Kid's Guide to Afghanistan

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Afghanistan

Panj 1 River

Welcome to Afghanistan Afghanistan is a country in Central Asia. It is positioned along historic trade routes that connect greater Asia to Europe and the Middle East. Throughout history, those who have wished to conquer the world have aimed to conquer Afghanistan.

Let’s learn about Afghanistan from kids like you.

Muhammad lives in Kabul, in the northeast part of the country. He is 8 years old.

Muhammad means “praiseworthy.”

It is the most common boy’s name in the world!

Muhammad is praised by his coach when he works hard at cricket practice. Muhammad loves cricket and wants to play professionally one day.

Muhammad wears a helmet when he plays cricket. He also wears large pads to protect himself from the cricket ball.

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Afrooz is Muhammad’s sister. Her name means “illuminate.” Afrooz is in elementary school. She is a good student.

Afrooz wants to be a nurse someday. She also loves to draw and paint.

Art is an important part of Afghani culture. It has been used to help tell the story of Aghanistan and Islam for centuries.

Afrooz and Muhammad love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Afghanistan.

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Where in the World?

Afghanistan is a landlocked country that covers approximately 250,000 square miles (647,500 square kilometers) of southcentral Asia. Afghanistan is a mountainous country which is largely covered by the Hindu Kush Mountains. The Hindu Kush divide Afghanistan into three regions: Central Highlands; Southwest Plateau; and Northern Plains.

Fahima lives in Kandahar, located along the Arghandab River in southern Afghanistan. It is one of the oldest cities in Afghanistan.

AFGHANISTAN

Abdul-Ghafar lives in Bagram. It is located just north of the city of Kabul. Bagram is a region that is good for raising livestock.

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Can You Find It? Kabul

Kandahar

Zabol

Herat

Lashkar Gah

Gazni

Badghis

Jalalabad 5

The Northern Plains are the only region that see regular rainfall. The rest of the nation is either semi-arid or desert. However, large rivers fed by the snow melt that runs down the high mountains threads through portions of these dry regions.

Firash lives in Herat in the northwest part of Afghanistan. The winters can be some of the coldest and snowiest in the country.

Throughout the nation’s mountainous regions, mountain goats, sheep, hyena, bear, foxes, and a wide variety of wild cats can be found. Wild dogs are also common.

The mountains are also home to hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs, flowers, and fungi.

Medicinal plants like asafetida, rue, and wormwood are commonly harvested and used by locals.

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Amu Darya The Amu Darya is one of the most important rivers in Afghanistan. It’s 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers).

Hindu Kush Mountains The Hindu Kush Mountains form a 500-mile (800-kilometer) mountain range from the middle of Afghanistan east toward Pakistan.

The highest mountain in the range is Tirich Mir, reaching more than 7,700 meters (25,200 feet).

Amu Darya Hindu Kush Mountains

Registan Desert

Registan Desert The Registan Desert is located between Kandahar and Helmand provinces. This sweeping, arid plateau is covered in large dunes made of golden and red sand.

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History 642 CE In the middle of the 7th century, the Islamic conquest of Persia begins spreading eastward into the area now known as Afghanistan.

1600–1700 Afghanistan is roughly divided into three parts each ruled by a non-native master.

1839–1842 Russia’s growing interest in the region spurs Great Britain to advance north from India in a contest for control of the region known as “The Great Game.”

1878–1891 Under King Abdur Rahman, Afghanistan develops a consolidated army, a legal system, and a government that provides unity and stability. Great Britain and Russia agree to the official boundaries that largely define contemporary Afghanistan.

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1920 After remaining neutral in World War I, Afghanistan finally gains full control of its affairs from Great Britain with the signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi.

1927 Afghanistan’s new ruler, King Amanullah Khan, establishes diplomatic relations with many of the world’s largest nations. He institutes compulsory elementary education, abolishes the veil for women, and opens co-educational schools.

1927 The Soviet Union installs Babrak Karmal as ruler, supporting him with arms, money, and Soviet troops.

2001 On October 7, 2001, in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States invades Afghanistan.

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People The majority of Afghanistan’s population are Pashtuns, ethnic Afghans who are thought to descend directly from the first inhabitants of the region.

Amir has Uzbek ancestry. His lessons at school are taught in Dari, but he speaks Uzbek with his family at home.

Tajiks, the second largest group, are also native to the region and neighboring Tajikistan.

Other minority ethnic groups include Hasbara, Uzbek, Aimak, Turkmen, and Baloch.

The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari and Pashto.

It is common for people to speak both. Dari, also known as Farsi in other parts of the world, is very similar to Persian, and is typically used as the common language.

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A full 99 percent of Afghans practice Islam.

The minority religions comprise a relatively small group of Hindus, Sikhs, and Parsis.

Sunnis (84 percent), mostly ethnic Pashtuns, and the Shiites (15 percent), mostly people from the Hazara and the Tajik ethnic groups, represent Islam in Afghanistan.

Abdul-Ahad’s family practices Islam. His name means “servant of God.”

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Names Jamila

Jamila is an Arabic name that means “beauty.”

