Info4Migrants

AFGHANISTAN PROFILE

1 AREA 652 864 км2 POPULATION 31 million

GDP per capita $695

CURRENCY Afghani Language PASHTO AND DARI

2 MAIN INFORMATION

Afghanistan is a country in Asia, bordered by Pakistan in the south and east; Iran in the west; Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in the north; and China in the far northeast.

Capital: Kabul. Other big cities are Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz. Flag Climate: dry, subtropical. Winter in the plains is mild, The flag of Afghanistan has been unstable and the summer is hot. Snow is preserved for changed many times through 6-8 months on altitude over 3000 meters. the years. The last one, adopted in 2004 consists of three vertical stripes in black, red and green, Ethnicity: 40% - Pashtun, 9% - Hazara, 9% - Uzbek, 3.5% - and the coat of arms is places on Aimaq, 2.5% - Turkmen, 2% - Baloch and 4% other them. nationalities. There are about 20 nations, belonging to different language groups.

Religion: over 99% of the population is Muslim, 80-85% of which Sunnis, 15-19% - Shia and 1% other religions. Thousands of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus are also found in the major cities.

Governance: Islamic republic consisting of three branches - the executive, legislative, and judicial. “Afghanistan - Location Map (2013) - AFG - UNOCHA” by OCHA. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http:// 3 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Afghanistan_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_AFG_-_UNOCHA.svg#mediaviewer/File:Afghani- stan_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_AFG_-_UNOCHA.svg FOREIGN RELATIONS

During the occupation of Afghanistan from the Soviet Union, most western countries maintained small diplomatic missions in the capital of Kabul. After the withdrawal of the soviet military forces in 1989 many of those missions are closed due to the instability and military combats in the region.

In the beginning many countries welcome the establishment of the Taliban regime as a stabilizing alternative to the military groups ruling the country after the collapse of Najibullah government in 1992. But soon after this the attitude changes , as a result of the imposition of the Sharia in the territories controlled by the Talibans and the violent treatment of women who try to work, gain education and even leave their home without being accompanied by a man.

The Talibans’ attempts to gain control over Afghanistan’s posts in the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are unsuccessful. Until 2000 only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates acknowledge the Taliban regime as the lawful authority in Afghanistan, but after the attacks in 11.09 the three countries withdraw their support.

After the U.S. attack in October 2001 and the Bonn Agreement, the new government of Hamid Karzai begins to reestablish the diplomatic relations with many countries with which Afghanistan used to have good relations, before falling under the Soviet Union’s influence.

Presently Afghanistan has good economic relations with many NATO member- countries, especially with the U.S., Great Britain, Germany and Turkey. In 2012 the U.S. defines Afghanistan as an important ally and develops a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries. Afghanistan maintains friendly relations with its neighbors Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, as well as with other countries in the region - India, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Japan and South Korea. The country continues to develop its diplomatic relations with other countries in the world.

In 2002 the UN creates United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) with the aim to support the country to recover after the military actions that had lasted for decades.

4 Photo by taesmileland at freedgitalphotos.net MODERN HISTORY OF AFGHANISTAN

In December 2001, after the fall of the Talibans and the formation of the new Afghan government of Hamid Karzai, the UN Security Council sends international security forces (ISAF) in the country to help Karzai administration and guarantee the security of Afghanistan. The Taliban forces start regrouping in Pakistan, while coalition armed forces start entering Afghanistan to help the recovery of the war-torn country.

Soon after being taken-off power, the Talibans begin organizing riots in order to regain control over Afghanistan. In the following decade ISAF and the Afghan army organize a number of actions against the Talibans but do not manage to completely cope with them. Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world due to the lack of foreign investments, corruption in the government institutions and constant attacks from the Talibans.

Meanwhile the Afghan government manages to establish some democratic structures. Attempts have been made to recover the economy, healthcare, education, transport and agriculture in Afghanistan with the international support. International Security Assistance Force trains the Afghan army and police. Between 2002 and 2012 five million refugees return to the country (including many people who have been forcefully deported from western countries).

Towards 2009 in many regions of the country double illegal ruling structures emerge, led by the Talibans. In 2010 the Karzai government tries to lead peaceful negotiations with the Talibans and other military groups, but they refuse to participate in the negotiations and the bomb attacks and assassinations become more frequent. After the assassination of Osama bin Laden in May 2011 in Pakistan, many prominent Afghans are murdered, and the shootings between the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders become more intense. The U.S. warns Pakistan about potential military actions in the country if the government refuses to attack the rebels and blames corrupted government bodies for the increased violence in Pakistan. The Pakistan army starts conducting more regular military attacks on the illegal military groups in the country.

