#hazara land

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Matti Friedman

The little book may have been kept by a Jewish family in Bamiyan, the curator suggested, with different people adding new texts as the years passed. The hands of at least five scribes are evident in the pages. They were influenced by ideas and writing coming from both major Jewish centers of the time—Babylon, which is modern-day Iraq, and the Land of Israel, where Jewish sovereignty had been lost seven centuries before and whose people were now under Islamic rule.

The previously unknown poem shows the influence of a familiar biblical text, the erotic Song of Songs, according to Professor Shulamit Elizur of the Hebrew University, the member of the research team in charge of the poem’s analysis.  But it also shows the impact of an esoteric Jewish book that wasn’t part of the Bible, known as the Apocalypse of Zerubbabel. This book is thought to have originated in the early 600s, when a brutal war between Byzantium and the Sasanian empire of Persia generated desperate messianic hopes among many Jews. Whoever wrote the poem in the Afghan prayer book had clearly read the Apocalypse, Elizur said—giving us a glimpse of a Jewish spiritual world both familiar and foreign to the coreligionists of the Bamiyan Jews in our own times, 1,300 years later. The previously unknown poem shows the influence of a familiar biblical text, the erotic Song of Songs, according to Professor Shulamit Elizur of the Hebrew University. (Museum of the Bible)

Chapters of the book’s journey from Afghanistan to Washington are unclear—some because they’re simply unknown even to the experts, and others because that’s the way the people in the murky manuscript market often prefer it.  

When the book was discovered by the Hazara militiaman, according to Hepler, the tribesmen didn’t know exactly what it was but understood it was Jewish and assumed it was sacred. The local leader had it wrapped in cloth and preserved in a special box. At one point in the late 1990s, it seems to have been offered unsuccessfully for sale in Dallas, Texas, though it’s unclear if the book itself actually left Afghanistan at the time. 

After the al-Qaeda attacks of 9/11 triggered the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, the book disappeared for about a decade. In 2012 it resurfaced in London, where it was photographed by the collector and dealer Lenny Wolfe. 

Any story about Afghan manuscripts ends up leading to Wolfe, an Israeli born in Glasgow, Scotland. I went to see him at his office in Jerusalem, an Ottoman-era basement where the tables and couches are cluttered with ancient Greek flasks and Hebrew coins minted in the Jewish revolt against Rome in the 130s CE. It was Wolfe who helped facilitate the sale of the larger Afghan collection to Israel’s National Library. “The Afghan documents are fascinating,” he told me, “because they give us a window into Jewish life on the very edge of the Jewish world, on the border with China.” 

When Wolfe encountered the little prayer book, he told me it had already been on the London market for several years without finding a buyer. In 2012, the year he photographed the book, he said it was offered to him at a price of $120,000 by two sellers, one Arab and the other Persian. But the Israeli institution he hoped would buy the book turned it down, he told me, so the sale never happened. Not long afterwards, according to his account, he heard that buyers representing the Green family had paid $2.5 million. When I asked what explained the difference in price, he answered, “greed,” and wouldn’t say more. (Hepler of the Museum of the Bible wouldn’t divulge the purchase price or the estimated value of the manuscript, but said Wolfe’s figure was “wrong.”)

The collection amassed by the Green family eventually became the Museum of the Bible, which opened in Washington in 2017. The museum has been sensitive to criticism related to the provenance of its artifacts since a scandal erupted involving thousands of antiquities that turned out to have been looted or improperly acquired in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. The museum’s founder, Steve Green, has said he first began collecting as an enthusiast, not an expert, and was taken in by some of the dubious characters who populate the antiquities market. “I trusted the wrong people to guide me, and unwittingly dealt with unscrupulous dealers in those early years,” he said after a federal investigation. In March 2020 the museum agreed to repatriate 11,000 artifacts to Iraq and Egypt. 

[the-railroad-earth]

My heart was beating and I had tears in my eyes as I closed the last page of this book. I have been wary of outsider perspectives on histories and cultures which don't belong to them, preferring to seek out first-hand-accounts from the POV of locals, for example. Donald Richie's narration in the film "The Inland Sea" (based on a book of his which admittedly, I have not read) made me uncomfortable. Proclamations on who the Japanese "really are" and who they "should be" reminded me of the perhaps sometimes subconscious orientalism present in our western perspective... For this reason I have ordered Masoud Khalili's book "Whispers of War" to read as a supplement to this book. That being said, British war correspondent Sandy Gall's biography of Massoud is deeply empathetic to the problems of Afghanistan, and is considerate in its detail of tribal politics that have embroiled the region for centuries... Most of the observations and interviews were taken in Afghanistan, where he visited Massoud often, sometimes having to take perilous mountain passes on foot just for a chance to see Massoud who, after time, he would describe as a friend. The inclusion of many of Massoud's peronal diary entries, with only minimal commentary by Gall, who seemingly preferred to let Massoud speak for himself whenever he could, means that this book feels as much Afghan as anything else. The takeaway for me is that this story belongs to the world. It is the story of a man who cared deeply for his family, his people, his religion, and for his land, who believed in the rights of all Afghans and would fight for them until the bitter end. It is the story of a man who was "incorruptible" as his family would describe him.

"Commander Massoud always said, 'As long as I have land in Afghanistan the size of my pukul, I will stay in this country.' It's a famous expression of his [...] he meant: 'If the territory I hold is only as big as my pukul, I will stay in that land and I will defend that land."

"His son Ahmad said that his father would often interrupt members of his own family as well as outsiders if they described people by their ethnicity ('He or she's a Pashtun... a Tajik... an Uzbek... a Hazara...') and say, 'No, he or she is an... Afghan.'