Wali

Wali is an Arabic name.

It means “guardian” or “protector.”

Bismillah Fawzia

Bismillah is an Arabic name that means “in the name of God.”

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Fawzia comes from an Arabic word that means “victorious.”

e (Male) Nam

Abdul

Origin

M e aning

Arabic

servant

Arabic

servant of God

Ahmad

Arabic

highly praised

Akhtar

Persian

star

Ali

Arabic

champion

Amir

Hebrew

immortal

Habibullah Hassan Ibrahim

Arabic Arabic Hebrew

beloved of God benefactor father of many

Sayyid

Arabic

lord, master

Abdullah

e (Female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Amina

Arabic

honest

Halima

Arabic

patient, generous

Laila Khadija

Arabic Arabic

night, dark premature

Maryam

Hebrew

drop of the sea

Nasima

Arabic

gentle breeze

Sabra Sharifa

Hebrew Arabic

cactus fruit distinguished

Zahra

Arabic

bright, brilliant

Zainab

Arabic

fragrant flower 13

Learn Pashtu Afghanistan has two official languages: Dari and Pashto.

Approximately 50 percent of the population speaks Dari, which serves as the lingua franca, and 35 percent speaks Pashto.

Salam

Sah-lahm (Hello)

Sahar mo pa chair

sa-har moe pah hair (Good morning)

zama nom ____

zah-mah nome ___ (My name is ___)

Taaso sanga yay?

tai-sue sang-ah yay (How are you?)

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za wagy yam

zah wag-ee yahm (I’m hungry) za tagy yam

za tag-ee yahm (I’m thirsty)

Manena

Mah-neh-nah (Thank you) Meehra bani

mee-ras bah-nee (Please)

oh

oh (Yes)

na

nah (No)

Hoda-afiz

hoe-duh ah-fizz (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Afghanistan has a rich and dynamic culture, and Afghanis celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year.

Here are a few:

Ramadan Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the most venerated month of the Islamic year.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown during the entire period in order to understand the hunger of those less fortunate.

Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is a time for charitable giving to those in need and a time to celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

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Liberation Day The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on December 24, 1979. The sacrifices of those who fought to liberate their country from Soviet forces are honored on February 15 with programs, parades, and celebrations.

Orange Blossom Festival This annual festival marks the arrival of spring. Musical entertainment, traditional dancing, poetry reading, and picnics take place under orange trees and nearby shrines. Poets recite poems, which often focus on life in the Middle East.

The Prophet’s Birthday The Prophet’s Birthday was first observed around the 13th century and was preceded by a month of celebration.

The actual birthday included religious recitations, gift giving, and a feast.

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Food Afghan cuisine’s flavorful, aromatic dishes are a blend of western Asian and Indian traditions. They feature the country’s most important crops, including rice, corn, barley, and wheat.

The region’s culinary kinship with the Middle East is evident by its many skewered meat dishes, known as kebabs, as well as the liberal use of yogurt, mint, rose water, saffron, and sesame seeds. Common cooking methods are deep-frying, stir-frying, and stewing.

Bulani Katchalu Bulani katchalu is an Afghan appetizer similar to the Mexican quesadilla.

Mantu (Beef Dumplings) These savory beef-filled dumplings are often reserved for special occasions or parties, as they are time-consuming— but well worth the effort— to make.

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Aush (Noodle Soup) The centerpiece of this dish is hearty homemade noodles which create a satisfyingly filling meal.

Maushawa Maushawa is a thick and hearty stew that can be served as a starter or as a main dish in Afghanistan. The primary ingredients of this popular soup include a simple mix of beans, rice, and lamb.

Naan-i-Afghani Naan-i-Afghani is the national bread of Afghanistan. Either oval or rectangular shaped, the bread is traditionally baked in a tandoor, a cylindrical oven that in Afghanistan sits above ground and is made of bricks.

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Kofta

Kofta are balls or patties of ground meat popular throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. In Afghanistan, garlic and coriander are added to ground beef or ground lamb, which is formed into balls.

Borani Kadoo Contrasting flavors, textures, and temperatures make borani kadoo (pumpkin with yogurt) a delicious representation of Afghani cuisine.

Kulche Badami Kulche badami is a light almond meringue cookie spiced with cardamom.They are most commonly made with almonds but can be made with any type of nut.

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Shir Berenj (Rice Pudding)

Shir berenj is a creamy rice pudding that is enjoyed cold during hot nights in Afghanistan. Meaning “milk rice” in Dari, shir berenj holds an important place in Afghan cuisine.

Total Time

2 hours, 35 min.

Ingredients 1 cup (190 g) short grain rice 4 cups (950 ml) whole milk ¼ cup (50 g) sugar 1 Tbsp (15 ml) cardamom Chopped pistachios, honey, or cinnamon, for garnish

Directions Combine the rice, milk, and sugar in a saucepan set over high heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.

Cook until rice is thick and creamy, approximately 20 minutes.

Stir in sugar.

Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

6 Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.

