Nasim Fekrat
The World Through My Eyes
Afghan Style Snowboarding
It is winter in Afghanistan and among cock fighting, dog fighting and numerous other animal fightings, young Afghans venture to slide their arses in the snow as part of their winter game. This kind of snowboarding in Farsi is called Yakh Malah, or, Yakh Lakhshak, which literally means sliding on ice.
Tomb of Soviet Soldier in Afghanistan
This is a Soviet soldier’s tomb in the northern part of the Salang Pass, on a 12,723 ft elevation. The inscription on the grave stone read “Malinin Sergy V. 1965-86.” He was 20 at the time of his death and may have driven a truck. Today is the 25th anniversary of the final Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and it is also a national holiday Afghans. (more…)
With Thick Coat of Snow Central Afghanistan went into Hibernation
A long-forgotten memory stirred in me this morning; one of those that creates tumult in you and sinks you into an anguished mood. One of those memories that wraps you in a velvet of agony. Then, you are torn inwardly, and left with shredded memories that you are trying recollect when you of course cannot. Just like tattered cloths that cannot be patched, some memories cannot be healed, they rather torment you from inside. Precisely, this is what I felt this morning and here is the story: (more…)
Holy Self-flagellation
Ashura, the 10th of Muharam is a holy day for Muslims and especial day for Shiites. This day is a remarkable day in Islamic calendar, the day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussian the son Ali and the grandson of Muhammad in the unequal battle of Karbala in the year Hijri 61 (AD 680). (more…)
Mustafa Kazemi
Mustafa Kazemi was an influential member of the parliament at the time of his assassination, was a former Trade Minister in President Karzai’s cabinet. He was also the spokesperson for the opposition movement known as the United National Front. (more…)
Women Suffer in Herat
The city of Herat, the current regional capital of western Afghanistan, has been known for its cultural heritage. As a cultural hub for all Farsi speakers in the the region, noted for its music, poetry, calligraphy, art and architecture. (more…)
Islam and Afghan Beard
It is said that this is Mohammad’s quote: “I have no connection with one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing eg. in grief or affection.” (more…)
Disabled Afghan Man
The war-torn Afghanistan is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. As a result, around 2,000 Afghans become disabled each year due to mine blasts and related incidents. (more…)
Eyes: Inspring Source
A prominent Afghan poet Sayyid Zakaria Rahel gazes at a female eye on a billboard. In Farsi poetry, eyes are the most notable source of inspiration for poets. I translated part of his poem called “human” on his blog.
Passing each other with a smile on our lips and a wall in between:
Hello!
Passing each other with a smile on our lips and a mountain in between:
Goodbye!
Human is internally bordered within himelf with,
mysterious mountain-like:
filled with thousand half hidden,
silent volcano:
full of internal flames”
