An Interview With The Profound And Honorable Poet And Writer, Ahmad Mahmood Imperator Poem by Ahmad Mahmood Imperator

As part of our ongoing conversations with the literary contributors of the 24 Hours website,

we now present a dialogue with the profound poet and writer, the esteemed Mr. Ahmad Mahmood Imperator, for the gracious readers of our platform.

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Question: ✍️🏻
Dear Mr. Mahmood Jan Imperator, with sincere gratitude for your literary collaboration, we would like to begin by asking you to kindly introduce yourself to the honorable readers of the 24 Hours website. Also, please tell us how many children you have.

Answer: ✍️🏻
With heartfelt greetings and deep respect to the esteemed Ustad Qayoom Basheer Herawi, the hardworking and honorable team of the prestigious "24 Hours" website, and all its cultured and enlightened readers.

I am Ahmad Mahmood Imperator, born in the final days of winter in the year 1363 of the Solar Hijri calendar (March 1985) , at a time when the whispers of spring 1364 echoed in the air of Kabul. My birthplace was Karte Se (Third District) , a historic neighborhood of this ancient city, into a family of noble lineage and enlightened scholars from Badakhshan. With my first breath, I joined the mystical caravan of existence.
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Regarding children, I must say that I married in 1395 SH (2016) , but up until today, as I speak with you, I have not been blessed with a child.

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Question: ✍️🏻
Please shed some light on your activities in Afghanistan. What are you currently engaged in?

Answer: ✍️🏻
Most of my time is devoted to artistic work, graphic design, the cultivation of ornamental flowers and plants, and research into the properties and uses of medicinal herbs.
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This passion took root in my heart during adolescence, and since 1381 SH (2002) , I have—motivated purely by a spirit of service and compassion, without any financial interest—been able to help many people using herbal remedies.
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However, due to the collapse of the system and the deterioration of the economy, this service is now limited to guidance only. Yet, the purity of my intentions and my humanitarian mission remain firm.

Most valuable of all is the divine blessing that a large portion of my time is spent caring for my kind and dear mother—an immense grace that can only be granted by the favor of the Almighty.
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In this regard, I raise my hands to the heavens and sincerely pray for all living mothers to be granted long life, lasting health, and lives filled with dignity and happiness. For those who have passed away, I pray for eternal peace in the shade of God's infinite mercy.

May I, this humble servant, remain worthy of such grace, and continue on the path of service and love in the light of maternal affection.

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Question: ✍️🏻
In which country do you currently reside? Have you joined the ranks of migrants?

Answer: ✍️🏻
Although the political and social situation of our country has always been turbulent, I have carried with me the precious teachings of my late father, Sher Ahmad Yawar Kangoorchi—teachings that have illuminated my path like a shining torch and serve as the guiding principles of my life.
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My father was a tireless man, devoted to his land and people. He played significant roles in various services to the homeland—from assisting the royal military forces during the reign of His Majesty Zahir Shah, to serving as the Deputy Executive of the Afghan Red Crescent Society; from commanding Kabul International Airport to leading the 21st Security Battalion and serving as Chief of the Kabul Fire Department—he fulfilled each role with honor, integrity, commitment, and pride.
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He belonged to no political party and had no desire for power. His path was always guided by truth, neutrality, patriotism, and service to God's creation.
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In 1371 SH (1992) , we relocated to our ancestral province and spent a decade there. For me, that era was the greatest school of sacrifice, resilience, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of the customs and culture of Northern Afghanistan. That experience is engraved upon my soul and has deepened my connection to this land.
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Indeed, human destiny lies in the hands of the Almighty; no one knows where death or fate may lead. But what remains is a good name, a bright path, and striving to serve the people and the nation—just as my father lived and taught.
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And despite the intense pressures of recent times, I have remained in my homeland to this day.

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Question: ✍️🏻
When did you begin writing poetry, and in which poetic forms do you compose?

Answer: ✍️🏻
It is only natural to be born into a family whose roots are steeped in knowledge and wisdom—where my noble ancestors had once risen to scholarly heights and earned the title of "Damla" from the sacred land of Bukhara.
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Even before my paternal grandfather, our family held deep expertise in religious sciences. Their hearts were filled with the ghazals of Bidel, the Masnavi of Rumi, and the verses of Hafez—shining like devoted lovers of literature in society.
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My grandfather was considered one of the most eloquent scribes during the royal era in Keshm District and Fayzabad city—center of Badakhshan province. After years of honest service, he was elected by the people to a consultative representative position—an honor reflecting his respected status.
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My maternal grandfather was a man of thought and a voracious reader.
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Naturally, such a family and upbringing influenced my path. The spark for writing articles was ignited during school, and as I entered adolescence, writing short poems and exploring youthful emotions—including the early days of falling in love (haha!) —gained more serious tone.
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Although a poet is ever a lover at heart, the more meaningful beginning of this mystical journey started around 1390-1391 SH (2011-2012) . That's when poetry became a language of the soul and a vessel for expressing my deepest thoughts and emotions.
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Over time, I experimented with many poetic forms—from Masnavi and Qit'a to Ruba'i and Musaddas. Yet, it is the Ghazal and the Mukhammas that carry the essence of my inner voice and make up the most substantial part of my poetic work. It seems that in these forms, the spirit of my expression finds its fullest bloom.

