[3] When the family was condemned to exile in 1881, following the accession of Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, they lived in Karachi, Sindh for four years, before moving to Syria.

One of his earlier works: Account of a Journey, recounts these travels, which did much to imbue the young Mahmud Tarzi with ideas of modernism and westernization.

His friendship with political activist and Islamic ideologist Jamal ad Din al Afghani was also responsible for his appeal to Pan-Islamism.

[4] Seraj al Akhbar made significant efforts in keeping the country informed of political affairs of the world, with a view of supporting the progressive ideologies formed by the young Turks coalition.

Only a few decades ago, the Second Anglo-Afghan War had resulted in the defeat of Afghan forces under Emir Sher Ali Khan to British India.

It was initially intended to provide news concerning Emir Habibullah, but as World War I broke out, Seraj al Akhbar began to express hostility towards Afghanistan's neutrality in Foreign affairs.

[1] News from Turkey was frequently printed in Seraj al Akhbar, and pro-Turkish sentiments began to develop among the Young Afghan coalition.

[2] One section was dedicated to subscribers who wanted to write to the newspaper in praise of the Emir, while another printed scientific articles which encouraged industrialization and modernization.