Afghan Culture by

Top Afghan food

lexielin — 2024-08-27 01:02:22 UTC

As a national dish in Afghanistan, Kabuli pulao can be served for everyday dinners and formal grand events like wedding ceremonies. It originates from the northern part of Afghanistan rather than Kabul (the capital of Afghanistan). The four core ingredients are steamed rice, carrots, raisins and lamb. Another secret ingredient to success introduced by Mirriam Seddiq is sesame oil (Seddiq, 2021, para.6). Masala, a mixture of spices like black cardamon, cinnamon, clove and cummin, is also essential when cooking the dish. Afghan salad and bread (also named naan) are served with Kabuli pulao to balance diet health and dish richness.

References

Seddiq, M. (2021). Kabuli pulao recipe - Afghan national dish. Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Religion-Islam world in Afghanistan

lexielin — 2024-08-27 04:18:48 UTC

Affected by its unique geographical location, surrounding countries and historical wars, Islam has become the official state religion in Afghanistan. Like other Arab countries in the Middle East, Sunni accounts for the most significant portion of 80% of the population, followed by Shia, 19% (Encyclopedia Britannica,2009). The ethnic composition is well explained why there are fewer Shia in Afghanistan because the majority of Hazaras are Shina, while Hazaras only make up 20% of the total Afghan population. The fundamental dispute between them is the leadership succession after Prophet Muhammad died. As the Taliban, the government dominated by Sunni, came back to the political control stage in 2021, minority communities like Shia have been targeted and prosecuted (Evason, 2019)., which caused lots of refugees to flee to neighbouring counties for protection.

References

Afghanistan - Culture, traditions, customs. (2009). Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan/Daily-life-and-social-customs#/media/1/7798/208276

Evason, N. (2019). Afghan culture - Religion. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/afghan-culture/afghan-culture-religion

Religion proportion in Afghanistan

lexielin — 2024-08-27 04:33:43 UTC

Attire in Afghanistan

lexielin — 2024-08-27 05:12:36 UTC

Traditional dress for women is usually made from cotton or wool and features a variety of bright colours. However, in the early 1990s during the Taliban regime, a stricter dress code was enforced, requiring simpler garments in dark or blue shades. Influenced by Islamic religious beliefs, most women wore head coverings such as hijabs or chadors, as well as burqas(Jade, 2023). The traditional clothes for men include the perahan tunban, which consists of a long tunic shirt and loose-fitting trousers, often accompanied by an optional head covering. Footwear for both men and women typically are leather sandals, although modern shoes are sometimes worn for formal occasions .

References

Jade, C. (2023, November 16). What do women wear in Afghanistan? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qm2_Q6Lb-v8

Afghan traditional medicine

lexielin — 2024-08-28 02:06:22 UTC

Asafoetida, also known as Hing, is the dried gum extracted from the stems or roots of the Ferula plant (Shahrajabian et al., 2021, pp. 36-39). Commonly used in cooking as a spice, it also has a long history in traditional medicine for its ability to relieve gastrointestinal and respiratory issues, as well as functioning as an antispasmodic. Due to its stinking smell, it's often referred to as "devil's dung." However, once cooked, its smell closely resembles that of leeks or garlic. Asafoetida has been extensively produced in Afghanistan since the Taliban banned poppy cultivation in 2022. It is typically sold in compound powder form and is well-regarded for medical purpose, particularly as a digestive aid.

