Useful information about Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. This might help those who are making their first trip to Afghanistan.
Afghanistan History:
Afghanistan originally was governed by different kings, emirs (Commander or general) or shahs (leader, King). Its first state was established on October 1747 in Kandahar by Afghan Military Commander Ahmad Shah Durani. After dead of Ahmad Shah Durani in about 1773, the emirship was passed to his children and then grandchildren. Afghanistan has only been republic between 1973 to 1992 and from 2001 onwards. Between 1992 to 2001 Afghanistan was under Mujahideen and Taliban regimes. Afghanistan first president was Mohammed Daoud Khan in 1973, after he ended his Cousin Mohamad Zahir Shahn’s kingdom. Mohammed Daoud Khan then was assassinated in 1978 by members of people’s democratic party of Afghanistan who then choose Nur Mohammed Taraki as president. Between 1980s and 90s Afghanistan was governed by different presidents, including Hafizullah Amin, Babrak Karmal, Momahad Najibullah, Sibghatulah Mujadidi and Burhanuddin Rabbani and many others. Since 22 December 2001, Afghanistan is run by Karzi Administration, under President Hamid Karzai.
Afghanistan’s Religion and Beliefs:
Afghanistan’s religion is Islam. It is the second popular region in the world that has over 2.5 billion believers. The Current estimates of Muslim around the world are between 1.5 billion The people of Afghanistan is called “Afghan” and they believe in God and its prophet Mohammed (the first and last prophet). Afghanistan has three types of believers, Sunni- 80%, Shia -19% and Hindus- 1%.
Afghanistan Art:
Afghanistan has more than 5000 years of great history and heritage. One of its famous arts between the 1st and 7th century is the Gandhara. It was based in Greco-Buddahist art and the examples were found in Kabul museum and national gallery. Originally the arts in Afghanistan were entirely made by men, but recently women are participating in art programs through Kabul University.
Afghanistan Food:
Afghanistan has a delicious and unique food. However each part of the country has its own traditional food. But overall when it comes to Afghanistan food, no one get the chance of missing Qabeli Pallaw (Rice with chopped fried carrots and raison) and Ashak and Mantoo (veggie and non veggie dumpling) with its fresh cooked bread.
Afghanistan Clothing:
Traditional Afghanistan clothing is, and always has been, unique with beautiful designs and colors. The Style of Afghanistan Clothing during the king Zahir Shah Government (in the 1950s) was much like western clothing during that time. When it was in fashion in the west, women in the capital city of Kabul were also wearing short sleeve shirts and mini skirts!
Afghanistan Films & Movies:
In the past three decades of war and conflict in Afghanistan, the films and movie world of Afghanistan had the biggest damage in its history. Even the music and entertainment was not allowed in dark regime of Taliban in Afghanistan. Everything under name of entertainment was burned and destroyed. Today Afghanistan again has a film and television industry. The museum is open and the old center is being built which soon we will get there.
Children’s Hobbies in Afghanistan:
Flying kite is one of Afghanistan national outdoor hobbies which mostly young children are playing it on street after schools. Mostly the adults company children on weekends for fun. It’s called ‘Gudiparan Bazi’ in Dari.