republic · Central Asia and the Steppe

Republic of Afghanistan (1973-1978)

1973 CE – 1978 CE · capital Kabul

The republic founded by Mohammad Daoud Khan after he overthrew his cousin King Zahir Shah, ended five years later by a communist coup.

Origins

On 17 July 1973 the former prime minister Mohammad Daoud Khan, cousin and brother-in-law of King Zahir Shah, seized power in a bloodless coup with the support of army officers, including members of the communist Parcham faction. He abolished the Kingdom of Afghanistan and declared a republic with himself as president.

Rule and society

Daoud ruled in an authoritarian style, pursuing the Pashtunistan dispute with Pakistan and economic development with Soviet and Western aid. He suppressed Islamist opponents, many of whom fled to Pakistan, and gradually pushed the communists out of government. A new constitution in 1977 created a one-party state, and he sought closer ties with Iran and the Gulf states, angering Moscow.

Decline and legacy

After the murder of the communist leader Mir Akbar Khyber led to mass protests, Daoud arrested communist leaders. On 27 April 1978 army officers loyal to the People's Democratic Party killed Daoud and his family in the Saur Revolution, establishing the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.

Lineage

Kingdom of Afghanistan 1926 CE – 1973 CERepublic of Afghanistan (1973-1978)Democratic Republic of Afghanistan 1978 CE – 1992 CE

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Republic of Afghanistan (1973-1978). In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/republic-of-afghanistan-1973-1978
MLA
“Republic of Afghanistan (1973-1978).” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/republic-of-afghanistan-1973-1978. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Republic of Afghanistan (1973-1978).” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/republic-of-afghanistan-1973-1978.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Republic of Afghanistan (1973-1978)’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/republic-of-afghanistan-1973-1978 (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