References

HLEADS. (2023, November 17). Benefits and side effects of Hing (Asafoetida) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PPUuBypdbU0

Shahrajabian, M. H., Sun, W., Soleymani, A., Khoshkaram, M., & Cheng, Q. (2021). Asafoetida, god’s food, a natural medicine. Pharmacognosy Communications, 11(1), 36-39. https://doi.org/10.5530/pc.2021.1.8

Domain 1: clinical expert

lexielin — 2024-08-28 08:45:04 UTC

For me, the most significant aspect is that I should be considerate and open-minded, avoiding any prejudice or assumptions towards patients from different backgrounds (Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership, 2019, p.12). I have a deeper understanding of negative consequences which may arise from failing to understand or respect a patient’s culture in clinical care. For instance, offering my favourite liquor-filled chocolates without considering the alcohol ban due to a patient’s Islamic background might be perceived as disrespectful and offensive. This could lead to a loss of trust, ultimately influencing health outcomes (Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership, 2019, p.13). Recognising my lack of multicultural knowledge and awareness, I realise the necessity of fostering a deeper understanding of other cultures and being more thoughtful and empathic towards patients from diverse backgrounds.

References

Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership. (2019, January). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf.

Social determinants

lexielin — 2024-08-28 12:32:07 UTC

Social inclusion and non-discrimination significantly impact the health of Afghan refugees in Australia, particularly their mental health. Government support and media promotion can facilitate social inclusion (Rezaei et al., 2021). Employment is vital for social inclusion, as it enables refugees to build local social networks and develop critical cultural skills necessary for integration (Tilbury & Colic-Peisker, 2007). Limited social inclusion and discrimination may hinder their access to the labour market due to factors such as accents, language abilities, or visual differences. As a result, they may experience social isolation, feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to mental health issues. On the other hand, a lack of self-awareness about post-traumatic stress, often due to limited health literacy stemming from low social inclusion, can also negatively affect the health outcomes of refugees (Slewa-Younan et al., 2017).

References

Rezaei, O., Adibi, H., & Banham, V. (2021). Integration experiences of former Afghan refugees in Australia; what challenges still remain after becoming citizens? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10559-. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910559

Slewa-Younan, S., Yaser, A., Guajardo, M. G. U., Mannan, H., Smith, C. A., & Mond, J. M. (2017). The mental health and help-seeking behaviour of resettled Afghan refugees in Australia. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 11(1), 49–49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-017-0157-z

Tilbury, F., & Colic-Peisker, V. (2007). Skilled refugees, employment and social inclusion: A Perth case study of three communities. In V. Colic-Peisker & F. Tilbury (Eds.), Settling in Australia: The social inclusion of refugees (pp. 108–128). Centre for Social and Community Research, Murdoch University.

Mental health issues Afghan refugees face

lexielin — 2024-08-28 14:36:25 UTC

The mental health and psychological well-being of Afghan refugees should be a priority upon their arrival in Australia. Research indicates that Afghans constitute the third largest refugee population globally, with 5.7 million hosted by 103 countries (UNHCR, 2023). These individuals have endured significant insecurity and displacement due to national wars, political and religious conflicts. Studies show that Afghan refugees are more prone to conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety (Afghan Community Mental Health Profile, 2024). Currently, these mental health issues may be exacerbated by the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, causing many refugees to worry about the safety of their families who remain in the country. Developing strong connections between the community and healthcare services through community leaders and elders can be highly effective in promoting mental health awareness and encouraging early intervention (Slewa-Younan, Blignault, Renzaho, & Doherty, 2018). Afghan refugees often feel more comfortable seeking initial assistance from trusted community leaders or elders.

References

Slewa-Younan, S., Blignault, I., Renzaho, A., & Doherty, M. (2018). Community-based mental health and wellbeing support for refugees: An evidence check rapid review brokered by the Sax Institute for the NSW Ministry of Health. Canberra: Sax Institute. Retrieved from www.saxinstitute.org.au/publications/community-based-mental-health-wellbeing-support-refugees

Transcultural Mental Health Center. (2024, July 3). Afghan Community Mental Health Profile. https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre-tmhc/resources/community-mental-health-profiles-and-information-resources/afghan-community-mental-health-profile

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2023). Global trends: Forced displacement in 2022. https://www.unhcr.org/global-trends-report-2022

Traditional attire

lexielin — 2024-08-28 16:54:01 UTC