[afghanbarbie]

i want to return to this because unfortunately it has been reblogged by hundreds and seen by even more, meaning it is too late to delete it and hope it does not spread. i posted this before doing deeper digging and discovering that the mass rape allegations were exactly that – mere allegations, fake stories invented by the zionist occupation to justify the genocide ongoing in gaza for the last 142 days.

my original post here contains violent and deadly misinformation about hamas, misinformation that i let myself believe due to my own trauma as a hazara born under taliban control. they (the taliban) call themselves resistance and freedom fighters when they are nothing but terrorists, so i have had a knee-jerk reaction to similar militants throughout the middle east; i have paid close attention to hamas these past four months, however, and can easily see that they truly are the freedom fighters they claim to be. they are good people fighting for the lives of their families, the rightful return of their land.

i want to sincerely apologise for my participation in the spread of anti-palestinian propaganda. the only mass rapes occurring in palestine are against palestinian (and israeli women) by israelis.

i know i have not posted much here lately as most of my activism is centred around instagram and this is a mistake of mine that i realised back in october.

glory to the resistance, in all its shapes and forms and names. glory to the martyrs. freedom to palestine, from the river to the sea. freedom from all occupations and violence, from afghanistan to palestine to sudan.

i was born in taliban-controlled afghanistan and spent the majority of my childhood under the subsequent american occupation. my village was controlled by terrorists and warlords and patrolled by american soldiers who pretended they were 'peacekeepers' but, for the most part, were only interested in abusing local afghans and raping women and girls. i've both witnessed and experienced the sexual violence of my country's islamic fundamentalist factions as well as american occupying forces.

what i've seen both israel and hamas do to women in palestine and the occupied territories is eerily similar. i know people love to shout resistance by any means necessary! and similar slogans, but rape is not about 'resistance', it's about men exerting power and control over women. making excuses for it just goes to show how ready and willing 'leftists' are to throw women to the wolves as soon as they see an opportunity.

and if you think the men of hamas go home after raping their 'conquests of war' to treat palestinian women like saints, you haven't been paying attention to male violence throughout human history at all. the men who use war as an excuse to rape enemy women are going home to rape, beat and abuse their wives and daughters just the same.

[growthbacklinks]

Nathia Gali Snowfall: A Winter Wonderland in Pakistan

Nathia Gali, a charming hill station in Pakistan’s Abbottabad District, transforms into a stunning winter wonderland every year with its much-anticipated snowfall. Known for its scenic beauty and cool climate, Nathia Gali offers a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The arrival of snow turns this popular tourist destination into a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone eager to experience the magic of snow-covered landscapes.

In this blog, we'll cover all the details you need to plan a memorable trip to Nathia Gali during snowfall, including the best time to visit, travel routes, and available accommodations.

Why Visit Nathia Gali in Winter?

While Nathia Gali is beautiful year-round, winter brings a special charm to the hill station. The pine and oak forests get draped in a blanket of snow, creating breathtaking views everywhere you look. The fresh mountain air, cozy guesthouses, and scenic walking trails make it an ideal destination for a peaceful winter getaway.

Best Time to Experience Snowfall in Nathia Gali

Snowfall in Nathia Gali typically begins in December and lasts until February. However, the heaviest and most consistent snow can be witnessed between late December and January. If you're looking for the thickest snow and clear, sunny winter days, January is the ideal time to visit.

It’s worth keeping an eye on weather forecasts, as road conditions can be affected during heavy snowfall, but the roads are usually cleared within a few days. Always travel with the expectation that snowfall may cause slight delays or detours.

How to Reach Nathia Gali

Nathia Gali is easily accessible from major cities like Islamabad and Peshawar, making it a convenient getaway for locals and tourists alike.

By Road

From Islamabad: The distance from Islamabad to Nathia Gali is approximately 100 kilometers (about a 2.5-hour drive). The route takes you through Murree, and the drive offers stunning views of the hills, forests, and valleys.

From Peshawar: It takes about 4.5 hours to reach Nathia Gali from Peshawar, covering a distance of approximately 200 kilometers via the Hazara Motorway.

From Lahore: Nathia Gali is about 7 hours away from Lahore, covering roughly 370 kilometers via the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway and Murree Expressway.

Road Conditions

During the winter months, especially in January, snow can make the roads slippery and difficult to navigate. It is highly recommended to travel in a 4x4 vehicle for safety. Chains for tires are also advisable, especially when traveling further up into the mountains where snow accumulation can be heavy.

Accommodation in Nathia Gali

During the winter months, Nathia Gali is a popular destination, and many hotels and guesthouses offer cozy accommodations with spectacular views of snow-covered mountains.

Popular Hotels in Nathia Gali During Winter

Hotel Elites Nathia Gali: One of the best options for a luxury stay, this hotel offers warm, comfortable rooms and excellent service. Its panoramic views of the snow-covered valley make it a popular choice.

Summer Retreat Hotel: Despite the name, this hotel is open year-round and provides cozy rooms with fireplaces, perfect for the cold winter nights.

Green Land Hotel: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a peaceful location, great for families and groups looking to experience snowfall without breaking the bank.

Alpine Hotel Nathia Gali: Known for its wood-furnished rooms and picturesque setting, this hotel is ideal for those wanting to experience the winter beauty of Nathia Gali while enjoying modern comforts.

Camping and Bonfires: For those who prefer a more adventurous experience, some areas around Nathia Gali offer winter camping options. Although not for the faint-hearted, camping during snowfall can be an extraordinary experience with the right gear. Bonfires are a popular evening activity for visitors staying in guesthouses and camps.

Things to Do in Nathia Gali During Snowfall

Nathia Gali offers a variety of activities that are enhanced by the winter snow. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone.

1. Snow Hiking and Trekking

Nathia Gali is famous for its scenic hiking trails, and while they become more challenging during winter, they offer an unforgettable experience for those who love snow hikes. Popular trails include:

Mushkpuri Top: This moderate trek takes around 3 hours to complete and offers spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and valleys. The snow adds a magical touch to this hike, making it one of the most popular activities during winter.

Miranjani Trek: This is a more challenging trek, perfect for those who are experienced hikers and are looking for a thrilling adventure in the snow.

2. Snow Sports

During snowfall, Nathia Gali is perfect for snow activities like sledding and snowball fights. The open spaces and slopes around the area provide excellent opportunities for sledding, making it a favorite pastime for families and children. Visitors can often rent sleds and other gear from local vendors.

3. Bonfires and Stargazing

After a day of exploring the snowy landscapes, cozying up around a bonfire is the perfect way to relax. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bonfire setups, allowing guests to enjoy the peaceful winter evenings under the clear night sky. With little light pollution, Nathia Gali is also an excellent spot for stargazing, and the snow adds a tranquil atmosphere to the experience.

4. Photography

For photography enthusiasts, Nathia Gali in winter is a dream come true. The snow-covered pine forests, winding mountain roads, and quaint cottages provide a picture-perfect backdrop for winter photography. Whether you're capturing the snowy landscapes or candid moments in the snow, you’ll come away with memories to cherish forever.

5. Visit Historical Churches

Nathia Gali is home to old British colonial architecture, including the famous St. Matthew’s Church. Built in the 19th century, this wooden church looks enchanting when surrounded by snow. It’s a serene spot to visit, especially during the winter months when the area is less crowded.

Essential Travel Tips

Warm Clothing: Temperatures in Nathia Gali can drop below freezing during snowfall, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, including thermal wear, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots.

Check Road Conditions: Snow can make roads treacherous, so it’s essential to check weather reports and road conditions before you travel.

