Afghanistan A–Z

Sanskrit word for a Buddhist monastery; many flourished in ancient Afghanistan, from Hadda to Bamiyan.

Chinese Buddhist monk (602–664) whose 7th-century travel record describes Balkh, Bamiyan and Hadda.

The longest night of the year, kept on the eve of winter with family, red fruit and poetry.

Prophet of ancient Iran and founder of Zoroastrianism; a long tradition places his mission at Balkh.

A walled mud-brick compound, often with corner towers, that houses an extended family in rural Afghanistan.

Honorific for a master musician, craftsman or teacher, and the master in the ustad–shagird apprenticeship tradition.

Glazed mosaic patterns covering mosques and shrines.

A remote corridor between the Pamir and Hindu Kush.

The spring new year, celebrated on the equinox.

The Amu Darya, the river along Afghanistan’s northern border.

One of Afghanistan’s two official languages.

A short-necked lute, often called the lion of instruments.