In District One of Kabul, near the historic Pul-e-Kheshti Mosque, there’s a small alley filled with the soothing sounds of colorful birds. This charming lane is known as Kah Froshi Alley — the Alley of Straw Sellers.
This alley dates back about 200 years, to the time of Timur Shah, son of Ahmad Shah Durrani. In those days, it was the only place in Kabul where people came to buy straw and animal feed. The mud-brick houses with their traditional patterns gave the alley a unique beauty. But over time, as lifestyles and architecture changed, so did the alley. Today, instead of straw, the air is filled with birdsong, turning it into a vibrant bird market.
Stretching about 300 meters, Kah Froshi Alley was once the gathering place of Kabul’s original locals — the Kakas and Ayars (chivalrous street heroes). The most famous Kaka to have walked these lanes was a man named Ghafoor Bi-Garda. Among the well-known bird sellers were personalities like Sayed Mohammad Agha the pigeon keeper, and Atta’s son.
Nowadays, alongside bird shops, you’ll also find blacksmiths and small restaurants in the alley — but it’s the bird market that truly gives this place its fame. A wide variety of birds are sold here: pigeons, doves, human-faced finches, partridges, parrots, mynas, goldfinches, and more. The most expensive bird in the market is a special canary known as “Chapa Par” from Logar, which can cost anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 Afghanis.
What’s fascinating is that birds from all around the world can be found in this little alley — from American and Australian species to Polish Canaries.
Fridays are when the alley truly comes alive, buzzing with people. The sound of birds mixes with the laughter of visitors, creating a joyful and unforgettable atmosphere.