Vehicle Preparation: If you're driving, make sure your car is equipped for winter travel. Having snow chains and a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.

Cash: Nathia Gali has limited ATM services, so it’s best to carry cash for expenses.

Early Booking: Winter is a busy season for Nathia Gali, especially around the holiday periods. Book your hotel or guesthouse in advance to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.

Conclusion

Nathia Gali is a winter wonderland that offers a magical escape into nature during the snowfall season. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the snow-capped scenery, partake in thrilling winter sports, or simply relax by a cozy fireplace, Nathia Gali has something for everyone. With its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for a winter getaway in Pakistan.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 7.23 (after 1970)

1970 – Qaboos bin Said al Said becomes Sultan of Oman after overthrowing his father, Said bin Taimur initiating massive reforms, modernization programs and end to a decade long civil war. 1972 – The United States launches Landsat 1, the first Earth-resources satellite. 1974 – The Greek military junta collapses, and former Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis is invited to lead the new government, beginning Greece's metapolitefsi era. 1980 – Phạm Tuân becomes the first Vietnamese citizen and the first Asian in space when he flies aboard the Soyuz 37 mission as an Intercosmos Research Cosmonaut. 1982 – Outside Santa Clarita, California, actor Vic Morrow and two children are killed when a helicopter crashes onto them while shooting a scene from Twilight Zone: The Movie. 1983 – Thirteen Sri Lanka Army soldiers are killed after a deadly ambush by the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. 1983 – Gimli Glider: Air Canada Flight 143 runs out of fuel and makes a deadstick landing at Gimli, Manitoba. 1988 – General Ne Win, effective ruler of Burma since 1962, resigns after pro-democracy protests. 1992 – A Vatican commission, led by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, establishes that limiting certain rights of homosexual people and non-married couples is not equivalent to discrimination on grounds of race or gender. 1992 – Abkhazia declares independence from Georgia. 1993 – China Northwest Airlines Flight 2119 crashes during takeoff from Yinchuan Xihuayuan Airport in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, killing 55 people. 1995 – Comet Hale–Bopp is discovered; it becomes visible to the naked eye on Earth nearly a year later. 1997 – Digital Equipment Corporation files antitrust charges against chipmaker Intel. 1999 – ANA Flight 61 is hijacked in Tokyo, Japan by Yuji Nishizawa. 1999 – Space Shuttle Columbia launches on STS-93, with Eileen Collins becoming the first female space shuttle commander. The shuttle also carried and deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory. 2005 – Three bombs explode in the Naama Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, killing 88 people. 2011 – A high-speed train rear-ends another on a viaduct on the Yongtaiwen railway line in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, resulting in 40 deaths. 2012 – The Solar storm of 2012 was an unusually large coronal mass ejection that was emitted by the Sun which barely missed the Earth by nine days. If it hit, it would have caused up to US$2.6 trillion in damages to electrical equipment worldwide. 2014 – TransAsia Airways Flight 222 crashes in Xixi village near Huxi, Penghu, during approach to Penghu Airport. Forty-eight of the 58 people on board are killed and five more people on the ground are injured. 2015 – NASA announces discovery of Kepler-452b by Kepler. 2016 – Kabul twin bombing occurred in the vicinity of Deh Mazang when protesters, mostly from the Shiite Hazara minority, were marching against route changing of the TUTAP power project. At least 80 people were killed and 260 were injured. 2018 – A wildfire in East Attica, Greece caused the death of 102 people. It was the deadliest wildfire in the history of Greece and the second-deadliest in the world, in the 21st century, after the 2009 bushfires in Australia that killed 180.

[afghanlogisticstours]

Why Should You Consider Taking a Tour of Afghanistan?

Afghanistan, a country often portrayed through the lens of conflict and turmoil, holds within its borders a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that remains largely unexplored by the average traveler. This Central Asian nation, known for its rugged mountains, historic cities, and hospitable people, offers a unique travel experience that can be both educational and deeply rewarding. But why should one consider taking a tour of Afghanistan? Let’s delve into the many reasons that make this an intriguing destination.

The Historical Significance

Afghanistan's history spans thousands of years, with remnants of ancient civilizations that have left their mark on the country. From the Buddhist stupas and statues in Bamiyan to the ancient cities of Herat and Kandahar, the historical sites in Afghanistan are both impressive and significant. These landmarks tell the stories of the empires that once ruled the region, including the Persians, Greeks, Mauryans, Kushans, and Mongols. Each dynasty contributed to the cultural and architectural heritage that can be witnessed today.

Bamiyan Buddhas and Valley

The Bamiyan Valley, once home to the world’s largest standing Buddhas, is a testament to Afghanistan's Buddhist past. Although the statues were tragically destroyed in 2001, the site remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the country’s rich history. The surrounding caves, once used by monks, are adorned with intricate frescoes and carvings that speak to a time of spiritual and artistic prosperity.

Herat Citadel

Herat, often referred to as the “Pearl of Khorasan,” is another historical gem. The Herat Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Alexander, has been a fortress for many civilizations. It is believed to have been originally built by Alexander the Great, though it has been rebuilt several times since. The citadel offers stunning views of the city and is a window into the past, showcasing the architectural brilliance of various eras.

Cultural Richness

Afghanistan is a mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and traditions. The country is home to diverse groups such as Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and others, each contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape. This diversity is reflected in the local customs, music, dance, and festivals.

Traditional Music and Dance

The traditional music of Afghanistan, characterized by instruments like the rubab, tabla, and harmonium, is both haunting and beautiful. The region’s folklore and classical music scenes are rich with history and emotion. Similarly, the traditional dances, such as the Attan, offer a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of Afghan society.

Festivals and Celebrations

Festivals in Afghanistan are colorful and full of life. Nawroz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated with much enthusiasm, involving feasts, dances, and various cultural activities. The Jashn-e-Buzkashi, a national game involving horse riders competing to grab a goat carcass, is another cultural highlight that attracts many spectators and participants.

Natural Beauty

Afghanistan’s landscape is as diverse as its culture. The country boasts stunning natural scenery, from snow-capped mountains and lush valleys to arid deserts and rolling plains. This diverse geography makes it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

The Hindu Kush Mountains

The Hindu Kush mountain range runs through central Afghanistan and is a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers. The range includes some of the highest peaks in the world, offering challenging yet rewarding climbs. The Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land in the northeastern part of the country, is particularly popular among trekkers for its breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

Panjshir Valley

The Panjshir Valley, located north of Kabul, is another natural wonder. Known for its lush greenery, crystal-clear rivers, and rugged mountains, the valley is a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and simply enjoying the serene beauty of nature. The valley also has historical significance, being the site of resistance against various invasions throughout history.

