The name “Shahmama” is derived from the great Buddha statue in Bamyan, a province in Afghanistan, which was destroyed by the Taliban. Shahmama is a nonprofit organization that resumed operations in the Netherlands in March 2003 and was officially registered as the “Shahmoama Publication Center” in the Netherlands in January 2005. In November 2008, the organization became the Afghan Social Development Foundation. Later, due to its extensive cultural activities, it was upgraded to the Cultural Development Foundation for Afghanistan and became widely known by the shortened name “Shahmama.” Since then, the website, publications, and printed books associated with this foundation have been presented under the name “Shahmama.”

With its non-commercial and non-political nature, the organization is involved in a broad range of cultural, social, and educational activities.

Shahmama collaborates with all social groups and individuals who are committed to promoting peace, security, democracy, and social justice in Afghanistan. We believe that intellectuals and educated individuals from Afghanistan can play a significant role in creating positive change in the country. Women receive special attention in our activities, and we support any movement that advocates for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Furthermore, we offer various opportunities for Afghan women to express their ideas through their books and publications.

Education is a key focus for Shahmama. The foundation aims to facilitate the creation of educational materials for schoolchildren, illiterates, and university students by supporting former university professors and writers of Afghanistan’s diaspora in Western countries. We encourage educated and experienced Afghans living abroad to become active and contribute to Afghanistan’s rebuilding by sharing their experiences and knowledge. In doing so, they can play an important role in the country’s reconstruction. We facilitate the publication of their knowledge and ideas.

Shahmama is honored to have taken on the responsibility for the media affairs and artistic rights of Dr. Sadiq Fitrat Nashenas. We are working to present his official profiles and music and assist in publishing relevant books and organizing his programs.

Shahmama has proposed that Afghanistan’s composers and singers collaborate to create a “database” or archive of Afghan music.
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