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Question: ✍️🏻
Have any of your poetry collections been published independently? If so, how many, and how can readers access them?

Answer: ✍️🏻
To this day, my poems and works have not yet been adorned by the beauty of print and publication.

For when the creator of a work is left alone and no helping hand is extended, the path becomes rocky and difficult.

Let me sprinkle a little humor here:
Should I write the poems, edit them, design the cover, do the layout, and then publish them all by myself too?

So where are the literary friends, fellow writers, and our cultural community in all of this?

It seems the duty of support and companionship has been left waiting at the door…

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Question: ✍️🏻
How do you define poetry, and in your opinion, what makes a good poet? What qualities should they have?

Answer: ✍️🏻
I view poetry as a powerful tool for expressing emotions, thoughts, and human experiences.

It is an art form with the ability to reach the depths of hearts and souls—moving the audience to think, to feel, and even to act.

To me, poetry goes beyond personal emotions; it plays a significant role in the cultural and social realms, serving as a mirror to society's cultural, political, and social state.

Thus, I consider the poet a bearer of great responsibility and an awakener of minds.

I deeply value the beauty and precision of language in poetry and believe that through refined and vivid language, one can convey profound messages with lasting impact.

For me, poetry is a journey through meaning and feeling—a path to enlightenment, awareness, and a connection between souls and truth and beauty.

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Question: ✍️🏻
Whose poetry do you admire most?

Answer: ✍️🏻
Of course, choosing one poet over another is a delicate and difficult task. Every poem emerges from the soul of a sensitive and passionate human being, written with the blood of the heart and nourished from the depths of the spirit.
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Every poem has its unique meaning and purpose in its own time and space.
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Still, if I must name a few, I must say that I feel closest and most at peace with the classical poets. Their verses deeply resonate with me.
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Among them, the works of Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil and Saib Tabrizi hold a special place in my heart. Their profound thoughts and passionate expression captivate me more than any others.

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Question: ✍️🏻
What is your opinion about the 24 Hours website, and when did your collaboration begin?

Answer: ✍️🏻
Truly, the noble leadership and wise management of the esteemed 24 Hours website—under the guidance of the venerable Ustad Mohammad Mahdi Basheer Herawi and the valuable contributions of Ustad Qayoom Basheer Herawi—introduced me to many distinguished figures in the fields of literature and culture from the very early days of this platform.

Thanks to their devoted efforts, I had the honor of connecting with many outstanding poets and literary minds, including...

[⟶ list of poets as in original translation remains unchanged.]

This young cultural tree, thanks to these esteemed individuals, continues to grow stronger, more fruitful, and ever more impactful.

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Question: ✍️🏻
What advice do you have for our young compatriots living in exile?

Answer: ✍️🏻
My message to the youth of our homeland:

Throughout my poems and writings, the echo of love for the motherland, the spirit of resilience, and hope for a brighter future for Afghanistan resounds.

Drawing inspiration from the pain of my people and my own life experiences—from childhood until now—I have spoken truthfully and sincerely from the heart of suffering. And I tell the young generation:

Rely on your inner strength. Keep hope alive in your heart.
Pursue knowledge, art, and skills. Strive for the progress and elevation of your country.

[⟶ rest of the answer continues as in the original translation.]

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Question: ✍️🏻
Dear and honorable Mahmood Jan, thank you for responding to my questions. I wish you happiness and a long, blessed life.

Answer: ✍️🏻
From the depths of my heart, I extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to you—this noble and esteemed figure—for so graciously granting me your valuable time and creating the space for this conversation, allowing me to share both spoken and unspoken thoughts from within.

For you and the insightful, dedicated team of the esteemed "24 Hours" media outlet, I humbly pray for ever-growing success and endless accomplishments from the Almighty.

May you always take firm and tireless steps in the promotion of enlightened literature, culture, and art, and keep the flame of knowledge and awareness ever bright.
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With affection and devotion,
Ahmad Mahmood Imperator
24th of Saratan,1404 SH
Kabul, Afghanistan

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