10 Best Books About Afghanistan To Read Now
If I asked you for the best books to read about Afghanistan, what would you say? I imagine you’d recommend Khaled Hosseini’s Kite Runner. Or
Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. With a population of approximately 38 million people, Afghanistan is ethnically diverse, with Pashtuns being the largest ethnic group, followed by Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks. The official languages of the country are Dari and Pashto, and Islam is the predominant religion.
Afghanistan has a rich history, with influences from various empires and civilizations, including the Maurya Empire, the Persian Empire, and the Islamic Caliphate. Despite the challenges faced by the Afghan people, there are also signs of progress and hope for the future. Efforts are underway to improve education and healthcare, expand access to clean water and sanitation, and promote economic development. Additionally, Afghan culture is rich and vibrant, with traditional music, dance, and art that reflect the country’s diverse history and traditions.
This international bestseller is a poignant tale of friendship and betrayal set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history. It follows the story of Amir, a wealthy boy from Kabul, and his servant Hassan, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship in a country torn apart by war and political unrest.
Another bestselling novel by Hosseini, this book tells the story of two women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by the turmoil of Afghanistan’s recent history. Forced into marriage with the same man, they find solace and strength in their friendship as they endure the violence and oppression of Taliban rule.
This collection of interconnected stories offers a glimpse into the lives of the nomadic tribes that populate the rugged terrain of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Set against a backdrop of war and political turmoil, the tales are filled with rich detail and vivid characters.
This novel, set in war-torn Afghanistan, tells the story of a woman who is left to care for her comatose husband. As she tends to him day after day, she begins to speak her mind and reveal her deepest secrets, creating a powerful portrait of a woman struggling to survive in a world that is constantly at war. The book has been praised for its lyrical prose and its vivid portrayal of Afghan culture and society.
This memoir recounts Manoori’s experiences growing up in a traditional Afghan family where she was raised as a boy in order to help her family’s economic situation. Despite the challenges she faced, Manoori was able to pursue an education and eventually become a women’s rights activist, shedding light on the gender disparities and societal expectations faced by Afghan women. The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of gender, culture, and identity in Afghanistan.
Directed by Siddiq Barmak, Osama is a powerful and heart-wrenching portrayal of life under the Taliban regime. The film follows a young girl who is forced to disguise herself as a boy in order to support her family after her father is killed. With stunning visuals and a powerful message, Osama is a must-watch film that highlights the struggles of the Afghan people.
This film tells the story of a man who is determined to marry his fifth wife despite the objections of his other wives. With a strong cast and beautiful cinematography, A Man’s Desire for Fifth Wife is a thought-provoking and engaging film.
Black Kite is a touching and heartwarming film that tells the story of a young girl who dreams of flying kites with her father. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Kabul, the film explores themes of family, love, and hope in the face of adversity.
The Orphanage is a haunting and beautifully shot film that tells the story of a group of orphans living in a Soviet-era orphanage in Kabul. With stunning visuals and powerful performances, The Orphanage is a moving and unforgettable film.
This movie is an adaptation of Rahimi’s novel of the same name and tells the story of a woman who cares for her comatose husband and begins to reveal her innermost thoughts and secrets to him. The film is set in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime.
Afghanistan has a rich musical heritage that dates back centuries. Traditional Afghan music has been influenced by Persian, Indian, Central Asian, and other regional musical styles. One of the most popular instruments in Afghan music is the rubab, a short-necked lute-like instrument that is often used to play melodies and accompaniments. The tabla, dhol, and daira are also commonly used percussion instruments in Afghan music.
Afghanistan’s music scene has faced significant challenges over the years due to political instability and conflict, with many musicians and artists forced to flee the country. However, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in traditional Afghan music, as well as the emergence of new genres such as Afghan pop and hip-hop.
One of the most famous Afghan musicians is Ahmad Zahir, known as the “Elvis of Afghanistan,” who was active in the 1960s and 1970s. Other notable Afghan musicians include Ustad Mohammad Hussain Sarahang, who was a master of classical Afghan music, and Farhad Darya, a popular Afghan pop singer.
If I asked you for the best books to read about Afghanistan, what would you say? I imagine you’d recommend Khaled Hosseini’s Kite Runner. Or
