Their spending power went on display in spectacular fashion last week, with the record-breaking $170m purchase of Amedeo Modigliani’s Reclining Nude painting.

And his nude paintings have been collected by some of the world’s top museums.”

“Nude paintings are not acceptable in our society,” Mina Habibi, a 26-year-old government employee, said. “Afghans are so sensitive regarding Islamic- related issues.