AFGHANISTAN
The name of the country brings to mind vivid images of military uniforms and the turban locals eying each other suspiciously. In-spite of the on going conflict in the region the native is warm welcoming but there hangs in the environment a sense of devastation and rot. The Afghan are traditional tribal community.
GEOGRAPHY
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or Dowlat-e Eslami-ye-Afghanestan is landlocked in south Central Asia with borders with the Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Tajikistan to the north-east, China, Pakistan to the east-south and Iran to the west. The shrunken Wakhan Corridor extends from Afghanistan till China. It is here that the zenithal Vakhan peak is located. The Amu Darya is low lying at 258m.
Northern Afghanistan includes the lofty Hindu Kush at 7,315 m where most of the rivers originate. The mountain ranges travel from east to west. The plains are in the south. Snow covered peaks are visible from distance. These protect the land from the enemies in time of conflict. The elevation dominated country has height of 2000 meters and above. Large deserts cover the south. It is an agricultural rich economy. Cattle, sheep, and goats are raised in mountainous areas with camels and donkeys in the deserts. The country is renowned for lambskins known as karakuls.
The chief crops are cotton, maize, oil plants, pomegranates, rice and wheat.
The country has some minerals the most important being copper, iron, bauxite, zinc, coal and black gold such as oil and natural gas, coal petroleum. Ladies appreciate the precious and semiprecious stones found here.
Quality and quantity of good grazing land is found here. Northern part of the country has fertile Kondoz Province and in southern region it is Helmand Province.
The country faces scarcity of water for daily use purposes.
The Principle Rivers include Amu Darya, Harirud, Helmand, Kabul, Koshk and Qonduz.
Hindu Kush Mountain is venerable to earthquakes; flooding and droughts are a common occurrence.
The cities of importance are Hirat, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Konduz, and Mazar-e-Sharif.
THE CAPITAL
Kabul is the capital of the country at 1800 m. The river Kabul flows nearby. Its antiquity in Central Asia is the longest as recorded in history. Its reference exists in the religious text Ramayana of Hindus. The place became a well known name when one of the Mughal King Babur declared it as its capital. Hence forth the place has seen many upheavals and numerous rulers. At present the Transitional Government of Mr.Hamed Karzai also uses it as its capital.
The Khyber Pass gives it a strategic importance. Since 1940 it grew as an industrial city with products like textiles, wood items, and food processing. The Kabul University functioning since 1932 caters to educational needs now in limited capacity because of perpetual rift in the country. The countries infrastructure is ripped apart and tourists are a thing of the past. In its blooming days the tourist visited 6th century Kabul Bala Hisar a well protected fort in shambles since 1880 it was renovated in 1839 and later again became a victim of war target.
The Kabul Museum once cynosure of all eyes is a deprived house because precious collection pilferage; but is still worth a visit.
Babur garden of the 16th century enriched later by other Mogul Emperors has mosque and tomb as well. It has been re-done and is a tranquil place.
Some tourists visit the ruin of Amir Abdul Rahman Palace and are lost in the day’s bygone They wonder at the destruction caused to the monument by bombing.
One mausoleum was built in 1817; it is Timur Shah’s tomb which exists till today. The Zarnegar Park houses the intact fine architecture of tomb of Amir Abdul Rahman. On Tapa Marajan hill is blue hued tomb of Nadir Shah. Many make a trip to these sites to pay their homage.
The Mogul architecture over the centuries can be seen here in workmanship of the mosques here such as Masjid-e-Pule Kheshti, Masjid-e-Sherpur, Masji-e-Shahe Du Shamshire, Masjid-e-Syed Majnun Shah,and Masjid-e-Gah.
Hellenic Art renowned centre Begram is in the neighborhood.
HISTORY
It is the strategic positioning of the country at the intersection that brought warriors at their foot steps time and again. It was on the famous silk route not so long ago. Marco polo traveled this route as well.
The evacuation in the area shows civilization existed here as early as 3000 and 2000 BC.