Unique Experiences

Traveling in Afghanistan offers experiences that are both unique and memorable. The country’s hospitality, known as “Pashtunwali” among the Pashtuns, is legendary. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms and treated with utmost respect and generosity.

Hospitality and Local Life

Staying with local families can provide an authentic experience of Afghan life. Sharing meals, participating in daily activities, and hearing stories from locals can offer invaluable insights into the country’s way of life. The Afghan cuisine, with its flavorful dishes such as kabuli pulao, mantu, and kebabs, is also a highlight that adds to the overall experience.

Craftsmanship and Bazaars

Afghanistan is renowned for its handicrafts, including carpets, pottery, and jewelry. Visiting local bazaars is not just about shopping; it’s an experience in itself. The bustling markets, filled with colorful textiles, intricate jewelry, and handmade pottery, reflect the skilled craftsmanship and artistic heritage of the Afghan people.

Challenges and Considerations

While Afghanistan has much to offer, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and considerations when planning a trip. The country’s security situation can be volatile, and it is crucial to stay informed about current events and travel advisories. Traveling with a reputable tour company that understands the local dynamics can enhance safety and provide a more structured experience.

Safety and Security

Due to ongoing conflict and political instability, certain areas in Afghanistan are not safe for travelers. It’s essential to research and understand the security situation in specific regions before planning a visit. Staying in touch with embassies and following travel advisories can help mitigate risks.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respecting local customs and traditions is paramount when visiting Afghanistan. Modesty in dress and behavior is important, especially in rural areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Dari or Pashto, the two official languages, can also go a long way in building rapport with locals.

Despite its challenges, Afghanistan offers a travel experience that is both enriching and transformative. The country’s historical significance, cultural richness, natural beauty, and unique experiences make it a destination worth considering for the intrepid traveler. By approaching a trip to Afghanistan with an open mind, respect for local customs, and an awareness of the security situation, visitors can uncover the hidden gems of this fascinating land and gain a deeper understanding of its people and heritage.

In the end, why should you consider taking a tour of Afghanistan? Because it promises an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a rare glimpse into a world of ancient civilizations, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Afghanistan invites you to discover its stories, connect with its people, and witness its resilience and beauty firsthand.

[informationalnews]

Andhra Pradesh: Land of Legends and Temples

Introduction:

Nestled in the southeastern part of India, Andhra Pradesh is a captivating state known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient legends, and magnificent temples. With a history spanning thousands of years, this land is a treasure trove of myths, architectural wonders, and spiritual sanctuaries. Let's embark on a journey through Andhra Pradesh and explore the land where legends come to life amidst awe-inspiring temples.

Legends and Mythology:

Andhra Pradesh is steeped in captivating legends and mythological tales that have shaped its culture and traditions. The epic Ramayana is intricately woven into the fabric of this region, with places like Bhadrachalam and Vontimitta associated with Lord Rama's journey. The revered temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu, attracting millions of devotees who seek blessings and spiritual solace.

Ancient Temples of Vijayanagara Empire:

The remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire in Andhra Pradesh stand as testament to its glorious past. The temples of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase the architectural brilliance and artistic grandeur of the bygone era. The Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Hazara Rama Temple are among the remarkable structures that transport visitors to an era of grandeur and devotion.

Spiritual Hub of Srisailam:

Srisailam, located on the banks of the Krishna River, is a significant pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. It is home to the revered Mallikarjuna Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Bhramaramba Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The sacred site attracts devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and offers a serene ambiance amidst lush greenery and the picturesque Nallamala Hills.

Cultural Heritage of Amaravati:

Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh in ancient times, is an archaeological site that holds immense cultural and historical significance. The Amaravati Stupa, a magnificent structure adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, is a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Exploring this archaeological site allows visitors to delve into the glorious past of Andhra Pradesh and its connection to Buddhism.

Coastal Temples and Charismatic Beaches:

Andhra Pradesh is blessed with a long coastline dotted with temples that are not only architectural marvels but also offer stunning vistas of the Bay of Bengal. The Sri Kurmam Temple, Simhachalam Temple, and Subrahmanya Swamy Temple are among the notable coastal temples where devotees seek blessings. Additionally, picturesque beaches like Vizag Beach, Rishikonda Beach, and Araku Valley offer a serene retreat for those seeking tranquility.

Conclusion:

Andhra Pradesh, the land of legends and temples, offers a captivating blend of spirituality, history, and architectural wonders. From the ancient temples steeped in mythology to the remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire, every corner of this land has a story to tell. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, exploring the architectural brilliance of the past, or simply basking in the coastal charm, Andhra Pradesh welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to uncover the secrets of its rich cultural heritage and immerse yourself in its timeless legends.

[raisab332012]

Answer to Are Hazara Mongols? If yes, why do they speak Persian and act like they are native to the land of Aryana? by Murat Kovus

Answer to Are Hazara Mongols? If yes, why do they speak Persian and act like they are native to the land of Aryana? by Murat Kovus https://www.quora.com/Are-Hazara-Mongols-If-yes-why-do-they-speak-Persian-and-act-like-they-are-native-to-the-land-of-Aryana/answer/Murat-Kovus?ch=15&oid=1477743636684953&share=8a264ef0&srid=7KVRc&target_type=answer

[thomasthetankieengine]

Right...

On a post discussing the maltreatment of the Rohingya, Armenians, Kurds, Hazara, or Ugyhurs by the respective governments of Myanmar, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and China would you include a tag that says "God forbid the Burmese/Azeris/Iraqis/Pashtun/Chinese have to share the land with brown people"?

And then try to justify it because the Burmese, Azeris, Iraqis, Pashtun, and Chinese treat the above minorities as "racialised brown threats"?

Herein, hyperions-fate calls Israelis white in an argument with another user. The other user objects to the description of Jews as white. So, hyperion comes back with a separate text post that walks back his previous comment, probably make him look better:

It's curious that a self-proclaimed expert on the Middle East doesn't know that Mizrahi Jews in Israel tend to be more conservative and more hostile to Arabs in general and Palestinians in particular than Ashkenazi Jews in Israel, whom he seems to think much up the majority of Israel's population (which they don't) and can be described unproblematically as white (which they can't).

[akatsuki-ryuu]

Akatsuki no Yona - thoughts on Chapter 220

It’s pretty confusing, seeing Soowon make such a comparison between yona and King Il, because Il avoided wars to the point where he allowed his own citizens to suffer and deliberately let neighboring countries eat away at his lands, while yona was in the thick of every battle that occurred during Soowon’s reign, and he’s well aware of it (he saw her during the battle with the fire tribe and hazara’s troops that was caused by Kan Soo-Jin’s betrayal).

