Kabuli, is an ambiguous term which provides a sense of identity
for Afghanistan's largest heterogeneous urban population without
designating distinct ethnic associations. The city of Kabul has
drawn members of all ethnic groups in growing numbers since 1776
when it was declared the capital in favor of Kandahar; generations
of intermarriages have also taken place. Nevertheless, ethnic
roots and regional links have always also remained important.
This is reflected in the spatial layout of the city which, before
two-thirds of the city was reduced to rubble after 1992, consisted
of ethnic, geographic or religious-oriented wards and suburbs.
Social stratification along occupational lines was also clear
although over the past few decades lines tended to blur significantly.
A typical Kabuli speaks Dari in addition to his mother tongue
and, whether male or female, is urbane, favors European fashions,
is secularly educated, and most probably works as a bureaucrat,
shopkeeper/owner or in the service sector. Many have had professional
education or experience abroad, live in apartments or single-family
dwellings, are Western-oriented in outlook and enjoy cosmopolitan
lifestyles. It is this image which conservatives, especially those
such as the rural Taliban find unpalatable, a symbol of moral
degradation which must be eradicated if a truly Islamic state
is to be established in Afghanistan.
Many Kabuli who remained in Kabul during the Soviet-Afghan War
have since left because they find the attitudes of the new leadership
incompatible. They are now displaced in cities inside Afghanistan,
living as refugees in Pakistan or resettled abroad. Their absence
will severely hinder the reestablishment of viable administrative
and economic systems necessary for the reconstruction and development
of Afghanistan.
Country
name Afghanistan conventional long form Islamic State of
Afghanistan conventional short form Afghanistan local long
form Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan local short form Afghanestan former Republic of Afghanistan
Area
- total: 647,500 sq km land: 647,500 sq km water: 0 sq km
Terrain
- mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest
Climate
- arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers
Geography
- landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to southwest divide
the northern provinces from the rest of the country; the highest peaks are in
the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor)
Waterways
- 1,200 km note: chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT (2001)
Natural hazards - damaging earthquakes
occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts
Information
Courtesy: The Library of Congress - Country Studies
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