77 Garnish with chopped pistachios, honey, or cinnamon, if desired, before serving.

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National Symbols National Bird Golden eagle (common name) Aquila chrysaetos (scientific name)

National Day Independence Day August 19

National Flower Tulip (common name) Tulipa gesneriana (scientific name)

National Animal Snow Leopard (common name) Panthera uncia (scientific name)

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National Flag First used – 1924 (current version January 4, 2004) Nickname(s) – NONE

National Currency Afghanistan’s official currency is the Afghani and the puls.

1 afghani = 100 puls

National Anthem “Soroud-E-Melli-E Da Afġānistān Islāmī Jomhoriyat” Lyrics by: Abdul Bari JahaniLópez y Planes

Transliteration

English Translation

Da watan Afghanistan dai, da ezzat de har Afghan dai Kor de soli kor də tori, har bachi ye qahraman dai Da watan di tolo kor dai, də Balotso, de Uzbako Də Pashtun aw Hazarawu, də Turkmano de Tajeko Worsara Arab, Gojar di, Pamiriyan, Noristaniyan Barahawi di, Qizilbash di, ham Aimaq, Pashaiyan Da hiwad ba til zaligi.

This land is Afghanistan, it is (the) pride of every Afghan The land of peace, the land of sword, its sons are all brave This is the country of every tribe, Land of Baluch and Uzbeks Pashtuns and Hazaras, Turkmen and Tajiks With them, Arabs and Gujjars, Pamirian, Nuristanian Brahawi, and Qizilbash, also Aimaq and Pashai This land will shine for ever.

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Things to See and Do Bala Hissar Bala Hissar (“High Fort”) was built in the 5th century CE and stands at a height of 46 meters (150 feet) on the plains surrounding Kabul.

Darulaman Palace Darulaman Palace was established by King Amanullah Khan in 1920.

This palace is built according to a European neoclassical architectural style and stands on a hilltop.

Minaret of Jam Minaret of Jam, built in the 12th century to mark the victory of Ghurid sultan Ghiyas ud-Din, is the second-highest minaret in the world.

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Buddhas of Bamiyan Two statues of Buddha, measuring 36 and 53 meters (118 and 174 feet) high, were sculpted into the wall of a 90-meter-high (295-foot-high) cliff sometime between the 3rd and 5th centuries.

Shrine of Hazrat Ali bin Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam and cousin of Prophet Muhammad, is buried at Hazrat Ali. The splendid cobalt blue building with turquoise minarets is a popular pilgrimage center and tourist attraction.

The Afghan National Museum The Afghan National Museum originally boasted one of the finest collections in Central Asia, with over 10,000 historic and ancient artifacts, some of which dated back many thousands of years.

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Band-e-Amir National Park Band-e-Amir National Park, in the Hindu Kush Mountains, is home to six lakes: Band-e Qambar, Band-e Panir, Band-e Zulfiqar, Band-e Gholaman, Band-e Pudina, and Band-e Haibat.

Herat Citadel This sprawling stone citadel was constructed around 330 BCE. It has been destroyed and restored numerous times by various empires.

Gardens of Babur Built around 1528, these massive gardens serve as the final resting place of Babur, the first emperor of the Mughal Empire.

Qargha Reservoir The Qargha Reservoir is a large lake outside of Kabul that was created as a result of building the Qargha Dam. The lake offers swimming, boating, and leisure opportunities.

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Herat

Nimruz

Farah

Helmand

Badghis

Ghor

Faryab

Kandahar

Oruzgan

Daykundi

Sar-e Pol

Jowzjan

Zabul

Ghazni

Samangan

Bamyan

Balkh

Paktika

Wardak Nangarhar

Kunar

Nuristan

Badakhshan

Laghman

Khost

Kapisa

n Pa

ir jsh

Takhar

Pakita

Logar

Kabul

Parwan

Baghlan

Kunduz

Bala Hissar Darulaman Palace Minaret of Jam Buddhas of Bamiyan Shrine of Hazrat Ali The Afghanistan National Museum Band-e-Amir National Park Herat Citadel Gardens of Babur Qargha Reservoir

Location Guid e

Fun Facts Woven Art Afghan rugs (or carpets) are a traditional, handmade product prized for their quality and artistry.

Carpet weaving is among the country’s ancient arts and is an important part of the culture.

Goat Grabbing Buzkashi (“goat grabbing”) is Afghanistan’s national sport. Riders on horseback fight for control of a goat carcass in a combination of horse racing, polo, and ultimate fighting. It has been described as one of the world’s roughest games.

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KFC There are two restaurants called KFC in Afghanistan, but they don’t sell Kentucky Fried Chicken. In this case, the name is short for Kabul Fried Chicken.

Ancient Oils The world’s first, and oldest, oil paintings are found in the caves of Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

They are believed to date to circa 650 CE and depict Buddhist imagery.

Nawroz New Year’s Day in Afghanistan is March 21, the first day of spring, called Nawroz. Eggs and young green grass are part of Nawroz table settings, as they symbolize new beginnings.

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KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Afghanistan Shah-du-shamshira

Mazar-i-sharif

Bamiyan Valley

Hindu Kush Mountains

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