The passage to India through Afghanistan was first used by Alexander the Great and Darius I Mogul somewhere between 330 and 327 BC; invaders made their presence felt in the 7th century and ruled for a long time.
The plight of Afghanistan in the 19th century emerged pathetic because it became a combat zone in the power tussle over Central Asia between Britain and Russia. After a trios war in 1926 Afghan kingship took over the reign of the country. The country considers August 19, 1919 as its independence day; it is on this day it was liberated from British Rule.
At present it is a country torn apart by diverse power groups. The Soviet Union intruded in 1979 and was forced to exit a decade later by Mujahidin; intra group fights weakened the organization and Taliban over threw the feudal heads. This was followed by intense internal strife in the country. The Taliban siege Kabul and north east in 1996 and reigned till 2001; the attack in America on 11th September 2001 compelled the USA to overthrow the Taliban rule in Oct 2001 as the USA suspected that the Taliban were helping Osama Bin Laden in hiding. Later with the aid of allies the USA the exiled leaders of Afghanistan reconstructed the political frame work of the country through Bonn Agreement in Germany and in 2004 presidential election was conducted peacefully.
POPULATION
Population is mixed; Indo-European Pathans make up about 50% and Tadzhiks about 30%of the population. Other groups include Pashtun, Tajik, Hazeras, Turkomans, Baloch Uzbeks, Aimak, and so on. A chunk of the population is nomad.
Religion is Islam as there are a lot of Sunni and Shia Mulims. Hindus Silks and Jews are sprinkled mostly in urban areas.
Language in official use is Pashtu, and Dari-a dialect of Farsi. The local regional dialects almost about 30 are also profusely used in regional pockets such as the Turkish language, Balochi, and Pashai.
Transactions are made in puls. Burkhas are worn by women.
TOURISM
The country has witness strife for a long time; the war has lead to infrastructure collapse. Even though visa permission is readily given the country has become synonymous with fear and foreboding; the landmines the uniformed forces and the bad roads. Travel agents discourage tourist but few non traditional travelers roam the country to have a taste of its deserts, mountains, and unaffected sites ruined national heritage sites in-spite of the hazard of unhygienic conditions.
Many enterprising aim Khyber Pass but it is out of bound for them; in the vicinity is the charming Panjshir Valley. Hiking facilities are available here.
Herat city in western region close to Iran is an ancient Islamic cultural centre. It is globally famous for rugs. Other items of appreciation are silk and silk products, carpets, fur jackets, camel hair products. Tourist visit the city for shopping and architecture imprints left in the existing mosques and tombs.
Bamiyan at 2500 m in central Afghanistan is un-prosperous but rich in natural beauty. Koh-e Baba Mountain curtails it in the south and portraits of Lord Buddha are placed along deep cliffs. The total gamut creates a picture of fine ambience. Close by is the Bande Amir Lake at 300m amidst mountain Hazarajat is a natural wonder!
Kandahar boasts of an international airport; it is famous for dried fruits and tobacco.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation of different categories from economy to luxury and hostel is available; it can be booked online as well. The basic necessities may be disappointing.
SHOPPING
Chicken Street Bazaar e Charchata, Shor Bazaar is popular shopping centers in Kabul. The central square bazaar of Chahruq in Herat, is shopper’s den. Carpets and dry fruits is the first shopping choice of the travelers. Make sure no drug like opium is used or carried in any form. It has severe penalty attached to it.
FOOD
The social eating procedures are rich and hospitable. Food is served and eaten sitting on the floor. Tea is the primary guest drink. A platter of rice is served to four five members with separate bowl of vegetable. Nan, Korma Kishmish Paneer, Fish and Haleem is a favorite and so is faluda drink and jelabi.
Gather courage to visit no longer fearful but rehabilitating country of many shades.
CLIMATE
Arid or partially so; the winters are cold and the summers arid and hot; Sub-arctic conditions are prevalent in the north-east ranges.
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