Afghanistan: Ancient Culture and Beautiful Heritage, Part 3 of 3

The special arts of traditional Persian miniature painting and calligraphy are deeply rooted in Afghan culture. Persian miniatures is listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The ancient art of calligraphy is deemed sacred in Afghanistan as it is considered a link between the spiritual world and the physical world. Since the 1900s, western art styles have been introduced into Afghanistan and integrated into traditional Afghan artworks. The preferred Afghan fine art forms are mostly realistic oil and watercolor paintings.

Afghans have many traditional musical instruments to nurture their body and soul. The national instrument of Afghanistan is the Rubab, which dates back to the 7th Century and is known as “the Lion of Instruments.” The Rubab is often used to accompany Afghan and Persian Sufi poets in their poetry recitals. Like many cultures, Afghan traditional music and dance can be enjoyed at festivals and celebrations such as weddings.

Throughout Afghan history many famous writers, poets, scientists, activists, and artists have emerged. The Venerated Enlightened Master Jalāl ad-Dīn Mohammad Rūmī, who is simply known as Rumi, was a world-renowned poet and Islamic scholar in the 13th-century. With his poems translated into countless languages, Rumi is considered one of the most popular poets in the world. Dr. Sima Samar is a famous Afghan women's and human rights advocate, activist, and social worker within national and international platforms. Her contributions have been widely recognized and she has received several prestigious awards.

All throughout the year, numerous festivals and celebrations are held in Afghanistan. Nowruz, celebrated between January and March on New Year of the Islamic calendar, is the most popular festival in Afghanistan. Music and dances are performed for celebrations as farmers express gratitude and joy for their crops. Wheat, rice, barley, and cotton are the major agricultural crops of Afghanistan. The traditional food is mostly vegan by default. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans cooked in a thick stew with tomatoes and onions are quite common dishes in Afghanistan.