Beatrice Miscopein
Beatrice is a French psychiatrist specializing in children, who is deeply committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of Afghan women. She founded the Mahoor Association to continue the legacy of the art gallery originally led by Nazir Rahgozar in Herat. Despite the challenges, as president of Mahoor, she fosters and sustains a collective dynamic that supports art and culture, as well as cultural exchange and dialogue. Through her leadership, the association helps refugee artists reclaim their dignity and identity while navigating the difficult journey of exile and escaping Taliban oppression.
Nazir Ahmad Rahguzar
Nazir Rahguzar is a multidisciplinary artist, painter, calligrapher, musician, and art researcher from Herat, Afghanistan, whose works bring together collective memory, cultural resistance, and minimalist aesthetics. He belongs to a generation of artists who, emerging from devastation and exile, have created a fresh perspective on the world—a vision both loyal to roots and open to new horizons. Nazir Rahguzar is the founder of “Mahoor” in Herat, as well as one of the founders of this association in Paris: an independent gallery and platform supporting and showcasing contemporary art with a focus on marginalized narratives from Afghanistan. Mahoor is not only an exhibition space but also a platform for dialogue, research, and cultural coexistence. In recent years, Nazir Rahguzar has collaborated with art institutions in France and other European countries to organize programs for cultural exchange and art education between migrant communities and host societies. These programs, relying on participatory workshops, concerts, exhibitions, and intercultural meetings, have created spaces for co-creation, dialogue, and the healing of human connections. Alongside his artistic activities, Nazir Rahguzar also serves as the head of an online faculty of fine arts dedicated to women from Afghanistan, a new institution set to launch in September 2025, aiming to provide a safe, free, and creative space for women who have long been deprived of such opportunities. Mahoor was established with a humanistic and committed vision; it is a bridge between cultures, voices, and times—a bridge from darkness toward light.
Mojibullah Azizi
Mojibullah Azizi is a musician and music instructor originally from Herat, Afghanistan. Although he completed his academic studies in Law and Political Science, his true passion has always been music. With over 22 years of formal experience in the field, he has acquired extensive knowledge and expertise. He taught music for ten years at the Aga Khan School in Herat, where he introduced many students to the rich world of traditional Afghan music. He is currently based in Germany, where he founded the “Sa Re Ga” Music School in Frankfurt am Main. There, he dedicates himself to teaching students and passionately passing on his musical knowledge to the new generation. His work goes beyond preserving Afghan traditional music; it serves as a vital effort to keep the cultural spirit of Afghanistan alive amidst migration and exile.
Farid Banerjee
Farid Banerjee was born in Herat, Afghanistan. He received his early musical training from various Indian and Afghan masters. In 2000, he became a student of one of India’s most prominent tabla players, Yandat Abhijit Banerjee. Over the years, Farid has performed at numerous international artistic and cultural festivals and concerts around the world. In 2015, he founded the “Hamnoa” Music School in Frankfurt, Germany. This school has trained many students in various musical disciplines and has contributed significantly to the Afghan diaspora community. Farid Banerjee’s work plays an important role in preserving and promoting the beautiful arts and authentic music of Afghanistan on a global scale.
Fardin Monir
Fardin Monir, from Herat, Afghanistan, is an artist specializing in calligraphy, singing, and theater, currently pursuing a degree in Global Humanities. He regards art as an essential part of his life, with singing holding a special place in his heart. Performing in major cities such as Rome and Paris has offered him unique and meaningful experiences. For Fardin, art is not just emotional expression but a powerful medium to connect with the world and explore beauty and creativity. The Mahoor Association has played a pivotal role in his personal and professional growth. As a longtime member, he has witnessed Mahoor’s significant impact on his development as an artist. Through promoting artistic expression and supporting artists, Mahoor continues to preserve, expand, and evolve cultural heritage of Afghanistan.
Sattar Farzam
Sattar Farzam is an artist and art educator from Herat, Afghanistan, who graduated from Herat University’s Faculty of Arts in 2006. He has taught art in local schools and institutes and founded the “Negar” Art Gallery, which has been active for over 17 years. After relocating to Europe, Sattar managed an art gallery in Italy and later moved to France, where he held an exhibition in Avignon in 2024. As an active member of the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association, he dedicates his work to promoting authentic art and culture of Afghanistan internationally, striving to foster cultural dialogue and preserve heritage of Afghanistan.
Toktam Rahgozar
Toktam Rahgozar currently resides in Paris. Before moving to France, she worked as a Zumba instructor in various fitness clubs in Afghanistan. Now, she engages with children in a kindergarten, using physical activities to promote joy, coordination, and well-being. An active member of the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association, Toktam contributes to the performance aspects of cultural programs. Through her involvement, she supports the representation and preservation of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage, especially through live artistic expression and community participation. For Toktam, art is a way to share culture ,identity and beauty of Afghanistan , especially with audiences beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Mahoor provides her a meaningful platform to be part of this cultural narrative, bridging past and present to ensure traditions of Afghanistan thrive for future generations.