After the president elections in 2014, Hamid Karzai withdraws from power and Ashraf Ghani becomes the new president. The war between the U.S. and Afghanistan officially ends on 28.11.2014, but thousands of NATO soldiers remain in the country to train and council the military forces of the Afghan government.

5 Photo by africa at freedgitalphotos.net FACTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN

Coat of Arms The national emblem of Afghanistan is an image of a mosque with mihrab - a semicircular niche in the wall indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims should face when praying. There is inscription on top of the mosque, a quote from Shahada – “There is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God”, and under it – “Islamic Republic of Afghanistan” and the year 1298 as per Hijri (1919) – the year when Afghanistan gained independence from Great Britain. Language There are two official languages in the country – Pashto and Dari – dialect of the Persian language. Persian is the mother language of many Afghan ethnic groups such as Tajiks, Hazaras, and Aimak. Other regional languages, such as Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashayi and Nuristani are spoken by minority groups across the country and have a formal status, in the regions where they are spoken by the majority. Other languages are Pamiri (Shughni, Munji, Ishkashimi and Wakhi), Brahui and Kyrgyz. Many Afghans can speak Photo by David Castillo Dominici at freedigitalphotos.net in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, English and other languages.

Governance The constitution of 2003 defines Afghanistan as an Islamic Republic with division of the power in executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive power is carried by the president - directly elected for a five year mandate, and the administration appointed by him. Legislative power is represented by a bicameral National Assembly. The Lower chamber includes 249 members of parliament, elected by direct voting. The Upper chamber consists of 102 representatives – 1/3 appointed by the president, 1/3 – by the provincial councils and 1/3 by the regional councils. Corruption is a major problem for the government administration.

“Emblem of Afghanistan” by Original author was Andrew Duhan. Later edits done by Denelson83, Bastique and many others. - Extracted from Image:Flag of Afghanistan.svg which originated from Open Clipart website.. Licensed under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons - http:// 6 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emblem_of_Afghanistan.svg#mediaviewer/File:Emblem_of_Afghanistan.svg FACTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN Kabul Kabul is the capital and the largest city of Afghanistan. Kabul was founded between 2000 and 1500 B.C. and the history of the town dates back to over a 3000 year period. Due to its strategic location as part of the trade roads in Southern and Central Asia, many battles have been fought for gaining influence over the town. Around 400 B.C. Alexander the Great conquered Kabul during his march against the Persian Empire. In 1220 the hordes of Genghis Khan reach the borders of Afghanistan and the entire territory of present day Afghanistan passes very quickly in the hands and control of the Mongolians. It is assumed that soon after that the city began to be called Kabul. After the invasion of the Soviet troops in the 80s, until today, the town has been the scene of active military actions. Five years after the beginning of the Taliban regime, the Afghan Northern Alliance regains its control over the city and Kabul becomes the capital of the Afghan transitional administration on 20 December 2001.

In antiquity Afghanistan is an ancient crossing point of the migration of peoples on the Silk Road.

Archeological excavations reveal evidence of people inhabiting the lands of present Afghanistan going back to 50 000 B.C. It is assumed that the development of the cities in the region has begun between 3000 and 2000 B.C.

Located on a strategic place between the Middle East, central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan has been the home of many different nations throughout the centuries and a witness of many military campaigns, “Shuja Shah Durrani of Afghanistan in 1839” by James Rattray including those of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan (1818-1854) - The British Library - Online Gallery. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://com- and the western countries of the modern age. mons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shuja_Shah_Durrani_of_Af- ghanistan_in_1839.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Shuja_Shah_Durra- ni_of_Afghanistan_in_1839.jpg

“Abdul Rahman Mosque in March 2010” by Daniel Wilkinson, employee of U.S. Department of State - U.S Embassy Kabul 7 Afghanistan. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abdul_Rah- man_Mosque_in_March_2010.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Abdul_Rahman_Mosque_in_March_2010.jpg FACTS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN

Geography About ¾ of Afghanistan’s territory is occupied with mountains. Hindu Kush is located to the northeast, where lies the highest peak of the country – Noshaq (7492 m), on the border with Pakistan. To the north of Hindu Kush, within Afghanistan’s border, lie the southern parts of Pamir Mountains, to the south and southwest lie mountain ranges, many of which with a latitude of 4 thousand meters, which cover the larger part of the country. The southwestern, western and northern suburbs of the country are flat. More densely populated are the Bactrian valley, the basin of River Kabul, the Valley of Harirud River, the “Geography of Afghanistan” by Officer - United oases along river Arghandab. The southern deserts States Federal Government:File:Afghanistan’s Grand and the high mountain regions are desolate. Canyon.jpg (PD-USGov-USAID)File:Snow covered mountains outside of Salang tunneл via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Geography_of_Afghanistan.jpg#mediaviewer/ File:Geography_of_Afghanistan.jpg

Economy Afghanistan is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world as a consequence of the wars that have been tearing the country for decades. According to a report from 2009, around 42% of the population lives with less than one dollar a day. The main sector of the economy is agriculture. According to many sources 11% of the income in the economy comes from the cultivation and sale of opium. Afghanistan is considered the biggest manufacturer of opium in the world, despite the efforts of the government and the international forces to stop its production. The return of five million refugees in the last couple Photo by Mister GC at freedigitalphotos.net of years brings fresh resources and investments in the country.

“Kunstgalerie in Damaskus, Syrien” by High Contrast - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 de via Wikimedia Commons - http:// 8 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kunstgalerie_in_Damaskus,_Syrien.JPG#mediaviewer/File:Kunstgalerie_in_Damaskus,_Syrien. JPG FACTS ABOUT AFGANISTAN

Agriculture Afghanistan is traditionally an agricultural country, although only 12% of the lands are arable and only 6% is actually used in agriculture. Wheat crops, grapes, pomegranates, apricots, melons, mulberries and different sorts of nuts are grown. The northern regions of Afghanistan are famous for growing pistachios. Photo by kongsky at freedigitalpho- tos..net

Islam The predominant religion in Afghanistan is Islam (80-85% are Sunni, 15-19% Shia). Islam has emerged in the lands of present day Saudi Arabia. Among some of the duties of Muslims are to pray five times a day – at dawn, during lunchtime, in the afternoon, at dusk and in the evening. Friday is a holy day for the Muslims. During holy Ramadan all Muslims don’t eat and don’t drink water from dawn till dusk.

National identity In the southern and eastern part of Afghanistan people live according to the Pashto tradition and culture. In the rest of the country the Persian and Turkic culture prevail. Despite this, often cultures get mixed and Pashto culture borrows from Persian culture and the opposite. Millions of Afghans living in Pakistan and Iran in the last 30 years have been influenced by the culture of these neighbor countries.

9 Photo by Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot at freedigitalphotos.net UNIQUE PLACES IN AFGHANISTAN

Buddhas of Bamiyan

The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two 6th-century monumental statues of standing Buddha carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan, 230 km northwest of Kabul at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Built in 507 AD (smaller) and 554 AD (larger), the statues represented the classic blended style of Gandhara art. The main bodies were hewn directly from the sandstone cliffs, but details were modeled in mud mixed with straw, coated with straw, coated with stucco. This coating, practically all of which wore away long ago, was painted to enhance the expressions of the faces, hands, and folds of the robes; the larger one was painted carmine red and the smaller one was painted multiple colors. They were dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban, on orders from leader Mullah Mohammed Omar after the Taliban government declared that they were idols. There are plans for the rebuilding of the statues. Minaret of Jam The Minaret of Jam is located in a remote and nearly inaccessible region of the Shahrak Shahrak District, Ghor Province, next to the Hari River. The 62-metre high minaret was built around 1190 entirely of baked bricks and has a circular form, rests on an octagonal base and has 2 wooden balconies, topped by a lantern. It is famous for its intricate brick, stucco and glazed tile decoration, which consists of alternating bands of kufic and naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns, and verses from the Qur'an. The Minaret of Jam belongs to a group of around 60 minarets and towers built between the 11th and the 13th centuries in Central Asia. The minarets are thought to have been built as The minarets are thought to have been built as symbols of Islam's victory, while other towers were simply landmarks or watchtowers. The archaeological landscape around Jam also includes the ruins of a 'palace', fortifications, a pottery kiln and a Jewish cemetery, and has been suggested to be the remains of the lost city of Turquoise Mountain. As of 2013 the minaret remained on the list of World Heritage in Danger, under serious threat of erosion, and was not actively being preserved.

