The cultural richness of Amazing Afghanistan I Srimal Fernando I Daily Mirror

The cultural richness of Amazing Afghanistan

(Source : Daily Mirror 

12 November  2012
By Srimal Fernando
IN RECENT YEARS, AFGHANISTAN FACED VARIOUS PROBLEMS AND SOBERING EXPERIENCES BECAUSE OF THE LONG DRAWN OUT CIVIL WAR.

Unparalleled in its cultural and ethnic diversity Afghanistan is known as the “Land of the Afghans”. On the crossroads of South and Central Asia, Afghanistan is a unique destination nestled in a particular geographic landscape endowed with many natural and historical wonders. During its long history, Afghans had to endure numerous invasions from external nations and had been under the rule of various rulers from time to time. In recent years, Afghanistan faced various problems and sobering experiences because of the long drawn-out civil war. Even today the ongoing struggle to bring peace and stability, rebuilding the war-torn nation and the continuous insurgent attacks receives heavy press coverage around the world. With all this turbulences this remarkable country maintains a sense of identity with a divinely determined past moving towards a future with optimism.

Afghanistan with enormous cultural richness and uncountable attractions needs little introduction to many visitors. The capital city of Kabul has a vibrant cultural life crowded with a   legacy of a rich cultural past .Today the city is a bustling rapidly developing place, full of traffic and crowds. Most of the old part of Kabul is filled with narrow lanes leading to bazaars. As the most populous city of Afghanistan there is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in city..Of the well-known places of interest in the city are the National Museum of Afghanistan, the Kabul University and the Kabul Zoo inaugurated in 1967. Traveling in this country can be a unique experience for a traveler to discover the culture of Afghanistan. A visit to  the country  would remain incomplete  if the Blue Mosque of Mazar-I Sharif , the Friday Mosque of Herat, the 6^th centaury  Bamiyan   Buddhist  standing  statues and the snow  capped Koh- i- Baba mountains  in  center  of  the country did not appear in a travelers  itinerary.

In recent years Afghanistan is not just admired for its beauty but also for its love for theatre, films, music and dances. Indian cinema has captured the interest of many Afghan youngsters. Indian films such as Kabul Express; Escape from Taliban and  Dharmatma were filmed in Afghanistan. Throughout its long history, country had an outstanding love for music and dances .The countries classical music is one of the most elaborate and inspiring artistic forms found in South Asia .It can be divided into traditional and modern music .The traditional music comprises religious , folk genres are  highly motivational, with strong and powerful words and catchy tunes.  The traditional music of the country feature instruments such as Chang harmonica, Rubab a six string instrument and Tablas the traditional Indian sub continent drums. Dance is a way of expression of joy and serves as a means of communication transcending all barriers of culture.  The people of the country have enjoyed their own forms of song and dance for centuries. Both ethnic and modern dances are featured in the dance festivals. If one is to understand and experience the surprises of the cultures of the world, Afghanistan surely is a unique destination   not to be missed.

 http://epaper.dailymirror.lk/epaper/viewer.aspx