Afghanistan - Expo 2020 Dubai
Omer Rahimy was barely 20 years old when he fled Afghanistan in 1978 to escape the turmoil, today, thanks to his father's "smart move," as Rahimy puts it, Afghanistan is present at Expo 2020. On Wednesday, the 62-year-old businessman opened the pavilion in the sustainability district with an impressive collection of carpets, traditional clothing, gems, ancient jewelry, daggers and swords.
The previous Afghan government was in charge of the pavilion, but with the Taliban takeover, the fate of the pavilion was uncertain.
Rahimy could not bear the fact that the Afghanistan pavilion would remain empty and closed, so he begged the Expo to allow him to open an exhibition and they agreed.
Rahimy has 2600 pieces of antiquities in his collection in Vienna. As soon as he got permission from Expo 2020, he flew to Dubai with everything he could, including his favorite pieces, including a huge gold and silver necklace from the 15th century, the centerpiece of which is a Quran, a green and blue enamel bridal crown, a Dashtshui, a brass basin and jug adorned with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli.
Afghan costumes from all regions, handmade carpets, precious stones and saffron are also on display.