Unveiling Afghan Treasures: Carpets and Delights

This past Saturday offered a fascinating glimpse into Afghan culture, with visits to carpet shops and a supermarket.

Afghan Carpets: A Woven Legacy

Afghan carpets, the country's most celebrated form of folk art, hold a deep significance. They are not just decorative pieces but serve as valuable trade items and a symbol of wealth. Interestingly, even machine-made carpets from neighbouring countries can elevate a family's perceived economic standing.

My exploration involved visiting two shops and encountering a dazzling array of around 50 rugs. I discovered that age is a significant factor in price, with older carpets commanding a premium.

A Journey Through Rug Origins:

The world of Afghan rugs is diverse, with distinct regional styles and ethnic influences. Here's a taste of the variety you encountered:

• Shindand or Adraskan rugs: These captivating pieces, named after villages in western Afghanistan, are known for their unique feature – strangely elongated human and animal figures.
• Baluchi rugs: Woven by the Baloch people, these rugs are most commonly seen as prayer rugs.
• Ersari Turkmen rugs: These are the most prolific weavers in Afghanistan, but other groups like the Chub Bash and Kizil Ayaks also contribute to the rich tapestry of Afghan rug design.

The vibrant colors of these rugs are derived from natural dyes, and their sizes typically fall within the medium range. Traditional patterns often showcase the "octagonal elephant's foot" motif against a red background.

A Bittersweet Reality:

It's a sobering fact that approximately 97% of Afghan rugs are exported and then labeled under the names of other countries like Iran and Pakistan. my colleague's observation that most Afghans use Iranian rugs due to their affordability resonates with this reality.

Given the high price range (from $500 to $1500), and your current understanding, you wisely decided to hold off on a purchase.

A Taste of Afghanistan: Dried Delights

The supermarket offered a different kind of treasure – Afghan dry fruits. Afghanistan is a leading producer of these delicious and healthy treats. The prospect of savoring their natural taste, free from chemical processing, was certainly enticing. Perhaps before leaving Kabul at the end of the month, I'll consider indulging in a selection of these dried fruits.

A Weekend Well Spent

While no purchases were made, the day proved to be a rewarding cultural experience. Exploring the world of Afghan carpets and encountering the bounty of their dry fruits offered a unique window into the country's heritage and culinary delights. After all,  "Life is wonderful" when filled with such enriching experiences. 

Unveiling Afghan Cuisine: A Vegetarian Journey

Armed with a restaurant guide, I set out to explore Afghan vegetarian options. Afghan cuisine boasts a rich tapestry of influences, creating a distinct and delightful flavour profile.

A Fusion of Flavors: 

Historically, Afghan food draws inspiration from three main ethnicities: Pashtuns, Tajiks, and Turkic groups. Despite regional variations, some common threads bind the cuisine. Fresh ingredients like yoghurt, cilantro, garlic, onions, and fruits are staples throughout the country. Fruits, both fresh and dried, hold a significant place in the Afghan diet, particularly in rural areas. Afghanistan is renowned for its exceptional quality fruits like melons, grapes, pomegranates, and apricots, traditionally their main food exports. Additionally, nuts and seeds like walnuts, pistachios, and almonds are abundant. While meat, primarily lamb or chicken, is consumed when available, Afghan cuisine leans towards balanced flavours rather than being spicy hot.

Dinner at Taverna Du Liban with a Surprise

I rejoined my senior colleagues for another dinner, this time venturing into Lebanese cuisine at Taverna Du Liban. Coincidentally, it was the night of US President Barack Obama's surprise visit to Kabul, a news tidbit we only learned about the following morning. Perhaps this explained the heightened security measures – armed guards meticulously checking guests upon entry. Despite the extra security, the restaurant buzzed with activity, filled with a mix of locals and foreigners.

Kabul Cuisine and Cautious Nights: An Aid Worker's Tale

Kabul -a city of contrasts. The vibrant restaurant scene offered a welcome escape from the ever-present security concerns. Following a recent incident at the Serena Hotel, security checks became an everyday reality.

My first night out for dinner was a memorable experience. Consulting the security team beforehand became routine, and their advice to avoid Indian restaurants due to recent events sent us in a different direction.