This presentation is dedicated to those who wants to explore about culture, History, lifestyle, Arts & crafts and tradition of Afghanistan. I have explained in details about above mentioned subjects, enjoy the presentation and stay tuned for further presentations

4. A briefintroduction
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is alandlocked
country located within SouthAsia and Central Asia.
 It is bordered by Pakistan in the southand
east, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
and Tajikistan in the north and China in the far
northeast.
 It’s population is about 35 million.
It’s territory covers 652,864 km2 .
 It has Two official languages (Pashto and Dari).
 Recognized in 19/August/1919.
 Its currency is Afghani(AFN).
 34 Provinces

5. Afghanistan, known as the heart of Asia
connecting East, Central and Western Asia
• Over the course of history, the
country had many names such as
Aryana, Khurasan, Bakhter and
finallyAfghanistan
• Afghanistan means the land of
Afghans
• Its people are called “Afghans”

6. Brief History
 Afghanistan Has a 5000 years old History
• Afghanistan's crossroads position in Central Asia has subjected it to
constant invasion and conquest throughout its long recorded history.
The history of Afghanistan is a history of war and conflict even up to
present day.
• The Arabs introduced Islam in the 7th century and the Turks briefly
made Afghanistan the center of Islamic power and civilization at the
beginning of the 11th century.
• In 1747, the Pashtun, the dominant ethnic group in Afghanistan,
established their dynasty in the eastern and southern portions of the
country. By the early 1900’s, the Pashtuns had effective physical control
over all of Afghanistan.

7.  Afghanistan fought two wars over the
issue of Russia. The second Anglo-Afghan
War was fought after World War I for
independence from British
 Although many countries over the years have
tried to take over Afghanistan, mainly Great
Britain, America and Russia, none were ever
successful. Because of this, Afghans feel
proud on their country’s independency

8. Emperor
Ahmad Shah
Abdali
Born: 1722, Herat
Died: October 16,
1772, Maruf

9. King Amanullah Khan
Born: June 1, 1892,
Paghman
Died: April 25, 1960,
Zürich, Switzerland

12. Afghanistan National Day
 Afghanistan got its independence
from Britain on 19th August 1919

13. Culture
 The Afghan culture has been around for over two millennium, it is mostly tribalsociety.
Afghans have their own traditions, reflecting the multicultural and multilingual character ofthe
nation.
In the Southern and Eastern region, the people live according to the Pashtun culture,by
following Pashtunwali and the remainder of the country is Persian andTurkic.
Millions of Afghans who have been living in Pakistan and Iran over the last 30 years havebeen
influenced by the cultures of those neighboring nations.
Afghans display pride in their culture, nation, ancestry and above all, their religionand
independence.
The nation has a complex history that has survived either in its current cultures or in the formof
various languages and monuments.

14. Do’s and Don'ts while meeting an Afghan
 Do shake hands with your Afghan colleagues when arriving and leaving
business discussions.
Do dress suitably and in a conservative manner. Women should be covered
except for her face.
 Don’t ever criticize or correct your Afghan associates in front of other
colleagues.
Don’t ask them about their wife and females member of their family, it’s
considered private.
 Do expect them to stand close to you while talking to you.
Don’t ever promise something you are not capable of doing it, they don’t like
liars.

15. Religion
 Over 99% of the Afghan population is Muslim, 80% Sunny and the remaining areShias.
Thousands of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus are also founded in the major cities ofAfghanistan.
Until the 1890s Nuristan was known as Kafiristan (The unbelievers), because itsreligious
practices included animism, polytheism and shamanism.
Religion inAfghanistan
Religion and Sect Practiced in Percentage
Sunny Muslim 70.0%
Imamiyyah 25.0%
Ismailism 4.5%
Other religion 0.5%

16. President
Muhammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai

17. Afghani Currency Notes
1 USD = 76.5 Afghani

18. Languages
Many Afghans are bilingual
Main languages spoken by Afghans are:
• Pashtu 50%
• Dari Persian 35%
• Other 15%
Dari and Pashtu are Official Languages

19. Kabul
Major Cities
Herat
Mazar Kandahar

20. Ethnic Group
 The population of the country is divided into a wide variety of Ethnolinguisticgroups.
An approximate distribution of the ethnic group
Ethnic Group 2014-2020 estimate Pre-2020 estimate
Pashtun 42% 38–55%
Tajik 27% 26% (of this 1% are Qizilbash)
Hazara 8% 9–10%
Uzbek 9% 6–8%
Aimaq 4% 500,000 to 800,000
Turkmen 3% 2.5%
Baloch 2% 100,000
Others
(Pashayi, Nuristani, Arab, Brahui, Pa
miri, Gurjar, etc.)
4% 6.9%

24. Pashtun
 The Pashtuns are the
dominant ethnic group
in Afghanistan and
account for over half of
the population.
 They are divided into
tribal and sub- tribal
groups to which they
remain loyal.
 Mostly, speaks
Pashtu and are
mostly Sunni
Muslims.

