Monday, 20 May 2013

Where is Afghanistan?


Where is Afghanistan? :Afghanistan in the past For thousands of years, Afghanistan has been used as a battleground. Some armies have come to conquer the coun­try itself. Others have passed through on their way to fight other countries. One reason for this is the Khyber Pass. The Khyber Pass is a fairly low and level gap in the giant Hindu Kush mountains, whose highest peaks are al­most five miles high. That has made the Khyber Pass the only way to reach India from the west. Alexander the Great, the king who almost conquered the world more than 2,000 years ago, marched his armies through Afghanistan, and he was only one of the great conquerors who have ruled the land.
The Mongols led by Genghis Khan did so much damage, burning villages and towns and killing the people, that Afghanistan did not re­cover for hundreds of years. Its people became wild and warlike. Raiding par­ties of fierce Afghans used to ride through the Khyber Pass and swoop down on the British settlements in India, killing and robbing. Finally the British, in 1878, sent armies into Afghanistan.
There were several bloody battles, but the British won them and took charge of Afghanistan's affairs. Afghanistan became fully independ­ent again in 1907. A few years after World War I, a very modern king named Amanullah came to the throne. He was too modern for the people, who did not want to change their old way of living. They made King Amanullah ab­dicate. After him came Nadir Shah, who had been a great warrior. He became king in 1931 but was assassinated two years later because he was just as modern as Amanullah was.
The present king, Unations This cow in Afghanistan has just been in­oculated against a contagious disease of cattle. Mohammed Zahir Shah, was Nadir Shah's son. He is a modern ruler too, but the people have finally come to like modern ways and he has not had trouble with them. Today, Afghanistan lives at peace with its neighbors and is respected as a country that is rapidly improving itself. In 1946 it joined the United Nations. The United States has lent it some money ($21,000,000 in 1949) to use for improvements such as irrigation of the farms and machines for the factories. 
One measure of advancement in Af­ghanistan is that thirty years ago four out of five Afghans could not read or write; today four out of five can read and write. Afghanistan. Area, 253,250 square miles. Population (1953 estimate), 12,000,000. Language, Pushtu. Religion, Mohammedan. Government, constitutional monarchy. Mone­tary unit, the afghani, worth 6 cents (U.S.). Flag, three bars, black, red, green; in the center (red) bar, two ears of wheat around a mosque (church).

Saturday, 18 May 2013

A Brief Look at Afghanistan


WWW Afghanistan is a country located in Central Asia. Afghanistan is often considered to be part of the Middle East due to its location on the Iranian plateau. In the west it is borders Iran, Pakistan in the south and east, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north. Afghans a population is ranked 38th in the world, just shy of 30 million. The capital city is Kabul with an estimated 1.5 million people.
In its long history, Afghanistan has gone through a number of name changes. According to Afghan scholars, one of the first ancient names, was Ariana ("Land of the Aryan"). This name was shared with eastern contemporary Iran. In the 19th centurey the British gave the country the name Afghanistan [http://www.pixibot.com/2-afghanistan]. When the Taliban fell in 2003, after the invasion of the U.S., Afghanistan was officially renamed to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. After the fall of the Taliban an Islamic Republic Government was established with Hamid Karzai as the leader.
The Economy in Afghanistan is highly dependent on farming and livestock raising. This has made Afghanistan an extremely poor country. Due to the recent political and military unrest the economy in Afghanistan has suffered greatly. The majority Afghans continues to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, medical care, and other problems exacerbated by military operations and political uncertainties. None of these things are helping the rising problem of inflation.

Trekking Information about Afghanistan


About AFGHANISTAN Population: Twenty six trillion (N't, 2006) Cash: Kabul Area: 652,225 square kilometers (251,773 sq miles) Key language: Pashto, Dari (Persian) Key religion: Islam Life-span: Fouthy-six many years (adult men), Forty six a long time (females) (N't) Fiscal device: A single Afghani = One hundred pulsAfghanistan has a globally media-created notion that this whole country is really a "war zone" together with guys on jeeps along with AK 47's and also RPG's. Not a great deal dares to visit behind that will face mask involving warfare and non secular extremism to learn the idea for which it really is.

