Understanding the context

For thousands of years Afghanistan has stood at a crossroads of empires, faiths and trade. Buddhist kingdoms once flourished here, and Islam later shaped its culture, art and learning. Great poets and scholars came from its cities. In the nineteenth century it lay between rival empires, yet it was never ruled as a colony.

The last half-century has brought great suffering. The Soviet invasion of 1979 was followed by years of war, civil conflict and the first Taliban government. After 2001, an international intervention brought two decades of new government, schools and development, alongside continuing conflict. In August 2021 the Taliban returned to power, and they now govern the country under a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam. Few countries formally recognise their government.

Islam is woven through every part of Afghan life, from daily prayer to family celebrations. Most Afghans are Sunni Muslims, and a Shia minority includes many of the Hazara people. Afghanistan is home to many peoples, including Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks and Turkmen, each with its own language and traditions.

Family, clan and community are at the heart of Afghan society. Hospitality is sacred: a guest is honoured, fed and protected. Honour, loyalty and respect for elders shape daily life, and poetry, music and storytelling have long been treasured, even when they have been restricted.