Afghan literature
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Afghan literature or literature of Afghanistan refers to the literature produced in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.[1][2] Influenced by Central and South Asian literature, it is predominantly written in two native and official languages of Afghanistan, Dari and Pashto. Some regional languages such as Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, and Pashayi also appears in Afghan literature.[3] While Afghanistan is a multilingual country, these languages are generally used as oral compositions and written texts by the Afghan writers and in Afghan curriculum. Its literature is highly influenced by Persian and Arabic literature in addition to Central and South Asia.[1][2]
The history of the broader Afghan literature spans between ancient and modern Afghanistan. The earliest works of literature were orally transmitted. Its writing system is historically associated with
Archaeological researches conducted since 1922 has shown fine art of the pre-Islamic scripts. The country's literature was originally written and transmitted in Arabic alphabet, making it to possess a rich
Contemporary literature
Afghanistan's contemporary literature has its deep roots in rich heritage of both oral composition and traditionally written texts. The
if we want to know what an Afghan is, let us put all books aside and receive his own unconscious confession from the lips of his favorite poets.
Widmark, Anders. The View from Within: An Introduction to New Afghan Literature, Words Without Borders
It is argued that Pashtun poems, including Sher Zaman Taizi's book titled The Field (1988) had played a significant role in literature. In the modern era, Afghan poets and short story writers are actively engaged in writing poetry, comprising a detained account of literature.[2]
Medieval period literature
Afghanistan's literature is historically associated with the civilizations of Iran, China, and India. The country witnessed development of artistic work during the Ghaznavids dynasty and the Ghurid dynasty between 10th and 12th century. However, the Timurid dynasty shaped culture and artistic activities in the Islamic era.
Since Afghanistan has a rich literary identity,
Colonial literature
Because of the large immigration to other countries in the 16th to 18th centuries, the articulation of ideals, and the early establishment of
Literary, Afghan, Turkic, and
Modern literature
In the 20th century, Kabul, the capital of the country became the center for literary figures and publishing. Mahmud Tarzi was the editor of Seraj al Akhbar, Kabul's first literary newspaper circulated from 1911 to 1919. He is often known for his contribution for the development of modern literary environment. Over the past decades, Afghanistan produced several literary figures including Khalilullah Khalili and Ghaderkuni. Khalili is referred to as "Renaissance man" for his contribution to modern literature.[6]
Mahmud Tarzi was actively involved in promoting Pashto as a national language and providing information and news through Seraj al Akhbar newspaper. During that period, Seraj ul Akhbar played significant role in modernising Afghan society through its articles. A French novelist Jules Verne, also translated the work into foreign language. He became the first writer to publish the first books printed in independent Afghanistan.[7]
The rise of poetry
Afghan poetry and
Authors and poets
Proverbs
Afghan proverbs are generally simple, concrete, and traditional saying. They usually express a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Some proverbs are categorised by the events occurred in real life or based on imagination facts that temporarily create objects, peoples and ideas without any immediate input of the senses.
Afghan proverbs primarily exist in two officially recognised languages. Unrecognised or anonymous proverbs exist in more than two languages because people borrow them from foreign or regional languages similar to Afghan languages.
References
- ^ a b Pillalamarri, Akhilesh. "Afghanistan's Persian Linguistic Identity". thediplomat.com.
- ^ a b c Widmark, Anders. "The View from Within: An Introduction to New Afghan Literature". Words Without Borders.
- ^ "What Languages Are Spoken In Afghanistan?". WorldAtlas. 25 April 2017.
- ^ "Afghanistan Literature". Afghanistan's Web Site. 9 May 1984. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ "Afghanistan – The arts and cultural institutions". Encyclopedia Britannica.
- ^ "ARTS AND CULTURE - English". English. 31 December 2016. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
- ^ "Afghanistan: The emergence of modern Afghan literature". 4 May 2005. Archived from the original on 4 May 2005.
- ^ "FEATURE: In Western Afghanistan, an ancient love of poetry thrives again". UN News. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ Mashal, Mujib (25 October 2019). "In a Quiet Corner, an Old Afghan Poet Polishes 'the Heart's Mirror'". The New York Times.
- ^ "Ancient Afghan Poetry Form Adapts to Tell Story of Modern Life and Conflict". Pulitzer Center. 19 June 2013.
Further reading
- Rasul, Nadia (11 June 2012). "Taliban Poetry: Yes, They Write Poems, and They're Surprisingly Diverse". The Atlantic. Retrieved 8 December 2021.