just loves them! He fondly recalls his interactions with the locals, both during his childhood and his more recent visits. “The Afghan people are some of the most generous and kind-hearted folks you’ll ever meet,” he says with a warm smile. He recalls how they welcomed him with open arms, even during times of political unrest.

He also mentioned his dear friend Shams Jan, remembering how kind and welcoming he was. Shams Jan, a dear friend, was always so kind and welcoming, offering him tea and food whenever he came by. 

Hans was really moved when he saw how poor people in Afghanistan were. Many people only earn 100 to 500 Afghani a day, which is barely enough to survive. He saw people looking for scraps from the slaughterhouse, which really moved him. 

He also pointed out how important it is that Afghan diaspora communities are there to help and support people back home. It’s amazing how even small remittances from abroad can make a big difference! For instance, 100 Euros can translate to 7,500 Afghanis, which is more than what many Afghan families earn in a month. 

The seminar room was absolutely buzzing with participants, all eager to hear more about this incredible man who has lived through so much of Afghanistan’s history. They chatted about all sorts of things, from the impact of the Taliban and the ongoing conflict to the amazing diversity of Afghan culture, including music, food, and clothing. 

This wonderful event, held annually in Hamburg, offers a rare and precious opportunity for Afghan expatriates and Germans alike to come together and share their perspectives. This year’s seminar was held from August 5th to 9th at Seevetal, Forstweg 35, Hamburg, Germany. 

As the day’s presentations drew to a close, Hans sat down with ADN for a little chat. He reflected on the many years he has spent both in and out of Afghanistan. His love for the country has never faded. As he looked at the seminar room full of people equally passionate about Afghanistan, it was clear that his story continues to inspire, and it warmed his heart to see so many people who share his love for the country.

For Hans, Afghanistan is more than just a place on a map. It’s a part of his soul, a place that shaped him into the wonderful person he is today. And thanks to events like the Hamburger Afghanistan Week, his connection to the country and its people remains as strong as ever.