Pashtun’s Culture

HISTORY:

Pashtuns, Pakhtoons or Pathans make an ethnic group with populations mainly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The origin of Pashtun people is unclear but most of historians have agreed upon that Pashtun people have common ancestors known as Pakhtas or Pactyans. Their roots are also often linked to Eastern European people, Aryans and Jewish people. Initially, these people were inhabitants of Hindu Kush mountains and Indus river between 2nd and 1st BC.  Since, 3 AD and afterwards they started to get called as Afghans. Total population of Pashtun across the globe is around 45 million. 30 million of which reside in Pakistan and 13 million live in Afghanistan. The rest of Pashtuns are residing all over the world mainly in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Russian, Iran UAE and Canada.

DIVISION OF PASHTUNS:

It has already been mentioned that majority of Pushtuns live in Pakistan and Afghanistan. These Pashtuns were considered as one nation until 1893 when they were divided by a Durand line.  Durand line agreement was signed by Mortimer Durand of British India and Amir Abdur Rehman Khan of Afghanistan. This agreement was initially supposed to be for 100 years, but because of the sub continent partition, it is now considered as a permanent border line between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, there are still few political forces on both side of the border who reject the permanent status of Durand line.  Durand line cuts through the tribal areas of Pakistan and Baluchistan and divides ethnic Pashtuns and Baloch who live on both side of the border.

PASHTUNWALI:
Pashtunwali is an ethnic code which pashtun people follow for their life style. There are about 10 different ethnic codes of Pashtunwali but 3 are the most famous one. Following are the 3 main famous ethnic codes of Pashtunwali.
a) Melmastia : Melmastia is “hospitality”. Pashtun people show hospitality to all visitors regardless of their religion, race, regional and religious affiliations.
b) Nanawati: Nanawati is “asylum”. It is very famous ethnic code of Pashtunwali. It refers to giving an asylum to any individual against his/her enemies if that individual enters a pashtun’s house. One such prime example was set when hundreds of Arab fighters were giving asylum after their escape from Afghanistan into the tribal areas of Pakistan.
c) Badal: Badal is “revenge”. Badal is also one of the most important ethnic code of Pashtunwali. Pashtun people are knows for taking their revenge. There is no time limit for them to take their revenge. They get taunted If they don’t take their revenge.

JIRGA:
Jirga is gathering of local Pashtun elders who get together to solve local disputes. The disputants would usually begin with finding a mediator of some stature such as a religious leader or notable elder. The mediator will listen to both parties and then will collect a group of other notable leaders and together give a verdict about the dispute. The jirga’s verdict has to be accepted by both parties. Jirga is known for providing speedy justice to the local people.

WEDDINGS:
Wadah “wedding” is a general rule in Pashtun society arranged by their parents. Bride and groom usually don’t play any role during the process of their wedding. “Walwar” is head money the guy’s parents give to the girl’s parents on the day of engagement. The dowry is usually meager. The concept of Walwar is somehow criticized in modern Pashtun's society. It is considered as a business transaction or selling out a daughter. This practice is getting greatly reduced in recent days but it still get practiced in Southern Afghanistan and Tribal Areas of Pakistan.

PASHTUN CUISINES:

Pashtun cuisines are mainly divided between Pakistan and Afghanistan cuisines. Majority of Pashtun cuisines are made up of meat, wheat and rice. Famous food is considered to be Kabab and Warta " BBQ". The most famous Kabab is known as " chapli kabob" and the most famous part of BBQ is known as " Pattay tikkay". Pattay tikkay are fat covered liver and kidney pieces. Kabli Palawo is also considered as a famous Pashtun's food. Raisins and almonds are added to the rice. Tandoori naan is a also a famous bread being used in Pashtun's areas. Cities like Jalalabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Kandahar are known being the centers of Pashtun's cuisines.

BIRTH CEREMONY:

Pashtun's are well known for their joint family system. They are often mentioned to have large families. They build huge houses where entire family live together under one elder. Birth of male babies is highly celebrated while birth of female isn't. Young males in a house would go out and shot some rounds to announce the arrival of a new baby boy. Relatives will visit to congratulates the arrival of a new baby and the host invite their relatives and friends for a big fest.

PASHTUN DRESS:

Being nomadic and rural people, most Pashtuns wear dresses made of light linens. The traditional male dress is called “Khet Partoog” while the female dress is called “ Firaq Partoog”. Male will also wear different types of caps. The most famous caps/hats are called Karakul, Pakool and Longi. Afghan President Hamid Karzai an ethnic pashtun is also famous for wearing Karakul on his head. Tribal leaders wear Longi “ turban”. Pashtun female wear colored dresses. The wear loose trousers and long shirts. Most Pashtun female wear big chaddars around their upper bodies. Some of them will also wear Burqa to cover their bodies.