Business Communication 2 EPM3: Afghanistan- Culture

Hello everyone

This week we are in Afghanistan. There is a lot of culture here in Afghanistan and it’s unfortunate that Afghanistan isn’t a safe place to visit. We have to be very careful when we leave our hotel.

I will talk about art, architecture, cuisine, religion and holidays.

Art

The world’s first oil painting was found in Afghanistan. The most famous art is the Gandhara art that is based on Greco-Buddhist art. The art was originally almost entirely done by men, but recently women are entering the arts programs at Kabul University. The art is largely centered at the National Museum of Afghanistan, the National Gallery of Afghanistan and the National Archives of Afghanistan in Kabul.

First oil painting

Gandhara art

Traditionally, only men have been involved in theater acting but recently women have begun to take center stage in theater arts.

Other forms of art in the country are music, poetry and some sports. Afghanistan is also very good at making carpets. They are known for making beautiful oriental rugs.

Afghanistan carpets

Architecture

The region has made major contributions to the world’s architecture. UNESCO has acknowledged Afghanistan’s role by declaring the Minaret of Jam and the Valley of Bamiyan, home of the famous Buddhas destroyed by the Taliban, World Heritage Sites.

Minaret of Jam

Valley of Bamiyan

Cuisine

The cuisine is largely based upon the nation’s chief crops. This are cereals like wheat, maize, barley and rice. They also eat dairy products, various nuts and native vegetables. Afghanistan is well known for its grapes and they eat fresh and dried fruits. The Afghanistan cuisine is undeniably unique. They also eat a lot Naan.

Religion

The main religion of Afghanistan is the Islam. More than 99% of the Afghans are Muslims. About 80% of the population practice Sunni Islam, 10% practice Shi’a Islam and 1% are followers of other religions. Beside Muslims there are thousands of Sikhs and Hindus living in the country.

Holidays

The religious holidays are almost the same as Islamic holidays. Some of the most important religious holidays are Eid ul-Fitr which is the end of the Ramadan, Eid ul-Adha, Ashura and Mawlid.

Farmer’s day is a traditional holiday and it’ an ancient annual festival which celebrates both the beginning of spring and the New Year.

The national holidays are Afghan Independence Day on August 19 and Mujahideen Victory Day on April 28. Other holidays are International Women’s Day on March 8, Remembrance Day for Martyrs and Disabled on May 4 and National Labour Day.