The facts guiding your sensationalism and the headers, 99.95% regarding Afghans are in fact not inside Taliban. That will info almost certainly is itself astonishing, nevertheless that the Afghans can be a genuine and real individuals distinguished for welcome since they are better known for their capability to get rid of foreign armies, more so.GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATEAfghanistan (Thirty-three 00 In, Sixty five 00 Elizabeth) carries a dramatic pile surroundings such as the Hindu Kush Foothills using continuing plains in the northern as well as the free airline, plus a desert within the southern associated with Kandahar. The greatest position can be Nowshak elevated Several,475 yards above ocean degree found in the taller mountains in the north Wakhan Corridor. The lowest level is the Amu Darya at 258 metre distances.Afghanistan's complete area of 647,456 km2 situated their distinct place inside Southeast Asian countries extremely faraway through the moderating effects of the particular oceans affects its ls climate.

Mark vii environment suggests bitter-cold winter months under snowy temperatures and very very hot summer months that may be terribly unbearable regarding reduced elevations in which the warmth could exceed 50°C/120°F ree p. Within greater landscapes, for example Kabul, the national capital, summer season tend to be very hot at 30°C or perhaps 90°Y, while winters are about 0°D as well as 30°F ree p. Consequently, the best weeks to become within Afghanistan will be in the particular several weeks associated with April, May, and also October when it's none too very hot nor chilly. In the same way protection is a problem, the particular passenger must become worn out involving all-natural hazards in the area for example detrimental earthquakes (inside Hindu Kush), floods coming from deforestation, and droughts bringing on limited h2o means, desertification. 

Air as well as water pollution furthermore result in significant problems for the nation.Individuals & CULTUREWith the actual geographical structure associated with hills in which work as partitioning to the location, Afghanistan as a result can be an ethnically various region the place that the most significant teams include the Pashtuns (42%), Tajiks or Lambkins (27%), Hazaras (9%), and also Uzbeks (9%). At the rear of the statements of physical violence and also tribal nation-wide politics, the populace associated with Thirty three,609,937 Afghans are usually, in fact, any customarily trustworthy as well as patient race of people that are quietly having difficulties to start their own difficult life.Nonetheless, faith is more homogenous compared to different with 99% associated with Afghans training Islam-Sunni, 80% and Shi'a, 19%. Various other belief systems are generally Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Hindus along with Sikhs, while a smaller population of almost 7,000 practice Christianity within secrecy. 

There's two recognized dialects which might be most commonly talked: DARI, a great Afghan dialect associated with Local along with nearly 18 trillion speakers, 50%, as well as PASHTO spoken by simply 35% with the people. Turkic different languages for example Uzbek and Turkmen tend to be spoken by a considerable 11% while the relaxation are a handful of 25 minimal languages. Dari may be the words in the money Kabul, which is utilized typically pertaining to ethnic term, company, as well as governmental policies. Uk, the text involving opportunity, is the principal spanish educated in the united kingdom. An outburst involving British research commenced upon nov the actual Taliban inside Late 2001 and as due to preference for any number of professions.Foods & ATTRACTIONTourism might appear to be frivolous action over these pieces nevertheless be reassured that you'll find locations that are secure to check out. The astounding part of this is Afghanistan will never be any mainstream vacationer destination however it is slowly improving to the menu as a significant destination for world frontier, with excellent walking internet sites from all angles: the mountains, town, as well as the people. Bamiyan, which is 7 a long time through Kabul, is actually rendered using orange pearl waters, glowing coves, and also palms of cascading down oceans. 

Your Bamiyan Vly houses the nation's first commemorated countrywide recreation area, the actual Band-e Amir which is in which mountaineers trudge to visit your A single,500-year-old massive Buddha statues. Your backpacker will likely definitely enjoy coming across the neighborhood wildlife such as the ibex, urial, baby wolves, foxes, fish, and other mammal along with bird kinds for example the Afghan compacted snow finch. Other places appealing tend to be Farah and Jalalabad, Faiizabad as well as Khash, Maimana, Mazar-e Sharif, as well as Ghizna. For several, a vacation to the land doesn't only make an incredible expertise but an effective way to help the residents build a much better potential.Afghan dishes will be unchartered territory to the rest of the world, but Afghan food is comparable to meals throughout Main Japan as well as the Middle East. The beliefs at the rear of the food is simple, "do using what is readily available,Inch which means simply the delicacies is based upon the country's key crops or perhaps plants. 