…including ones he didn’t participate in, such as the civil war in Xing, and the Kai invasion in the fire tribe that the HHB jumped in the middle of (chapter 156).

After yona’s insistence on going to the battlefield with him and Soowon’s own repeated refusal, it does make you wonder how he still believes yona inherited Il’s overly pacifistic ideals. At this point, Soowon himself is the one following Il’s tendency of caging yona away from the realities of the world.

However, we mustn’t forget that even though Soowon looks alright at the moment, he’s still very much sick and suffering, and the pressure of leading their largest war yet also probably contributed to him reaching such an illogical conclusion.

Not to mention, there’s still the mental/emotional turmoil that was recently developed with Hak’s absence (that is due to him going to fetch Soowon’s medicine 🌝 - could he potentially be feeling some guilt about that?) and his boxes spilling - surely, Yona’s “I will support you” (chapter 217) didn’t help close those boxes back up. Knowing his tendency to compartmentalize, Soowon likely wishes to stop that train of emotions before it clouds his normally logical judgement. As we can see, that clearly isn’t working out very well for him…

It’s only when yona mentioned the people being treated cruelly that Soowon was spurred into making this comparison - which is also unreasonable, because Il apparently did nothing to stop his citizens’ suffering even with his preachings of desiring peace, yet Yona is urging soowon to do the opposite of doing nothing to help. That leads me to believe that Soowon, for one reason or another, needs to believe that Yona follows Il’s ideals - ideals that he so vehemently disagrees with.

Moreover, the “this is war. I shouldn’t have brought you here” was completely unnecessary on his part - again, Yona and her happy hungry bunch participated in every battle he participated in. Perhaps he read more books on war than she did, but she has physically been on every battlefield. In that ascpect, she knows her war. She very obviously knows that they’re not here to play, that they are going to face dangers. She’s putting aside her worry and feelings to participate. That statement was petty and uncalled for, hence why this is another thing that makes me think that Soowon needs to believe that yona is still only King Il’s naive little daughter.

It’s like he’s grasping at straws, trying to make yona out to be a little clone of her incompetent father.

We haven’t been given a solid reason for why he seems desperate to see yona as something to disagree with, but I’ve taken into consideration how yona acknowledges her father’s wrongdoings and weak rule over his kingdom (to the point where she came to understand Soowon’s reasoning early on in the story - during the fire tribe betrayal), but when it comes to Yuhon, soowon… hasn’t yet made any acknowledgments.

Could it be that a part of Soowon doesn’t fully agree with Yuhon, but it would comfort him to think that yona, as well, is fully devoted to Il’s ideals? Could it be a sort of justification, for him? Something like a “you follow the same ideology as your father, I can very well follow the same ideology as my father”? I would like to find out why Soowon is so stubborn and close-minded when it comes to yona and Hak, because it feels like he’s really narrowing his outlook about them on purpose rather than being as rational as he usually is with other people and matters.

In an earlier flashback (chp 166), we see Soowon telling Keishuk that he can’t expect to keep Hak as an ally, implying that he believes Hak to have a completely different set of views than him. Perhaps yona and Hak’s partial agreement, by way of participating in this war- by his side - is wrecking his views. Returning yona to her place of having Il’s ideals (which isn’t actually true, just what Soowon claims), might be a way of reclaiming his previous opinion on yona and Hak’s stance on wars and way of ruling.

Really, the way he turned his back on her so abruptly back in chapter 217 pretty much set the tone for how he’s gonna be during the war. My dude doesn’t even face her head-on when he denies her request. Both figuratively and literally, he refuses to look at her (and by extension, her side of the argument).

Mostly, I don’t quite understand why yona seems so surprised/affected by his accusation.

Soowon is not wrong; Zeno and shin-ah going off on their own was not part of the plan, and deviating from a set course of action during a war could be fatal. However, we must take into consideration the hhb’s and Soowon faction’s slightly different overarching goals; that is, Soowon wishes to conquer Kai and make Kouka powerful enough so that no nation would be able to invade it.

The DDHHB, on the other hand, is fighting the war for the purpose of defending Kouka’s citizens and minimizing losses. Thus, it is natural for Soowon to think of what is best for the path of victory, as much as it is natural for 1) the dragons to aim to destroy the catapults, that are being used in an inhumane manner even for war, and 2) for yona to put rescuing the prisoners of war as a priority that warrants sending reinforcements. This divergence between HHB and Soowon’s crew was bound to happen, though I personally didn’t expect for it to happen so early on in the war.

On a less significant note, i don’t really see Soowon allowing it even if Shinah and Zeno did ask for his permission, with how he seems to view the captives’ situation as a lost cause. Perhaps that’s why they didn’t bother, or perhaps grandpa Zeno decided he’s the elder here and doesn’t need to ask anyone’s permission 🙇‍♀️

I know it’s advised for a military leader to be serious (read: somewhat insensitive) and uneasily affected on the battlefield, but is anyone else getting the feeling that Soowon here is more detached and lifeless rather than just being professional? The panel where he commands the soldiers to advance, especially, makes him come off as uncaring.

I felt like he was more passionate during the battle with Kan Soojin/Li Hazara and during the mission to rescue Lili 🤷‍♀️ Then again, we haven’t really been getting into Soowon’s (or Yona’s!) heads, so we can’t tell what they’re truly thinking and feeling. It’s a little surprising that we’re getting more insight into Keishuk than pretty much all the other characters right now 😅 Kusanagi is probably doing this purposefully, but I hope we can return to yona’s head soon (I was never one for mysteries and suspense 😭)

Anyway, enough about Soowon - on to Geuntae ☺️

When we were first introduced to him, we were shown that he took the safety and well-being of his people fairly seriously:

I’m glad to see him reinforcing his values here, so I absolutely can’t see this chapter as an instance of him acting out of character.

Plus, General Geuntae maintains a set of values that apply even during a fight (Chp 61: he gets irritated when the kidnapper has “a knife when he’s up against a kid” (Hak) , and during the martial arts tournament, he refuses to fight Jaeha at first when he sees that he hasn’t been given a weapon), so it’s unsurprising that he doesn’t allow everything to slide under the excuse of “this is war”.

Geuntae knelt out of respect and gratitude; he hasn’t sworn fealty to yona, and he hasn’t taken back his loyalty to Soowon either, so I don’t see this as a switch of sides so much as it’s him putting his tribe first and not being 100% on either side.