“BamyanBuddha Smaller 1” by Phecda109 - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://com- mons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BamyanBuddha_Smaller_1.jpg#mediaviewer/File:BamyanBuddha_Smaller_1.jpg 10 “Minaret of jam 2009 ghor” by david adamec - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://com- mons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minaret_of_jam_2009_ghor.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Minaret_of_jam_2009_ghor.jpg AFGHAN CUISINE

The Afghan cuisine is diverse and reflects the ethnic diversity of the country. It includes traditional crops such as rice, corn, different vegetables and fruits. The national Afghan dish is Qabili Pulao or Kabul pilaf. It is prepared from boiled rice, sprinkled with raisins, carrots and served with lamb meat.

Bread Many different types of traditional bread are being prepared in Afghanistan: naan bread – flat bread, served sprinkled with poppy seed or sesame; chapatti bread – the main bread, prepared by Pashtuns; lavash bread – very thin bread, used instead of a plate to serve meat and stew.

Rice Rice is very popular and is being prepared in different ways: challow – white rice, slightly boiled, drained and baked with butter and salt, served with qormas (type of stew); pulao – prepared the same way, but the meat or the stew are added before the baking; bata – the rice is boiled and served with Sabzi (spinach) or Shalgham (turnip).

Other dishes Korma – type of stew from fried onion, meat, vegetables and spices, usually served with rice. Khameerbob – dumplings served on special occasions at home. Two types of dumplings are prepared: mantu – stuffed with onion and minced beef, steam boiled and served with tomato sauce or milk sauce from yoghurt, cream and onion; ashak – stuffed with leeks and served with milk-garlic sauce, typical for Kabul region. Kebab – most often prepared from lamb meat, served on naan bread. Quroot – a type of sour cottage cheese; a reconstituted dairy product. It was traditionally a by-product of butter made from sheep or goat milk. The residual buttermilk remaining after churning of the butter is soured further by keeping it at room temperature for a few days, treated with salt, and then boiled. The precipitated casein is filtered through cheesecloth, pressed to remove liquid, and shaped into balls.

“Afghan Palo” by Jost Wagner - World66. Licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wiki- 11 media.org/wiki/File:Afghan_Palo.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Afghan_Palo.jpg BEVERAGES IN AFGHANISTAN

Soft drinks Energy drinks In recent years, energy drinks are very Doogh popular in Afghanistan. They are being Doogh is also known as Shomleh/ sold everywhere – street stalls, grocery Shlombeh – a cold drink made by mixing stores, restaurants and are consumed at water with yogurt and then adding fresh any time – in the morning, on the way to or dried mint (ayran). Other way of serving work, in the evening, even during wedding it is with salt or mixed with rose water. It is ceremonies. the most widely consumed drink in Afghanistan, especially during lunch time Alcohol consumption in the summer season. The ayran comes The consumption and sale of alcoholic from ancient Persia and the name “doogh” beverages in Afghanistan is completely derived from the Persian word prohibited since 2009. The punishment for “dooshidan” - “to milk”. breaking this restriction is penalty or Tea prison. Despite this alcohol is being sold Tea is very popular in Afghanistan and is illegally in some stores and restaurants at consumed throughout the day. an incredibly high price. In most of these During breakfast or meals usually green tea restaurants only foreigners are allowed to is served. In Afghanistan coffee is not very enter and alcohol is served in the form of a much consumed and if you ask for one, it is “special tea”, served in a teapot. most likely for you to be served strong, sweetened tea.

12 Photo by zirconicusso at freedigitalphotos.net PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Variable date: Mawlid 28 April: Victory Day Afghanistan, although the The observance of the The end of Najibullah regime country has never been birthday of the Islamic is commemorated in 1992 part of the British Empire. prophet Muhammad. and the victory of the mujahedeen. Autumn or sinter: Kurban 15 February: Liberation Bayram Day 1 May: Labor and A sacrificial rite is organized Celebration of the Solidarity Day on this holiday; people visit withdrawal of the last Many people use the day their relatives and give aid Soviet military forces from to rest or meet with to the poor. Afghanistan in 1989. The friends and relatives. day is commemorated with speeches by politicians on Summer or autumn: Variable date: Day of the national television. Ramadan Arafah or Repentance Day Some people celebrate it People visit their relatives Mohammed's last preach also as a religious holiday, and give tribute to the is commemorated and the because it puts an end to elders. completion of Islam’s the communists’ secular message. Muslims fast on ideas. Military parades are 19 August: Independence this day in order to also organized in some Day redeem their sins. regions of the country. Commemoration of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 21 March: New Year’s 1919 which guarantees the Day according to the full independence of Islam calendar