Bibi Gol Azad
Bibi Gol Azad, born in Herat, is a dedicated artist with a deep passion for creative expression. She graduated from the Faculty of Painting at Herat University and is currently pursuing a degree in Global Humanities at Sapienza University of Rome to deepen her understanding of culture and the human condition. She has practical expertise in mural painting, interior design, and color therapy for both children and adults. Theater has also been a significant part of her artistic journey. For nearly five years, Bibi Gol has been an active member of the Mahoor Art Gallery. Through this platform, she promotes art of Afghanistan and preserves cultural identity. For her, Mahoor is more than an artistic venue—it is a meaningful platform to serve her people and contribute to Afghanistan’s cultural legacy. Her goal is to merge artistic expression with social and humanistic values to make a lasting positive impact on the communities she works with.
Ali Ahmad Rahgozar
Ali Ahmad Rahgozar, born in Herat, is an Afghan musician, composer, and singer currently residing in France. He serves as the head of the music department at the Mahoor Association’s Paris branch. His primary mission is to express and preserve Afghanistan’s rich musical heritage. Ali Ahmad’s greatest hopes include achieving freedom and equality for women from Afghanistan, as well as peace and progress for his homeland. He believes music is a powerful means to unite communities and promote cultural awareness.
Zhila Boroumand
Zhila Boroumand is a multidisciplinary artist and cultural activist from Afghanistan with academic backgrounds in Economics, Management, and Dentistry. She has diverse professional experiences including teaching, project management, administration, women’s clothing sales, and environmental and bird photography. As an active member of the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association, Zhila is committed to preserving and promoting art and culture of Afghanistan .Through her involvement, she aims to enhance her personal and professional skills, support cultural growth, and achieve financial independence. Her dedication and strong motivation drive her to contribute meaningfully to her community’s cultural development.
Elaha Rahgozar
Elaha Rahgozar was born in Herat. She is an artist and student of Art and English Literature at Marie Curie School in Paris, having begun her education in Afghanistan. Alongside her studies, she actively contributes to the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association, advocating for women’s rights—especially for those whose voices have been suppressed—through her paintings and educational projects.Elaha strives to continue this path of cultural activism. Together with Mahoor, she participates in showcasing art, music, dance, and cuisine from Herat to Paris, dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Afghanistan throughout her life.
Niloofar Habibi
Niloofar Habibi is a multidisciplinary artist studying Global Humanities at Sapienza University, Rome. As a dedicated member of the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association, she works to introduce and preserve art and culture of Afghanistan .Her artistic practices include miniature painting, gilding, fashion design, and acting, through which she expresses her deepest thoughts and emotions. Niloofar views art of Afghanistan not as a relic of the past but as a vibrant and evolving force, aiming to highlight its dynamic and enduring presence on the international stage.
Somaye Parsa
Somaye Parsa was born in Herat. She is a graduate in Economics and Management who is passionate about visual storytelling, photography, and creating authentic artistic expressions. She has professional experience in camera work and editing, and values honesty and emotion in art. As a member of the Mahoor Association, Somaye seeks to connect with fellow creatives and contribute to shared artistic experiences. She looks forward to collaborating with inspiring minds to promote the art and culture of Afghanistan
Sebghatullah Mahmoodi
Sebghatullah Mahmoodi was born in Herat, he is currently studying Global Social Sciences and actively participates in the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association in Italy. He is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Afghanistan’s rich artistic heritage. Sebghatullah aims to use his education and skills to serve his community and help keep culture of Afghanistan vibrant for future generations, fostering connections across communities of Afghanistan both at home and abroad.
Elya Rahgozar
Elya Rahgozar was born in Herat. She is currently pursuing her studies in Philosophy and Literature at Sapienza University in Rome. Deeply connected to her roots, she carries the spirit of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage with her wherever she goes. For Elya, the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association represents a beacon of hope and creativity—a vibrant platform where the essence art and identity of Afghanistan comes alive. Through her active involvement, she contributes to preserving culture of Afghanistan , especially for those in the diaspora who strive to maintain their connection to their origins. Her vision is to ensure that traditions, stories, and creativity continue to thrive as dynamic and evolving expressions of identity, rather than mere relics of the past.
Sheyda Hashemi
Sheyda Hashemi was born in Herat. She is a philosophy and literature student at Sapienza University of Rome and an active cultural advocate from Afghanistan. Deeply connected to her identity, she engages actively with the Mahoor Art and Cultural Association to promote and preserve the art and culture of Afghanistan. Sheyda believes that art is a powerful tool for expressing voices and advancing intellectual growth. Through her involvement, she aims to contribute to the cultural legacy of Afghanistan and foster cross-cultural understanding in the global community.
