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Country: Afghanistan
Did You Know?
- In Afghanistan, the sheep herders dye their sheep different colors so they can tell which sheep belong to which families.
- The birth of a baby is a time for celebration in Afghanistan. On the third day following the birth, the baby is given a name. Family members decide together what the name will be, and then the mullah (local priest) gives the baby a blessing and whispers the name in the baby's ear.
- Persian cats, known for their long, silky hair, originated in Afghanistan.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of Afghanistan. About 80 percent of Afghans are Sunni Muslims and 19 percent are Shi'i Muslims. After Muhammad (the man Muslims revere as history's greatest prophet) died, there was a disagreement over who should become the next leader of the faith. The Sunnis believed any worthy Muslim could follow Muhammad, but the Shi'is argued that only a relative of Muhammad could take his place. Both sides felt strongly enough about this issue that it split them apart.
Islamic teachings influence every aspect of Afghan life, from the food Afghans eat to the candidates they vote for in elections. Muslims pray five times a day facing the holy city of Mecca (in Saudi Arabia), and they do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Muslims believe that Allah (God) controls everything and that everything happens according to his will. This strong faith helps Afghans accept a very hard life. Mosques (Muslim places of worship) are often decorated in mosaics. Mosaics are beautiful little ceramic tiles placed together to form a pattern or picture.
Food
Daily meals in Afghanistan usually include rice, flatbread called nan, and tea. The most popular rice dish is called quabili pallow, a combination of lamb with onions, pistachios, raisins, carrots, almonds, and rice. Other common foods include chicken, cheese, eggs, and fruits, such as pomegranates, grapes, melons, tangerines, oranges, and apricots. Kebabs are also quite common, where chunks of lamb or chicken and vegetables are put on a skewer and grilled over coals. Afghans drink a lot of tea. Islam forbids the eating of pork or the drinking of alcohol. Flavorful herbs are also an important part of Afghan food. Most dishes are seasoned with saffron, mint, dill, or other tasty spices.
Games and Sports
The national sport of Afghanistan is buzkashi, which literally means "goat grabbing." Afghans have been playing buzkashi for centuries (polo has its origins in buzkashi). The game developed in a time when warring tribes stole goats or cattle from their enemies' campgrounds, and tribes invented strategies to defend against such attacks. In buzkashi, players are organized into two teams. Each player rides a horse, and each team attempts to capture a headless goat's carcass and carry it across a goal line before the other team can. Riders aren't allowed to tie the carcass to their saddle or hit the other team's riders on the hand. They can, however, punch or kick each other, or lash each other with whips. Chapandaz (master riders) train intensively and ride highly skilled horses. In fact, most horses are trained for years before playing in their first buzkashi game.
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