Rice, foodstuff for the movie stars, is often a famous staple that the wealthy Afghan households might fantastically consume once daily. Palao, the nation's plate, can be almond along with meats, share, along with vibrantly lead together with melted raisins, slivered carrots, and also pistachio nuts (cashews as well as walnuts), coriander as well as spices or herbs. Khameerbob is comparable to Chinese language dumplings topped with a natural yoghurts or goat cheese marinade, however is really a ravioli doppelganger whenever lead with a tomato-based spices. Afghan kebab can be a regular cafe plate in addition to a well-known avenue supper, where lamb is often used. Kebab is commonly ingested using naan, your Afghan spherical white breads. Naan can also be eaten together with meat, pickled vegetables and fruit, or even spice up gravies, chatney.For more useful take a trip information about treking as well as locations across the world go to our own site Hiking Addictz.

Visiting Troops in Afghanistan


I was waiting on of flight at O'Hare Airport in Chicago speaking on the phone with my wife Kelly when a call beeped in. I didn't answer right away because I needed to talk with Kelly before I boarded my flight for an event I had scheduled at Pinehurst. She asked who it was and I told her it was Rick Kell with the Troops First Foundation. I jokingly said he's probably gonna see if I want to go to Afghanistan. My wife said, "Would you go?" I said, no way, after running around the country since January I was ready to spend November, December and maybe all of 2011 lying on my couch.
I met Rick in November of 2009 when I traveled with his group on a goodwill trip to visit troops in afghanistan. I joined singer Matt Snook, as well as professional golfers Tom Watson, Corey Pavin, Bobby Wilson and Tim Simpson. I can say with a fair degree of certainty that Rick, who has been to Iraq and Afghanistan some 20 plus times, is certifiably crazy. While we were on the trip he insisted we see troops every second that we could. In theory, that sounds patriotic but in reality it's very exhausting. Between seeing troops, flying and driving all over the place and going to the DFAC (Dining Facility) what seemed like every half hour, I was worn out the entire time I was in Iraq.
And to make matters worse, I quickly learned that Rick and the US Military keep different hours than I do. They seem to think there are things to do at 5 AM; whereas I feel I'm much more productive starting around 9:30 AM. I enjoy waking naturally about 9 o'clock and comfortably laying there till 9:30 before I start into my daily regimen of breakfast, Sports Center highlights, DVR's of Survivor, Apprentice or maybe even some Oprah. By that time I'm ready for lunch. Of course I will then try to do some work, but sometimes I might succumb to a nap. No, I'm not retired or lazy; I just tend to get more done from 10 PM to 2 AM (That's what she said...)
That is when I'm not traveling 150 days a year for my golf exhibition business. You take 120 flights and travel 150 days and have to go to Chicago O'Hare more than once! You travelers know where I am coming from. That's why I wanted to sleep from November through the end of 2011.
The other major problem with Iraq as far as I could see was that it was hard to feel sorry for myself. And oh, did I want to do that. Tired all the time, riding on those "comfortable" C-130's, limited communication with my wife and two children, missing sports and school events for the 10 days I was gone. It was tough. And when I did get a chance to call them I had to pay for the calls. What's up with that? I did get to call for free on Thanksgiving-oh boy, one free day. Well I guess the troops got to call for free on Christmas as well. So that's two days, let's throw a party. Or how about this, why don't we collect the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on election campaigns and send that money over to our troops so they get free-calling back to their loved ones? No? Guess I will leave that subject to Feherty and his wit.
On Thanksgiving I tried all day to reach my family by phone. Each attempt failed as it was disconnected or just plain didn't go through. After 20 attempts I finally reached my 17 year-old daughter and spoke with her for about 2 minutes before the call dropped. I was so frustrated I didn't bother trying to call back any more. I never did speak with my wife or son. It was a Happy Thanksgiving for me at Al Asad Air Force Base somewhere in godforsaken western Iraq.
Man it was time to get bitter, but the second I started getting aggravated, I looked around the non air-conditioned call center in every direction at men and women in uniform who had to deal with their own multiple inconveniences every day. I was going home in three days, what about them? How many times had they tried to make a call to a loved one, only to have it get dropped or disconnected? I would be home for Christmas, what about them? I was frustrated with not talking to my family for a few days. What would it be like to deal with that for an entire year... or more? I slept in a temperature controlled room with clean sheets and a fridge stocked with food and drink. What about them? I didn't need someone to slap me and tell me I was being a baby, I wanted to slap myself.
And let's not forget one small component, no one was shooting at me or setting up IED's where I was traveling in the hopes I wouldn't make it back at all. As I write these words I want to slap myself all over again.
When I finally spoke with Rick Kell he said he was going back and asked if I would consider joining David Feherty and Tom Lehman on this trip. For some strange reason I agreed to go again, and this time it would in fact be to Afghanistan. I have a feeling it's gonna make Iraq look like the French Riviera.
When I was a kid I loved Bob Hope and I watched countless specials where he was entertaining troops in some distant region around the world. Oh how cool it must have been to be able to bring that much joy to so many service men and women. I wonder if Bob Hope ever went to Afghanistan. I would love to have heard those jokes. I wonder if he ever whined on any his trips. I suspect the answer would be a resounding no. But mostly, I wonder how hard he could slap.