26. Tajik
The Tijiks are considered
Afghanistan’s educated
elite section and tend to
be wealthy.
Tajiks are mostly Sunni
Muslims, speak DARI and
live predominantly in the
northeastern and western
part of the country

28. Uzbek
Descended from the Central Asian
Turks who frequently invaded from
the north
The most populace Turkish group in
Afghanistan.

29. Hazara
 Speak Farsi and are
mostly Shi'i Muslims,
yet there are also
some Sunni Muslim
Hazaras.
 Forced by the
controlling Pashtuns
to live in the barren
mountains of central
Afghanistan.

31. •Pashtuns are generally merchants, traders,
farmers, and animal breeders.
•Tajiks are town- dwelling traders, skilled
artisans, farmers and herders. Many Tajiks are
prosperous enough to be regarded as middle and
upper class citizens.
•Uzbeks are farmers and stockmen, breeding the
karakul sheep and an excellent type of Turkman
horse.
•Hazaras occupy the lowest socioeconomic
bracket in Afghanistan. They are generally very
poor and practice subsistent farming and herding.

32. Traditional Family Roles
Afghan families have a high regard for
age, as well as a reverence for
motherhood.
Father is the leader of the family
and mother is the Home Minister
The women do household works
along with taking care of the children

33. Afghani Foods

34. Food in
Afghanistan
Qabli
Pulao
Kababs
Variety
of
Breads
Khameer
bob
Kofta
Mantu
Qorma

35. It is the most popular dish of Afghanistan. It is steamed rice
with chops of raisins and carrot. It is often served with lamb.
Other variants of pulao are also available in Afghanistan.
People eat it with meat, vegetables or beans.
Qabli Pulao

36. Lamb kabab is a favorite of the Afghans. Afghan
kabab is mostly served with naan, and rarely rice.
Lamb chops, ribs, kofta (ground beef) and chicken
kababs are served in good Kabul restaurants.

37. Are Very popular among Afghan people. Onions are fried
and meats, fruits, spices or vegetables are added to them.
Qorma and Kofta

38. Do pyaza
(Meat and onions)

39. Mantu are steamed dumplings fattened with minced
onion beef.

40. Usually, Afghans consume
three types of bread. These
breads are locally called
Naan, Obi Naan and Lavash.
Naan is made of wheat and
is thin, long and oval
shaped. Obi Naan is shaped
like a disk and is thicker
than naan. Lavash is very
thin bread and used as
plating for meats and
stews.

41. Khameerbob is a popular native dish. It is prepared for special
occasions at home. Mantu is a Uzbek dish while Ashak is a Kabuli
dish.

42. Bolani

43. Afghani deserts







Gosh Feel (Pastries)
Halwa
Shir Berinj (Rice pudding)
Ferni
Kadu Bouranee (Sweet
Pumpkins)
Jelabi
Maleeda, Khajoor

44. drinks
• Chai : A most
common tea (afghan
green tea).
• Dugh: (yoghurt
flavoured with rose
water, salt, mint or
cucumber ).

45. Hospitality
A vital element of Afghan culture is the notion
of Hospitality.
When you are invited whether business or
personal setting, it is important to accept it.
Open displays of generosity and welcoming
behavior are essential qualities for measuring
an Afghan’s good reputation and character.

46. Hospitality
• Afghans are very
friendly and
hospitable.
• They serve their
guests with Kahwah
(traditional green tea).
• Reason for their
hospitality is the
cultural code.

47. Dining Etiquettes
Afghanistan has a completely different dining etiquette:
 Always remove your shoes at the door if visiting a home.
 you will be guided to sit on the floor, usually on cushions called toshak.
 Wait to be shown where to sit.
 They place a table clothe on the carpet.
 Afghans gather around the table clothe and sit with their legs crossed under them.
 They start with Bismillah (by the name of Allah), you should start eating after the host.
 You must eat with your right hand.
 They end dining by thanking God for giving them the ability to provide food and make a living
for themselves, You should follow them.

49. Business Etiquettes
 Establishing close personal contact is the key to all business deals inAfghanistan.
The concept of time in Afghanistan is not measured as strictly as time in westerncountries.
The Afghan working week begins on Saturday and ends on Thursday. Friday is the Muslimholy
day and considered part of the weekend.
Afghans place great emphasis on respect or dignity and are therefore cautious to maintaineach
other’s honor.
Afghanistan is predominantly Muslim and for this reason time must be allocated duringthe
working day for prayer
Business cards are not wisely used in Afghanistan. However if you are given one, take it with
right hand.
 Taking phone calls should be anticipated because their relatives are very precious forthem.

50. Holidays
Afghans have certain religious holidays such as:
1. Eid al fitr
2. Eid al Adha
3. Ashura
4. Mawlid.
Traditional Holidays:
1. Nowruz
2. New year
National Holidays:
1. Afghan Independence day
2. Mujahedeen Victorious day

51. Samanak
(Wheat Milk)
 dessert made of wheat and sugar that can take
two days to prepare.

52. Haft-Mehwah
(Seven Fruit)
 consist seven types of fruits and nuts

53. The National Dance “Attan"

55. Qarsak

56. Arts and crafts
Afghanistan has always had a wide range of traditional arts and crafts that have influenced the region and
beyond. Many organizations are investing in renewed efforts to revive these talents and preserve them.
Pre-Islamic Buddhist Era 2000- 5000 years ago, Ivory carvings, objects made from ivory.