Also, he doesn’t blatantly ignore Soowon either. In fact, his mention of not getting in the way is an acknowledgement of Soowon’s earlier argument that a change of strategy would be fatal.

He addresses yona first because he has immediate business with her - that is, thanking her for her group’s effort many months ago (that he only now became aware of) and heeding her earlier request of sending backup to rescue the captives. The way he’s still kneeling and addressing Soowon respectfully afterwards, I think, is enough proof that he has respect for both. He’s still asking Soowon’s permission, even after telling yona that he wishes to take care of it. On a side note, please let this man rest and get up from that kneeling position - it can’t be good for his injuries 😭

Keishuk: ‘To think that he would defy his majesty Su-won’s command to follow Princess Yona…’

(I’d insert a picture of the panel I’m referring to, but I’ve reached tumblr’s 10 pic limit 🙂)

He’s not exactly defying Soowon’s command though, is he, not when he hasn’t been given a command? 😬

Geuntae admitted that he’s unable to fight anymore, which means that he wouldn’t have been able to do something if Soowon commanded it, anyway. That is, he isn’t actively part of any plan anymore. What he’s done is open a third path to Yona and Soowon’s argument. However, advisor Keishuk has long since viewed yona as a political rival and a threat to Soowon’s reign, so it’s also to be expected of him to view Geuntae’s stance in a very political light.

If you’ve managed to read this far, kudos to you 😭

Anyhow, what are your thoughts on this chapter? ☺️

[dumbheartache]

My beloved Afghanistan 🇦🇫 the heart of Asia, we wait for your victory☝🏻 Our people are tired, hurt, broken, ya Allah be with them, help them during these hard times. The people of Afghanistan; Tajik, Pashtun, Uzbeks, Hazara, Turkmens should all stick together if any injustice occurs by the Taliban who have overtaken our land. Let us pray that maybe they will treat the people with justice and maybe they will fear Allah enough so they do not harm the system. Please keep Afghanistan in your prayers 💔

[octavenine]

Is Afghanistan Going to Break Apart in Next 5 years?

The Pashtun-led Taliban are ripping up Afghanistan’s fragile social contract by centralizing all power and creating conditions for civil war, disintegration and spillover into neighboring regions.

After the shambolic US withdrawal, Afghanistan faces an existential problem: Its very existence as a state is now in question. Most people forget that Afghanistan is a patchwork of disparate ethnic groups and remote villages. Unlike Germany or Japan, it is not and has never been a nation-state.

Since the 1880s, Afghanistan has been a state based on a loose coalition of poorly governed provinces, forgotten villages and marginalized ethnic groups.

A Chequered Past

For more than a century, different power centers in Afghanistan have had some sort of representation in the central government, even if they often got leftovers from the dominant Pashtun ruling class. This class was repressive and often bloody. Abdur Rahman Khan, the Iron Amir, conducted genocide against the Hazaras in the 1890s, erased a substantial part of the cultural heritage of Nuristanis by forcing them to convert to Islam, and confiscated fertile lands of Tajiks and Uzbeks in the north only to redistribute them to Pashtun tribes.

Even a modernist king like Amanulla pursued the Iron Amir’s policies. Yet, at the helm of power, there was generally a servant’s seat at the table for other ethnic groups such as the Tajiks, the Uzbeks and even the Hazaras. This seat at the table along with the backing of superpowers, first the British and then the Soviets, kept the state and the political order intact.

When the Soviets invaded in 1979, the Pashtun-dominated order of Afghanistan gradually crumbled. Ideology trumped ethnicity, and groups like the Tajiks, the Uzbeks and the Hazaras rose in prominence. Much credit for this goes to Babrak Karmal, the president of Afghanistan from December 1979 to November 1986. When the Soviets withdrew in February 1989, this order collapsed. The battle-hardened mujahideen groups fought a brutal civil war in which Tajik leaders Burhanuddin Rabbani, leader of the Jamiat Party, and Ahmad Shah Massoud, known as the “Lion of Panjshir,” held the upper hand.

The Pashtuns struck back through the Taliban and took over Kabul in 1996. They exercised power over most of the country while Massoud was leading the resistance to the Taliban government from the Panjshir Valley. He was killed in Afghanistan two days before the 9/11 attacks in 2001 by an al-Qaeda suicide squad masquerading as journalists on the pretext of filming an interview. Even after his death, the resistance to the Taliban continued and Massoud’s fighters contributed heavily to the ground fighting that drove out the Taliban from much of the country, including Kabul.

In the five years of Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, the Pashtuns returned as the dominant military and political group. They ran an autocratic regime, marginalizing other ethnic groups and suppressing opponents. Hence, resistance to the Taliban was persistent and ferocious in many parts of the country.

The Post 9/11 Experience

The 9/11 attacks led to the American intervention and the creation of a new democratic state. Tajiks, Uzbeks, Hazaras, Turkmens and other marginalized communities became active participants in the political process. Despite its fragility and flaws, the post-2001 political order and its democratic components offered a unique opportunity for Afghanistan to transform into a functioning polity and society.

The governing Pashtun ethnonationalist elites, their non-Pashtun partners, including conservative warlords, and the reemergence of a Pashtun-led insurgency squandered the resources and opportunities that otherwise might have consolidated a civil and democratic political order.  

The Taliban’s forceful return to Kabul last August ended the post-2001 American-backed constitutional order. Today, chaos prevails and a fanatical Pashtun clergy has a vice-like grip on every aspect of Afghanistan’s social, political and economic life. Furthermore, the Taliban are fanatical Muslims with ethnofascist tendencies and a profound apathy for Afghanistan’s ethnic, cultural and political diversity.

In recent months, many analysts have been very charitable to the Taliban. In an interview with Fair Observer, political analyst Anas Altikriti said, “The reality is the Taliban have won and in today’s world, they have the right, the absolute right to govern.” If the right to govern comes from conquest, then Altikriti is right. Lest we forget, the Taliban have yet to win an election or demonstrate that they are actually capable of governing. Moreover, they are rigid, dictatorial and revanchist. An inclusive political formula that represents Afghanistan’s mosaic-like diversity is impossible so long as the Taliban remain exclusively in charge.

