Afghan Culture

Afghanistan

Facts & Statistics 

• ·       Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran Capital: Kabul
• ·       Climate: Arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Population: 29,928,987 (July 2005 est.)
• ·       Ethnic Make-up: Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4% Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 19%, other 1%

Language in Afghanistan

Pashtu and Dari (Afghan Persian/Farsi) are the official languages of Afghanistan. Pashtu (also written Pushtu) was declared the National Language of the country during the beginning of Zahir Shah's reign, however, Dari has always been used for business and government transactions. Both belong to the Indo-European group of languages. According to estimates, approximately 35% of the Afghan population speaks Pashtu, and about 50% speaks Dari. Turkic languages (Uzbek and Turkmen) are spoken by about 11% of the population. There are also numerous other languages spoken in the country (Baluchi, Pashai, Nuristani, etc.), and bilingualism is very common. 

Afghan Culture & Society

Islam

• ·       Islam is practised by the majority of Afghanis and governs much of their personal, political, economic and legal lives.
• ·       Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.
• ·       Friday is the Muslim holy day. Most shops and offices will be closed. Government offices and businesses may also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
• ·       During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing.
• ·       Foreigners are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

The Ethnic Make-Up & Tribes

• ·       Afghanistan is a vast country and as a result has a rich mix of ethnicities and tribes.
• ·       The Pashtun are Sunni Muslims who Pashtu. They constitute around 42% of the population and are concentrated in Nangrahar and Pakhtya provinces. A large population also live in neighbouring Pakistan.
• ·       Tajiks comprise roughly 27% of the population. They are Iranian in origin and speak a form of Persian found in Eastern Iran. Most are Sunni Muslim. Most reside in Kabul and Herat provinces,although some reside in the mountains north of Hindu Kush, and the Iranian border.
• ·       Hazaris make up about 9% of the population. They are descendants of the Mongols, and speak a dialect of Persian that contains many Turkish words. They are also Shiite Muslims which led to much of their persecution under Taliban rule. Most live in the Hazarajat region.
• ·       Uzbeks live in the northern parts of the country and also comprise only 9% of the population. They are Sunni Muslims and speak a dialect of Turkish.
• ·       The Turkomen are a small minority with making only 3% of the population.
• ·       Baluchis are pastoral nomads who speak Baluchi, an Iranian language. They comprise 2% of the population.

The Family

• ·       The family is the single most important unit in the Afghan culture.
• ·       Men and women's roles are much more defined along traditional lines.
• ·       Women are generally responsible for household duties, where as men will be the bread winners. In the cities professional women do exist.
• ·       Families commonly arrange marriages for their children. Factors such as tribe, status, network, and wealth are the major factors forming any choice.
• ·       Families traditionally live together in the same walled compound, known as the kala. When a son gets married he and his wife begin their married lives in a room under the same roof.
• ·       As with much of the Muslim world, the family is sacred and as such, is highly protected. As a result, probing about the family is not advised.

The Concepts of Honour and Shame 

• ·       Honour in Afghan culture defines the reputation and worth of an individual, as well as those they are associated with.
• ·       The head male of a family is responsible for protecting the honour of the family. o The issue of honour drives much of the behaviour surrounding the protection of women, modes of dress, social interaction, education and economic activity.
• ·       If someone's honour has been compromised, they are shamed and will look for a way to exact revenge for themselves, their family or group.
• ·       The role of honour and tribalism has fuelled much of the disharmony in the country's recent history - with one group carrying out violent acts against another, the victims are forced to respond causing a circle of violence.

Social Etiquette, Customs & Protocol 

Mixing Between Genders

• ·       Free mixing between genders only takes places within families.
• ·       In professional situations such as at businesses or universities, males and females may be co-workers, but are nevertheless cautious to maintain each other's honour.
• ·       Foreign females must learn to read the rules and live by them.
• ·       If a man speaks to you directly in a social context, he is dishonouring you. If someone speaks to you on the street, that is equally inappropriate. You should avoid looking men in the eyes, and keep your eyes lowered when you walk down the street to maintain your reputation as a proper woman.
• ·       Women must always dress properly to avoid unwanted attention. Always wear loose fitting pants under your skirts and be sure the definition of your legs is undistinguishable. It is also strongly advisable to wear a headscarf in public.
• ·       On the other hand foreign men should note that it is inappropriate to initiate social conversation with a woman, and one should not ask a male about his wife or female relatives.
• ·       Men and women should never be alone in the same room. If this happens you should ensure a door is left open.
• ·       Men and women should never touch one another under any circumstances.

Dining Etiquette 

• ·       Dining in Afghanistan is a different experience and there are many differences in etiquette. o Always remove your shoes at the door if visiting a home.
• ·       If eating at someone's home, you will be seated on o the floor, usually on cushions.
• ·       Food is served on plastic or vinyl tablecloths spread on the floor.
• ·       Wait to be shown where to sit.
• ·       If you can, sit cross-legged. Otherwise sit as comfortably as you can. Do not site with legs outstretched and your feet facing people.
• ·       Food is generally served communally and everyone will share from the same dish.
• ·       Do not eat with the left hand.
• ·       Always pass and receive things using your right hand too. o Food is eaten with the hands. It will be a case of watch and learn. Food is usually scooped up into a ball at the tip of the fingers, then eaten.
• ·       Leave food on your plate otherwise it will keep getting filled up again.