Yemen Culture Overview

The population of Yemen is ethnically Arabic dominated by Sunni Muslims of the Shafi'i School and Shi'a Muslims of the Zaydi School. There are also small groups of Jews, Hindus, and Christians. Islam is the religion of the state. However, the constitution provides religious freedom to the followers of other religions. Conversion of a Muslim to another religion is prohibited. Non-Muslims cannot hold any elected office in the state and the constitution proclaims that Shari'a is the source of legislation.

Arabic Language

Yemenis speak Arabic. The different dialects of Arabic typical to the six cultural zones are used in daily life. Certain south Arabian languages like Mehri, Soqotri, and Bathari are also seen among certain sections of the population. Russian is understood in certain parts of the country. Though English is taught in private and public schools, only Arabic is predominantly used for communication. Some schools even teach French. The number of people who can speak English in Yemen is small compared to other Arab countries.

Yemeni Foods

For breakfast, Yemenis generally have a sweet strong tea with breads made of wheat, barley or sorghum. The most common dinner is a porridge prepared from fenugreek seeds served hot in a stone or clay bowl, consumed along with meat, eggs, herbs, spices and vegetables. Apart from sorghum, lentils and peas are the traditional staple food of the country. Boiled meat from goat or sheep served on heaps of rice is popular during feasts and celebrations. Fruits and raisins are consumed as desserts. During the recent days, poultry, fish and dairy products are becoming popular. Qat is a narcotic bush, like the coca plant. Over 90 percent of the population chews qat for more than five hours a day.

Islamic Clothing of Yemen

Participating in the popular tradition of the Middle East, the people of Yemen too cover their heads with thob or shiwal. However, the costume style varies considerably between the north and the south. In some regions, the thob worn is full and flowing, whereas in some others, it is slim fitting. Twisted and tweaked natural color braid is tacked on to the base cloth. The costlier versions of the same consist of silver works on the chest, shoulders and panels. The cotton thob dyed black with indigo is decorated with embroidery. A majority of women living in Yemen wear an all-encompassing black cloak called Balto. A very few walking on the streets may show their faces, while the rest prefer to cover it. Wearing black cloaks has even influenced foreign women living in Yemen.

Yemeni Social Life

The 1994 constitution of Yemen has granted equal rights to women. However, outside the family, gender disparities are visibly seen in the society. The conservative religious authorities strongly recommend segregation of sexes. In urban centers, women are employed in educational and health care sectors. The cultural values of Yemen include decency, hospitality and respect for elders. The holy text of Koran has become one with the life of Yemenis. The familiarity of people with Koran is versatile that, one would see them profusely quoting from it in day-to-day affairs.

Afghanistan Culture Overview

For a long period in history, Afghanistan has been ravaged by invasions, civil wars and terrorist activities. This atmosphere has disrupted and overturned much of the country’s social and cultural traditions. However, during these days, one sees the resuming of a settled life and a return to tradition as a great number of refugees are returning home. The society of Afghanistan is dominantly of tribal origin. Therefore, tribal affiliation pre-dominates the people’s sentiments than the sense of nationhood.

Since the Arab-Muslim conquest, Islam has become the common religion of all the tribal groups and has largely influenced the culture of the land. However, different regions of the country have their own unique traditions. This accounts for the multi-cultural and multi-lingual character of the nation. About 99 percent of the people practice Islam, 80 percent of them being Sunnis and 19 percent of them being Shi'as. Apart from this, one sees the existence of other traditions such as Pshtunwali, Baha'i faith, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism. Mullahs or the male members of the religion who can recite Quran from memory are considered as the most important religious figures in Afghanistan.

Afghani Foods

The wide and varying landscape of Afghanistan aids the growth of a range of crops in Afghanistan. The cuisines of Afghanistan are largely based on cereals like wheat, maize, barley and rice. Afghan grapes are among the most popular in the world. Some of the notable dishes of the land are Palau; Kofta or meatballs; sweet pumpkins; Aush or handmade noodles; Gosh feel or pastries; sweets like halwa and jelabi; Khajoor; a type of meat dumplings called mantu; Afghani bread; the traditional rice dish called Qabuli Palav; sabzi; Afghani soup called Shorba, and rice pudding called Shir Berenj.

Islamic Clothing of Afghanistan

The traditional Afghan clothing for men includes a Pakol (hat), Lungee (turban), and a Chapan (coat). However, this varies by province and with ethnicities. Most traditional women of Afghanistan wear a long dress with round skirt slightly similar to a "salwar kameez." Afghan style of dressing is unique and typical to the land. The pants worn by Afghans are loose, but at the end, they are clasped close to the ankles. Often, the dress of Afghanis combines several colors often representing the color of the flag. Women wear the burqa, abaya, and hijab, which fall in line with the traditional Muslim Clothing and Islamic Clothing attire worn by Muslims in other countries.

Social Life of Afghans

Extended family life is the central feature of Afghan’s social life. Family is a caring and responsible unit vested with the power to make decisions from schooling to marriage for all the members. Total dependence to family structure is strikingly contrasted with a striking sense of independence. In other words, Afghans are seen hostile to any external force including the government interfering in family affairs.

Afghanistan National Sports

The national sport of Afghanistan is Buzkashi, or polo, an ancient rough and tumble game, played with the carcass of a goat or cow.

Afghan Literature

Though each of the ethnic groups of Afghanistan has unique cultural traits, there are certain things that are common to national life like love for poetry. People recite poetry during all types of gatherings. Ability to compose and recite poetry is greatly adored in Afghan culture.

Islamic Culture refers to the customs and traditions that Muslims have adopted in their respective countries including the Islamic / Muslim Clothing they wear, foods they eat, wedding traditions and other such aspects of their Islamic Life.