“Herat Masjidi Jami courtyard” by Sven Dirks, Wien - Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons - http:// 13 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Herat_Masjidi_Jami_courtyard.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Herat_Masjidi_Jami_courtyard.jpg PEOPLE IN AFGHANISTAN

The Afghans are proud of their culture, nation, ancestors and most of all with their religion and independence. Similar to other nations, they are perceived as a mixture of understanding and condescension; due to the great importance they put on personal dignity, loyalty towards the tribe and readiness to use power to handle different conflicts.

Up until 1978 Afghanistan avoids of Islam) disappear. fragmentation of the country, thanks to the common religion and the relative Before 1978 the ethnic relations are autonomy of the local communities, tense. The Soviet government is trying to although the government gives encourage the respect for human rights preference to the Pashtun culture and and cultural development of groups, folklore. Most people feel that they different than Pashtuns. Despite the belong first to the local community and failure of this endeavor, it leads to an end then to the supranational community of of the political hegemony of the Muslims. Pashtuns. The national identity has been weak, but The opposition against the communists, the country has not been seen as having inspired by the Islam, does not success to a negative influence on the national serve as a basis for unification and peace. identity. After 1992 the civil war is marked by ethnic conflicts which lead to polarization This fragile balance has been disturbed among Pashtuns (dominant in the Taliban after the coup d'etat in 1978. The government) and the rest of the ethnic symbols of the government’s groups, constituting the Northern legitimacy (political independence, alliance. historical continuity and observance

“Tribal and religious leaders in southern Afghanistan” by Mark O’Donald (Petty Officer 1st Class of the U.S. Navy ) - This Image was released by the United States Navy with the ID 100614-N-1928O-066 (next).This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information.| Deutsch | English | español | euskara | français | italiano | македонски || Plattdüütsch | Nederlands | polski | português | Türkçe | +/−. Licensed under Public Domain via 14 Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_ southern_Afghanistan.jpg FAMILY IN AFGHANISTAN

Marriage

Marriage is considered an obligation and divorces are rare. Polygamy is allowed provided that the man treats equally all his wives. Nevertheless polygamy is rare and mainly when a man feels obliged to marry the widow of his late brother. Marriages between relatives are common, although some families try to improve their social status through marriage. It is common to have marriage between cousins.

The first contacts are usually discrete and only between women, to avoid public refusal. After that the two families negotiate the financial conditions of the marriage, the price of the bride and the dowry. The next step is the formal engagement, during which women from the future groom’s family bring presents to the home of his future wife and give pastries. The wedding continues for three days and is paid by the husband’s family. A marriage contract is signed and the couple gets together, after which the bride is taken to her new home with a spectacular procession.

Household

Traditionally the household includes the man, his wife, their sons with their wives and children and the unmarried daughters. When the man passes away, the sons can decide to stay together or to split the family property. The authority between the brothers is based on skills, economic skills and personal prestige and not so much on age. Sometimes any of the brothers might request his family share of the wealth and leave the family, until the father is still alive. Living together in one household does not necessarily mean distribution of all expenses for the household’s maintenance.

Children

All women in the family usually take care of the children. Although surrounded by love, the children learn at an early age that nobody will get involved if they start crying or if they get hit. Adults do not interfere in the playing of the children, which sometimes can be very rough. The respect towards the adults and obedience are important values, but independence, personal initiative and confidence are also highly appreciated.

Aleppo, Syria (5077865830)” by yeowatzup from Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany - Umayyad Mosque, Aleppo, SyriaUploaded by 15 russavia. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Umayyad_Mosque,_ Aleppo,_Syria_(5077865830).jpg#mediaviewer/File:Umayyad_Mosque,_Aleppo,_Syria_(5077865830).jpg SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

The Afghan culture exists from more than two millennia and dates back to the time of the Achaemenid Empire. The community is mainly nomadic and divided in tribes, and the different regions of the country have their traditions, depicting the multi-cultural nature of the people.