57. Gandharan

58. Bakhtar Treasury

59. "Mohenjoz : " Rugs-Fur Coats

60. Chapan

61. Pakol Karakul

62. A large Safavid tinned copper bowl, 1600 Vaskoni Old jug

63. Kashi Afghan Rug - wool

64. Precious Stones and Jewelries
Emerald

65. Ruby

66. Turquoise
Lapis Lazuli Stones

68. Natural Beauty of Afghanistan
Hindus valley (Hindukush)

70. Historical places
in
Afghanistan

71. Amir Dam (Band Amir)

72. Prepared By: Ehsanullah oria
Diponegoro University
NIM: 1201012041903
Masjet-e-Jami
Herat city boasts of Masjet-e-jami, also known as Friday mosque
or blue mosque . The mosque is not only important from the architectural
point of view but it is also an important pilgrimage center in
Afghanistan. The mosque is around 800 years old. Masjet-e-jami is
noted for its beautiful lineup of blue tile flowers and mosaic decoration.
The mosque is the largest building in the city and a beautiful example of
Islamic architecture. .

73. Masjet-e-jami
Herat city boasts of Masjet-e-jami, also known as Friday mosque or blue mosque.

74. Gazargah
Gazar Gah is the shrine complex, located to the 5 km
east of Herat. Here is the tomb of famous sufi shrine Khoja
Abdullah Ansari. Buildings near the tomb are decorated
with brilliant tile work. Khoja Abdullah Ansari was a
famous Sufi mystic & poet who died in 11th century. Next
to him is the tomb of Amir Dost Mohammad, one of the
former kings of Afghanistan. The other main attractions in
Gazar Gah are Main iwan (main court), a fifteen-foot marble
pillar depicting the artwork of Timoryan period. .

75. Gazar Gah

76. Arg-e Herat
The Citadel of Herat ( Arg-e-Herat ) , also known as the Citadel of Alexander, and locally known as Qala Iktyar-
ud-din (Arg-e-Herat), is located in the center of Herat in Afghanistan. It dates back to 330 BC, when Alexander
the Great and his army arrived to what is now Afghanistan after the Battle of Gaugamela . Many empires have
used it as a headquarters in the last 2,000 years, and was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the
centuries.

77. Museum of Herat

78. Museum of Herat

79. Pul-e-Malan
One sight you can see without a permit is the 12th century
Pul-e-Malan Seljuk Bridge – well, really, it’s so heavily
restored that it is doubtful that you can find a single original
brick in it. With 22 arches it spans the Hari Rud river which
provides a lot of the water for the surrounding agriculture .
Boys and men were bathing in the dark brown water, which
had quite a current. The bridge immediately reminded me of
Esfahan again; several old bridges of similar design cross the
river there. As we watched the merrymaking at the river a
land rover actually drove into the water and under the bridge!
These dare devils.

80. Pul-e-Malan

81. Ahmad shah Abdali shrine

82. Qala-e-Boost
Bost Fort, Alexander The Greats Fortrerss in Afghanistan . The remnants of Alexander the
Greats Fortress near Lashkar Gah PRT. The great fortress of Bost, Qala-e-Bost, remains an
impressive ruin. It is located at 31° 30’ 02″ N, 64° 21’ 24″ E near the convergence of the
Helmand and Arghandab Rivers, a half hour's drive south of Lashkar Gah. Qala-e-Bost is
famous for its decorative arch

83. Mazar-e-Sharif
People of Afghanistan believe that Imam
Ali (AS) was buried in Mazar-e-Sharif . In this
reason got this city the name “Mazar-e-Sharif”
that means “holy pilgrimage”.

84. Mazar-e-Sharif

85. Efforts are currently being made to preserve Afghanistan’s many historical sites. Tragically, some of
Afghanistan’s greatest cultural treasures, such as the Buddha Statue were destroyed by the
Taliban. Other cultural heritage sites, such as the Heart mosque with its intricate ceramic tile
designs, the hauntingly hidden Minaret of Jam, and the imposing Mzaar-I-Sharif mosque have
been preserved.
Bamiyan giant Buddha statues

86. Bamiyan giant Buddha statues

87. Minaret of Jam
Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
western Afghanistan. It is located in the Shahrak District,
Ghor Province, by the Hari River . The 62-metre high
minaret,surrounded by mountains that reach up to 2400m,
was built in the 1190s, entirely of baked bricks. 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 surat Maryam , relating to Mary, the mother of Jesus).

88. Minaret of Jam

89. Despite these challenges,
Afghans remain hopeful
about the future
Prepared By:
Ehsanullah oria
Diponegoro University
NIM: 12010120419035