What is considered rude in Afghanistan?

The thumbs-up gesture is considered rude and has the same connotation as raising one's middle finger for traditional Afghans. The “OK” sign with the hand can symbolize the evil eye or something more lewd. Stroking one's beard or pounding a fist into one's hand may signify revenge.

What is offensive in Afghan culture?

The left hand is considered unclean in Afghan culture, and should not be used for pointing, waving, or offering items. Use either right hand or both hands together to gesture or to offer an item to someone.

What should you not do in Afghanistan?

What are some taboos in Afghanistan?

No meat, no rice, no vegetables, nor sour foods; no drinking of cold water; no sitting on wet ground; and no washing. These are among the commonplace myths surrounding menstruation in Afghanistan, where the topic is taboo and girls soon learn to see it as something negative, shameful or dirty.

How do you show respect in Afghanistan?

People usually place their right hand over their heart when they speak, to show respect and sincerity in the greeting. Greetings are usually prolonged as each person enquires about the other. Afghans usually ask questions regarding a person's health, business, or family.

Cultural Insights: Afghanistan - Etiquette

Are Afghans polite?

For an expatriate entering Afghanistan, it is important to know that the Afghan culture is about politeness, respect and hospitality. When visiting even the poorest home, at least a cup of tea will be offered to the guest.

What are the cultural norms in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is a mostly tribal society with different regions of the country having their own subculture. Despite this, nearly all Afghans follow Islamic traditions, celebrate the same holidays, dress the same, consume the same food, listen to the same music and are multi-lingual to a certain extent.

Does Afghanistan have a dress code?

According to the decree issued by the Taliban, women should wear an abaya, the figure-shrouding outer garment, and niqab, a cloth that covers the face except for the eyes. Maryam, a woman from the southeastern city of Khost, told Radio Azadi that many women were ready to wear a hijab, which covers the head.

What is marriage like in Afghanistan?

Marriages are traditionally arranged by the families, with the formal initiative almost always taken by the boy's family after the arrival of adolescence. However, there is some variation in the process in different areas and social classes of Afghanistan.

Do Afghans use condoms?

The condom has found its way into conservative Afghanistan over the past six years. The number of users has risen sharply in urban areas, say officials. During Taliban rule, and indeed before that, the subject of condoms and sex was widely considered taboo and rarely discussed in public.

Do Afghans not use toilet paper?

In most cases toilets without a built-in “flush system” are used. On several occasions people in rural areas were found to defecate almost everywhere according to convenience. It is important to observe that particularly the rural population does not know or does not use toilet paper.

Do Afghans like dogs?

Dogs are particularly offensive. In Afghan society, many people are culturally and religiously sensitive to the issue of dogs. The animals generally are considered unclean, diseased and dangerous, and a common Afghan proverb says that if a dog is in your home, angels will not cross the doorstep.

What is forbidden in Afghanistan?

It is forbidden to seek to convert Muslims to other faiths. You are not allowed to use, or bring into the country narcotics, alcohol or pork products. Photographing government or Taliban buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed and may lead to detention.

Do Afghans drink alcohol?

Currently, the possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited for Afghan nationals. However, the Afghan government provided a license for various many outlets to distribute alcoholic beverages to foreign journalists and tourists, and black market alcohol consumption is prevalent as well.

What rules does a family follow in Afghanistan?

Afghan culture is very collectivistic and people generally put their family's interests before their own. This means that family responsibilities tend to hold a greater importance than personal needs. Loyalty to one's family also generally supersedes any obligations to one's tribe or ethnicity .

Do Afghans have food restrictions?

Afghan people avoid pork and products with gelatins and food additives if they are not halal.

What do Afghans do for fun?

Afghans are again enjoying activities from kite flying to football, and photography is no longer prohibited. Though facilities are minimal, schools have been reopened—including those for girls—and women are once again entering the workforce.

What do females wear in Afghanistan?

Most Afghans are Muslim and virtually all Afghan women wear a head covering based on the local interpretation of religious laws. Most women wear a hijab or chador as a covering. Some wear a chadari, better known in the West as burqa. In a few places like Kabul, Western dresses like jeans are often worn.

What are girls not allowed to do in Afghanistan?

In November 2022, women were banned from gyms, public baths, public parks, and amusement parks. While Abdul Baqi Haqqani, the Minister for Higher Education until October 2022, was favourable for women to attend Universities, his successor Neda Mohammad Nadeem opposes University education for women.

What is the most common crime in Afghanistan?

Afghan organized crime activity revolves around drug crime linked to opium poppy cultivation, heroin production and trafficking. These networks are also involved in crimes associated with drugs, such as money laundering, people trafficking and kidnapping.

Do people in Afghanistan bathe?

The hammams (public bath houses) in Afghanistan, are a part of the country's cultural heritage, which men and women use not only to bathe, but also to socialise and for entertainment.

What are Afghan values?

Afghans generally have a strong sense of personal honour and are highly aware of their community's opinion of them. Hospitality, loyalty and modesty are highly valued. However, Afghan culture and daily life have been significantly impacted by constant conflict.

Are green eyes common in Afghanistan?

Green eyes are common in Central Europe, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Gray eyes are common in Europe, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. There are some medical implications of iris color. People with lighter iris color have a higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration.

Do Afghans celebrate birthdays?

In fact, there are no birthdays here, just once-in-a-lifetime type events like the “cradle celebration,” in which Afghans invite friends and family—mostly women—to celebrate a baby's new bed. “There is only one real party in your life,” says Sayed. “So when you grow up there is no party, until your wedding.

What age do Afghan girls marry?

In Afghanistan, 57% of girls are married before they are 19. The most common ages for girls to get married are 15 and 16.