Afghani Marriage Traditions


Marriage is the auspicious occasion which demand gathering. The marriage demands celebration and community feast accompanied with lots of thrills.

 Afghani marriage is generally accustomed with the traditions and rituals which have been the part of the ancient culture. Though different tribes are accustomed with the somewhat different rituals, but laws remain same throughout the nation.

 In Afghanistan, marriage is a much celebrated event where the entire atmosphere hives with activity.

 Marriage between the first cousins is a common practice. When the girl attains the age of ten, search for a prospective groom is initiated by the women folk. Mother and aunts meet the female friends to consult various prospective candidates.

 The status of the guy, his background and his looks are considered before deciding the issue. The choice is then presented before the men folk and they take necessary inquires before finalizing the alliance. Once everything is found suitable, the pre-wedding ceremonies are performed to give a public approval of the things.

 Actual marriage generally takes place when girl attains the age of sixteen.

 According to the local tradition, every marriage requires two exchanges. A dowry is brought by the bride to the husband's house. It generally constitutes household items which the couple will need for their future life together.

 On the other side, 'mahr' which is the price for the girl is paid by the groom. It generally consists of livestock, property and money.

 Wedding day is the day of great activity for the family. Gathering of friends and relatives is held to compliment the couple and their families. Whole environment presents a festive look.

 Special dishes are prepared which include kababs grilled on skewers, nan which is Afghan bread in flat and oval shaped, stewed vegetables and rice cooked with meat.

In the evening, women sit inside the courtyard. The men sit in 'hujara', which is a large room with Afghan carpets and cushions. Hujara is place where men sit. In Afghanistan and other traditional Islamic cultures, it is customary to have men and women separated at social events.

 Every arrangement for the comforts of the guests is done. In the evening, a feast is organized. As is dictated by the Pushtun tradition of hospitability, the hosts will not eat until after the guests have had their fill.

 In the end, music is played to mark the atmosphere with gaiety and excitement.

 The Afghan laws govern the marriages. A Muslim man can marry a non Muslim woman but a non Muslim woman cannot marry a Muslim man.

 When a Muslim man wants to marry a foreign woman who is non-Muslim and the woman is not "kitabi" that is of the book, she must first convert to Islam. In either case, the court will only register the marriage religiously, with the "nekah ceremony". When both the parties are Muslim, the Family Court will register the marriage and perform the Muslim "nekah"ceremony. The "nekah"is comprised of the "igaba wa qabul" which is an acceptance agreement and the "khotba".

 In case of both non-Muslim foreigners, the court will register the marriage by performing solely the "igaba wa qabul" or acceptance agreement. The court will also seek to apply the regulations which govern marriages in the couples' home country. Though Afghan law permits polygamy but American men will not be allowed to marry multiple women.

 Afghani Marriage Traditions, Afghani Marriage Styles, Afghani Marriage Cultures Afghani Marriage Traditions, Afghani Marriage Styles, Afghani Marriage Wedding Cultures.