There is equality in some of the groups, but others have a hierarchical social structure. There are great differences in the wealth and the social status. The society is divided both on religious and ethnic basis. During the 20th century the royal family members play an important role in the politics in the role of ministers and ambassadors. Most government employees are Persian-speaking and live in the cities. Shiites (especially the Khazars) have had the lowest social status.

Most administrative positions in the provinces have been held by Pashtuns who haven’t had any connection with the local community. The local communities have been dominated by the richest landowners who received support from the leaders in the villages. The Sayyids (the supposed descendants of Muhammad) have played an important role as mediators, relying mostly on their high prestige, and not so much on their personal wealth. When it came to different local issues the council of the elder people was sought, also many disputes have been settled by the local councils.

Despite the fact that the land reform, which communists tried to impose, was rejected by the people, many changes occur in the society. Traditional leaders lose their power on the account of military commanders and young religious fighters. Some smugglers become extremely rich.

The social stratification is mainly revealed through the means of getting married. The daughters of families with lower social status usually get married with a man who comes from a family with a higher social status. The richness of the wedding ceremony is an expression of the status and wealth of the man.

“Tribal and religious leaders in southern Afghanistan” by Mark O’Donald (Petty Officer 1st Class of the U.S. Navy ) - This Image was released by the Unit- ed States Navy with the ID 100614-N-1928O-066 (next).This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information. Deutsch | English | español | euskara | français | italiano | македонски | Plattdüütsch | Nederlands | 16 polski | português | Türkçe | +/−. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tribal_and_religious_ leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg MEN AND WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN

Labor distribution

The public domain completely belongs to the men, while the home is the women’s world. Women take care of the small children, cook and clean. Most homes have a small garden and domestic animals (usually chicken), for which women also take care. Women often do sewing work, and in some regions of the country they are involved in traditional activities such as carpet weaving or creating different objects from felt. Among nomads, women usually are doing the tents and have greater freedom of movement. In village regions men usually take care of the flocks of sheep and goat, and also plow, sow and harvest. In the villages, as well as in the cities, men should not remain at home during the day. Due to the long-term wars in the country, sometimes women also take the male responsibilities.

Comparative status of men and women

Between 1919 and 1929 king Amanullah tries to encourage granting of more right for women. During the communist rule many women are given the opportunity to receive higher education, but this tendency is changed after coming to power of the Talibans. Nowadays women have to be completely veiled and it is obligatory for them to be accompanied by a relative of male gender each time they leave their home. Women face huge difficulties if they try to get education, to start work or search for medical care. Despite this, the Talibans have improved the security in many village regions, allowing women to do their everyday chores related to taking care of the household.

Women have never participated in decision making. From early childhood they are being taught to be modest and to obey the orders of their fathers, brothers and husbands. Despite all this, as guardians of the family honor, women have certain power. In village regions and among nomadic tribes, women play an important role when it comes to the finances of the household and are not so torn away from the world, like they are in the bigger cities. The Shiites leaders protect women’s right to participate in politics, to work and to choose their husband.

“Afghan women at a textile factory in Kabul” by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar (U.S. Armed Forces) - This Image was released by the United States Air Force with the ID 120117-F-YC711-025 (next).This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information.| Deutsch | English | español | euskara | français | italiano | | македонски | | Plattdüütsch | Nederlands | polski | por- 17 tuguês | Türkçe | | +/−. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Afghan_women_at_a_textile_facto- ry_in_Kabul.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Afghan_women_at_a_textile_factory_in_Kabul.jpg USEFUL INFORMATION

If a stranger starts speaking to you in the Greetings street, this is also considered inappropriate. Avoid looking men in the The most common greeting is the eyes and when walking down the street handshaking. Placing hands on the heart always look down. and slightly nodding is an expression of Women should always be modestly respect. dressed to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. Always wear wide trousers When meeting someone, always enquire under the skirt, to avoid the outline of about their health, work and family. your legs becoming visible. It is recommendable to wear a scarf, covering Men and women never shake hands, nor your head, on public places. speak directly to one another. If you are a men, never initiative a social Eye contact between men and women conversation with a woman and don’t ask should also be avoided. Eye contact other men about their wives or other between men is acceptable, as long as it female relatives. is not too long. A man and a woman should never remain Meetings between men and women alone in a room. If this happens, you should leave the door open. Free communication between men and women is allowed only in the family. Men and women should not touch each other by any means. In companies or universities it is possible for men and women to be colleagues, but both are careful about keeping the honor of the other gender.

