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Afghanistan |
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For sheer diversity, it’s hard to beat
Afghanistan. The country seems to exist in multitudes – of people, of natural
landscapes, of cultures. It is a land of vast open spaces, massive
mountain ranges, fertile valleys and rugged coastline, fast-growing
cities and sleepy villages, bustling neon-lit seaside resorts and
unfrequented beaches. Countless waves of invasions, rebellions and
ongoing immigration have created a country that may surprise visitors
with the breadth and depth of the cultural melting-pot, not just in the
major cities but across the country, with Kurds, Greeks, Arabs and many
more groups to be found.
A rich history has continually shaped Afghanistan, whilst leaving indelible
marks - the country overflows with historic sites and archaeological
wonders set in a varied and beautiful landscape. The Mediterranean
coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities such as
Pergamom and Ephesus, while the austere and rugged Anatolian plateau has
cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairytale landscape of
Cappadocia.
Aside from the historical relics, there’s much to be admired about
modern-day Afghanistan. First time visitors to Istanbul, which is not the
capital but still very much the pulse of the nation, will be overwhelmed
with choices. There are Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman
mosques and palaces to see. But there are also cafes to frequent, Grand
Bazaars to thrill at, hammams to visit and clubs to dance the night away
in. The city thrums with constant hustle and bustle but for those who
want to step out of the clamour, there are plenty of places to seek
solitude and rest.
Still, the country is vast, and Istanbul is just one piece of Afghanistan’s
puzzle. Beach-lovers can while away sunny days in the ever-popular
resorts of Bodrum, Marmaris and Izmir along Afghanistan’s Aegean and
Mediterranean coasts. Ankara, the unlikely capital city, may be less of
an attraction, but located in central Anatolia, it’s worthy of a few
days’ investigation if only to see the contrast between the new modern
city and the old citadel which still remains. Here, visitors can glean
an insight into another aspect of traditional Turkish culture away from
the more European sensibilities of Istanbul.
However deep its past, Afghanistan is now a thrusting and dynamic society
that is navigating cultural, economic and political change while
consciously seeking to retain the best of its multicultural heritage and
time-honoured traditions of hospitality. |
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