God’s Canvass in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has an unparallel cultural and natural beauty. It has been described by many as the most gorgeous natural landscape on earth. The country is dotted with sweeping valleys, snow-capped mountain peaks, and a patchwork of cultures. Here are some photos that showcase God’s canvass of the flora and fauna in Afghanistan.

Cultural Profile of Afghanistan

The population of the country consists of numerous ethno-linguistic groups. These include Pashtun,
Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Aimaq, Turkmen, Baloch, Pashai, Nuristani, Gujjar, Arab, Brahui, Qizilbash, Pamiri, Kyrgyz, Zangola and Sadat.

Despite the language barrier, the various tribes are united by Islam which is the dominant
faith in the country. In particular, the Talibans who overthrew the communist regime in 1992
established an Islamic Republic headed by a Tajik northerner, Bernahuddin Rabbani. Rival rebel groups
fought among themselves, however, and the civil war continued. The Talibans later restored order by imposing extreme interpretations of Islamic law, with severe restrictions on the activities of women. These measures were enforced with public floggings and stoning of culprits. About 99.7% of the Afghan population are Muslims, and Islam is a very powerful social force. Most of the Muslims follow the mainstream Sunni, while a few of them align with the Shi’a sect.

Despite the fact that much of Afghan soil is arable, the long-drawn Civil War has affected food production significantly. Consequently, poor nutrition among the poor is a source of concern. The staple of Afghan diet is bread (nan), most commonly flat and oblong in shape. It is typically eaten when freshly removed from an earthen oven. Other traditional cuisines include roast meats or meat pies (sanbuseh), stewed vegetables, rice pilaf, and a thick noodle soup (ash) accompanied by fresh fruit and an assortment of yoghurt-based sauces.