Women foreigners are expected to observe the cultural norms of the country.

If you are a woman and a man starts speaking to you directly in a social situation, it is considered disrespectful.

“Kabul Medical University in 2006” by Ben Barber (USAID) - http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/photos/displayimage.php?- 18 pos=-330. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kabul_Medi- cal_University_in_2006.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Kabul_Medical_University_in_2006.jpg USEFUL INFORMATION

Gifts Food is usually served in one common Do not give alcohol as a gift. If you know plate and everybody eats from it. The host your host is drinking alcohol, you can give waits for the guest to start eating first. him a bottle of alcohol as a present, but secretly. Always use your right hand to eat and to When you visit somebody’s home for the hand food. The left hand is considered first time, always bring a small present. unclean.

If invited to lunch or dinner, you can bring Food is usually eaten with hands, by fruits or pastry. A nice wrapping of the gift forming a small ball of food with the tip of is also important. your fingers. Observe and follow the example of the people around. Do not give the gift directly to the host, but rather leave it on a cupboard near the When you finish eating, leave some food door or in the living room. on the plate, otherwise it will be refilled again. The green color of the gift wrapping is traditional for wedding ceremonies. It is customary for the guest, after the table has been cleaned, to ask for permission to leave.

When visiting If invited for a tea, you will most probably be served pastries and your cup will be Always take off your shoes when constantly refilled. When you have entering somebody’s home. finished, cover your cup with a hand and say “bus” (“enough”). It is common for the food to be served on a cloth on the floor, and people to be invited to sit down on pillows.

Wait to be shown where to sit.

Sit with your legs crossed. Never sit with legs outstretched, pointing at other people.

19 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Business cards your meeting other people enter the room or your business partner takes Business cards are not very popular telephone calls. This is something in Afghanistan; this is why they are common. considered a symbol of prestige. If several people participate in the If handed a business card, take it with meeting, the meeting will be run by the respect and read it carefully for your person who is highest in rank – he will partner to see that you show interest. It is decide the agenda, content and pace of appropriate to make a positive comment the conversation. about the qualifications and titles of your business partner if they have such. Meetings are usually held in order to share information and to inform about decisions Do not put the business card straight into that have been made, and not to discuss or your pocket, it is better to use a card negotiation something. holder. The meeting agenda is not very structured. Always hand and take business cards with The beginning and the main points are just your right hand. for a guideline and are flexible.

It is a good idea to have your business The communication style in Afghanistan card translated on one side into Pashto or is quite indirect. Sometimes you will have Dari. to read between the lines of what you are hearing, instead of expecting a clear Business meetings answer. If you ask somebody, for example, whether they can do a specific Business in Afghanistan is based on task on time, you will rarely receive a personal relations. “no” answer. It is also important how you formulate your questions. Use the first meetings to build trust and only after that move to the core of your Honor is very important in business. Never business proposition. talk too directly and frankly, do not blame your business partner and do not speak Do not be surprised or offended if during with neglect.

20 Photo by adamr at freedigitalphotos.net BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Negotiations Always refer to your business partner’s sense of justice and emphasize on the Leading negotiations with Afghan fact that you want to build stable business partners may be difficult, relationships. confusing, but also very pleasant if you approach it correctly. If you are unable to convince your partner of the economic advantages of Make sure you are negotiating with the the deal, emphasize on the prestige and most senior person, because only they can respect that is will bring them. take decisions. If you are having negotiations with a more Attire inferior person, they might turn out to be sent just to check the conditions you are Men have to wear conservative suits and offering. shoes.

The Afghans usually think that in If your meeting is not held in an office, it negotiations there is always a winning and is better to wear traditional Afghan attire a losing party. The goal is always to gain – long shirt and trousers. the best for you at any cost. Women always have to be modestly This means that in negotiations there is dressed and to reveal as less as possible always a stronger and a weaker side. from their body. This might be beneficial for you if you play your cards right. Always start your In a business environment women can negotiations with unreasonably high price wear formal skirt to the length of the and requirements and very slowly reduce knee, under which they are dressed in the price, explaining why you are doing it wide formal trousers. Wearing a scarf and the losses you will experience for which covers the head is recommendable. doing this.

21 Photo by adamr at freedigitalphotos.net