The legitimate aspirations of non-Pashtun ethnic groups such as the Tajiks, the Uzbeks, the Hazaras, the Turkmens and others are now dissolving in the acid of Sunni fundamentalism. The Taliban have marginalized them completely. These groups have no seat at the table, no representation in the decision-making process and have to live under the barrel of the Taliban gun.

https://theoctavenine.com/

https://theoctavenine.com/blog

https://theoctavenine.com/blog/

Home

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[qalma-e-azadi]

hi hello welcome to another i cri session today i'm gonna talk about a topic that is overshadowed or just dulled by now which is Afghans in india. some of you may be shocked some of you are haa pata tha ki there are Afghans in india but how many? and where?

yes. that's a lot of Afghans. now let me open up a history lesson. from the early nineteenth century Afghans have had good relations with the Indian subcontinent which is maybe because the delhi sultanate and the mughals came from these areas and beyond. Afghan merchants often visited coastal trading cities like Calcutta (now kolkata) for sweet sweet trade deals. rich afghans visited india (after independence) as a summer stay. and the trading went on too. that all changed when their royal king Zahir Shah was overthrown in a coup by his cousin, Daoud Khan on 17 July, 1973, thus abolishing the monarchy. after the coup (which landed some gunshots and violence but was without bloodshed) life went on in Afghanistan as usual but Afghans would soon know this to be "the start of the fall". in the December of 1979, the Soviet union invaded Afghanistan. this war stretched out for at least ten years. this was when the Afghans lost their land became fugitives and many ran, to save their children, to save their women, to save their men and mostly to save what shred of Afghanistan that the soviet union had left, and became refugees in u.s.a, pakistan, Iran, Europe and india. mind you this war was bloody, soviet soldiers raped children and women constantly, people were trapped in their own homes and it was very disgusting i hate you for this Soviet union. so after this assholerry when the roussis (Russians) were gone and the Taliban had taken over, people were overjoyed. the war was over Taliban are muslim we're going to be okay. but that meant bad news for hazaras the servant caste who were shi'as not sunnis like the rich pashtuns that were their masters (much like the dalit-brahmin thing). taliban massacred, raped, killed hazaras here and there you know what for? for being there. existing. being so dirty and disgusting while they just be humans. unacceptable to the Taliban! also unacceptable to the Taliban? adultery, music, women, kite flying, women talking loud, education, drinking booze, dancing, flying kites, leaving the house without a full burqa and your abusive man who keeps beating you. and the punishment if you did any of this? cutting your hand off, chopping your feet off, hitting your thighs with a baton, your nails being pulled out of your nailbeds, being gunned in your leg, kicking your stomach till you spit out blood. and the worse was for adulterers. they were led to a stadium. they were buried in soil till their necks. then their heads would be hit repeatedly either witha foot or a bat until their neck cracked. there was always an audience. of course none of these thing mattered if you were the Taliban yourself! you want sex? do it with a little boy! you want music and dancing? make the little boy do it! you want women? make the little boy dress up as one! the Taliban made Afghans run faster, to the countries they had run to before just trying to live to hold on.

now you may ask how is this torturous and triggering paragraph relevant to india? lemme tell you, these battered bruised mentally/physically tortured people are hated here. after what they went through. who hates them? modi does. like he hates every other minority sab bhaad me jaaye. his supporters call them illegal (a living breathing person is illegal wow), jihadi, talibani, meat eating bastards and the one i hate the most, "go back to your country" you're going to seriously say that to a guy who saw his mother and his sister get raped in front of his eyes, his father being shot in his chest eight times, his fiancee being dragged by her hair to who knows where? you're going to say "go back to your country" to this guy? for fuck's sake do you think that he doesn't want to return to the Afghanistan of his childhood? where people had kite flying festivals in winter? where pakoras fumed the streets? where women wore henna on their wedding day? where children complained about homework? don't you ever stop and think about how much he has to forget and remove from his memory just because they hurt too much to go back to? don't you have a heart you asshole. now again the CAA and nrc the bills we hate with our life and soul were going to send these people to internment camps (possibly back to Afghanistan) (p.s. some of these people very poor of them don't even have an aadhar card), specifically because after seeing the Taliban kill off most of his family he needs to come to India legally like a gentleman and not flee the country the first and fastest chance he gets because dude manners. and for that fuck the modi administration

[lightdancer1]

Given Afghanistan's recent flirtation once more with world history, I find it worth looking at a few of the signal myths of Afghan History

Of which the first is the 'Graveyard of Empires' myth. It's the biggest single element of modern Orientalism, and owes itself mostly to the reality that the three British Empire wars in Afghanistan, and those of the USSR and the USA were all failures. In reality all of these states invaded with forces powerful enough to topple a regime but nowhere near sufficient to occupy a region the size of Texas with a vast variation in geography.

Historically Afghanistan has been conquered plenty of times. Alexander the Great not only conquered it, but provided the core for the first state in the region known to history (in all probability not truthfully the first but the pre-Achaemenid history is an unknown territory for archaeologists more than historians if they have that luxury and it's not one the Taliban would likely grant). Genghis Khan massacred enough people around Afghanistan that his successors held onto it as the eastern territory of the Chagatai Khanate for centuries, and it's also why the Hazara people, Islamized Afghan Mongolians, exist.

Afghanistan has also been a territory from which empires were born, the future Mughal Dynasty under its founder Babur entered what it termed Hindustan from Afghanistan and the modern state owes three quarters of its land borders to the Durrani, who were powerful enough to follow in Babur's footsteps and give his descendants extra kicks in the teeth (though it was Nadir Shah's sacking of Delhi that was the final coup de grace).

Its modern desolation is the result of a war that began in 1977 with the start of an army uprising that escalated when a third of the Communist Regime's soldiers defected around Herat in 1978, and which has never stopped since. When superpower armies weren't shooting up parts of Afghanistan, various Mujahideen movements from within and without were waging war on each other. It's not some deep antique part of Afghan history, it's the result of deliberate Soviet-American decisions to wage separate wars that wound up replicating an appallingly high number of faults.

[aftaabmagazine]

The dambora narrates the history of the oppressed and reveals the secrets of the oppressor

The dambora narrates the history of the oppressed and reveals the secrets of the oppressor

O' dambora, my inseparable friend

O' storyteller of my ancestors' suffering

Speak of the secrets you have in your heart

Tell about the anguish of my dear people

Resonating in its cords, the spirit of the dambora carries the intimate sounds of the central region, echoing the pulse and emotions of its people. Today there is a battle between values, religious and intellectual. A cerebral sound vibrates in the core of the dambora songs.

The symbol of the dambora, vibrating in the heart of Bamiyan today, draws awareness to the promising new generation and the coming days of this land. The cries of displacement and oppression of these people have lived in the strings of dambora for countless years.

Some people were frightened that the oppression of others would be presented in the dambora songs. For this reason, this music in the central regions was condemned as sinful by the council of the ulema.

