One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs And the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls --Saib-e-Tabrizi

Requested Class Norms – as we begin a novel from another culture and perspective 1.Always demonstrate respect for others. 2.Never bring your judgment caps to class. 3.Remain open to the thoughts and ideas of others. 4.Actively listen as carefully as you verbally contribute.

In your notebook / journal, respond to the following: 1.When you hear the words “Afghanistan” and “Kabul”, what images come to mind? 2.What do you know - or think you know - about these places? 3.Where did you learn this information? 4.What holes do you have about your understanding of this country/city, and what accounts for this? 5.How will this inform your reading of A Thousand Splendid Suns?

Afghanistan Video Link multimedia/index.html#

What images or ideas are resonating from the video? Why? Respond in your notebook.

Kabul Saib-e-Tabrizi Ah! How beautiful is Kabul encircled by her arid mountains And Rose, of the trails of thorns she envies Her gusts of powdered soil, slightly sting my eyes But I love her, for knowing and loving are born of this same dust My song exhalts her dazzling tulips And at the beauty of her trees, I blush How sparkling the water flows from Pul-I Bastaan! May Allah protect such beauty from the evil eye of man! Khizr chose the path to Kabul in order to reach Paradise For her mountains brought him close to the delights of heaven From the fort with sprawling walls, A Dragon of protection Each stone is there more precious than the treasure of Shayagan Every street of Kabul is enthralling to the eye Through the bazaars, caravans of Egypt pass One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs And the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls Her laughter of mornings has the gaiety of flowers Her nights of darkness, the reflections of lustrous hair Her melodious nightingales, with passion sing their songs Ardent tunes, as leaves enflamed, cascading from their throats And I, I sing in the gardens of Jahanara, of Sharbara And even the trumpets of heaven envy their green pastures

In your notebook, please respond to the following: In what ways does this poem challenge your understanding of Kabul or Afghanistan? Please refer to specific lines of the poem in your response.

Mirrors & Windows Share one part of our work today that reflects, or mirrors, your understanding of Afghanistan, Then – Share one part of our work today that opens a window to a new understanding.

Homework: Read and annotate Part One for next week; other dates listed below. Next class: 2/9 (1 st, 6 th ) or 2/10 (8 th ) – several groups - background research work Then: Reading period 2/10 (1 st ) / 2/11 (6 th, 8 th ) Then : Share / presentation of research 2/11 – 1 st or 2/12 (6 th, 8 th ) Then: Part One due, quiz Wed 2/17 (1st, 6 th, 8 th )