Instead of being understanding and sympathetic to the storyteller's tragic lyrics about the history of people's oppression of this land, religious authorities declared it forbidden because of individual and irrelevant prejudices. The dambora reflects the consciousness of the people's intellectual ascent against superstitions, ignorance, and conventions without impeding the ancestral religious beliefs.

The lyrical couplets sang with the dambora speak of the ruling order's tyranny because the verses were improvised from the heart of communities from this region.

The strings of a dambora play and share the years of tales of despotic rulers and oppressors.

Let's sing a duet

Let's sing in the style of the dambora

O' dambora take us with you

Your deep and high pitched sound

Tell the story about father

Tell about the oppression of the Rahmans *

Tell about the noble, gentle flights

Amidst the wheat-green valleys

The melancholy and broken voice of the people of the central regions played with the strings in the warm breath of the dambora player, and the accompanied couplets are deeply rooted in social and political matters. The elegant accompaniment of the musician and singer recounts social conditions and messages and preserves oral history.

By playing the dambora strings, the musician gives the closest image to the audience about Abdur Rahman's dark era and the suffocating social and political history. Performing the sorrowful strings connects the listener in the best way with the account of Abdur Rahman's despotism.

Let the dambora take you

Let it firmly grasp our heartstrings

The sorrow that is the king of my heart

Conquer the kingdom of grief

The sound of the dambora is considered to be the most enjoyable and lasting music in Hazarajat. The four seasons of the life of the Hazara people are intertwined with the dambora strings.

In recent decades, clerics and religious figures in the central regions scattered their dissenting views to oppose the spread of communism. Due to the awareness of "power in the shadow of religion" in the lives of ordinary people, radical clerics began to promote politico-religious ideas.

Unfortunately, today we see its crystallization in forbidding this unique musical form within the miraculous strings narrating the people's social, political, and cultural history.

- - -

* Amir Abdur Rahman (1880-1901) modeled himself after Peter the Great but ruled as Ivan the Terrible. As a vassal of British India, the British government supported him military and monetary to hold Afghanistan as a firm buffer state in the event of a Czarist Russian invasion into India. Amir Abdur Rahman secured the borders and unleashed a reign of terror on the population, including mass killings and displacement of thousands of people. His tyrannical legacy in the central region and other areas of Afghanistan is still remembered today.

This article was published in the July 7, 2017, issue of Shafaqna Afghanistan.

Translated from the Farsi Dari by Farhad Azad

Imagery by an unknown artist was also posted in the same article.

Music by noted vocalist and dambora player Safdar Tawakuli (صفدر توکلی) born in 1942 in Yakawlang, Bamiyan.

[globalworship]

Prayer for Afghanistan + art

Rev. Maren C. Tirabassi is a United Church of Christ pastor who serves churches in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She is the author of 20 books (I have several) and is a former poet laureate of Portsmouth, NH.

She blogs at ‘Gifts in Open Hands’ https://giftsinopenhands.wordpress.com/ and frequently writes prayers about current events such as this one.

Prayer for Afghanistan

God of many names, the Generous, the All-Merciful, the Source of Peace, we pray in thanks for Afghanistan land of pomegranates and grapes, birthplace of Rumi, and ‘I am the beggar of the world,’ landays [22-syllable poems] of contemporary Afghan women. We celebrate people – Tajik and Hazaras, Uzbek and Pashtun. We hear tabla, sitar, santur, tabur, flute, and watch the attan [national dance] danced. We gaze upon art ancient and new – miniatures and the weaves of rugs, like no other in the world. All earth opens its hands and receives the gifts of Afghans, and all the people pray, each in their own many names and words for safety of Afghans in these days – seeking evacuation in the airport moving quickly on the street, hiding in homes, wondering about schools. For those who evacuate and for those who wait for what is next, for those who are foreign nationals, and those bone-deep with history in the hills, for faithful journalists still reporting, and medical facilities desperate for blocked supplies, for Sikh and Hindu communities and their holy places, for the welcome of Australia and Uganda [and other countries], and families across the ocean and near at hand grieving loved ones lost, life, body, mind in the long war. for the afghan elder who has seen much and the child born today who will grow up to give a new gift, we pray, O Compassionate, O Preserver. amen

From https://giftsinopenhands.wordpress.com/2021/08/17/prayer-for-afghanistan/

  Afghan carpet, public domain 

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An artist I discovered a few days ago is Shamsia Hassani.

Born April 1988, she is the first female graffiti artist of Afghanistan. Through her artworks, Shamsia portrays Afghan women in a male dominant society. Her art gives Afghan women a different face, a face with power, ambitions, and willingness to achieve goals. The woman character used in her artworks portrays a human being who is proud, loud, and can bring positive changes to people’s lives. During the last decade of post-war era in Afghanistan, Shamsia’s works have brought in a huge wave of color and appreciation to all the women in the country. Her artworks have inspired thousands of women around the world and has given a new hope to female Afghan artists in the country. She has motivated hundreds of Afghans to bring in their creativity through her graffiti festival, art classes, and exhibitions in different countries around the world.

Her work is spectacular, learn more at https://www.shamsiahassani.net/ where you can buy prints.

She has been creating and posting art on her FB page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044953452294

Here are just a few of her many terrific pieces - follow her on FB to see many more, and in years to come.

1.  Maybe it is because our wishes have grown in a black pot ...

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2. Nightmare

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3.  I never understood who you are and why you don’t want us to live in peace...

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The artist at work so you can see the size of the original:

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4. With a broken heart - in memory of two young female artist friends killed in Kabul

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5. My wishes

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6.  Damn the war / لعنت به جنگ Girls’ school bomb attack... War Never Ends ...

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7.  Hope is always beautiful even when you know you are the loser.

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8. Untitled

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9. Threat

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The artist’s studio in Kabul.

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She has created many beautiful art pieces not related to war and sorrow - these are just the themes I’m featuring in this blog post to accompany Maren’s prayer above. 

To see many more paintings and to buy prints, follow her on FB at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044953452294 and browse her website at https://www.shamsiahassani.net/

Learn more and read part of an interview with her at https://mymodernmet.com/shamsia-hassani-afghani-female-street-artist/

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Two online prayer meetings for Afghanistan:

Fri night prayer for Afghanistan: Gateway of Grace Ministries will stand in the gap for our Afghan friends, their families, and the nation with a special Zoom prayer gathering this Friday at 6:30pm.  We will also pray for Cuba, Haiti, and Iran. Please make plans to join us this Friday evening. Here is the link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83018531908 Meeting ID: 830 1853 1908

A second virtual prayer meeting - join me and others next Monday, August 23 at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT/2 PM MT/1 PM PT to pray for the situation in Afghanistan. You may use this link to join or add the event to your calendar here.