Connecting The Kite Runner to Ethnic Diversity of Afghanistan

Islam Religion Founded by Muhammad in 7th century First Islamic State in Medina City in western Saudi Arabia Two branches of the religion Sunni Shia Source: http://www.slideshare.net/almiklas/islam-34693032

Sunni vs. Shia Muslims Follow along with handout "What's the Difference Between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?" Follow along with handout

1 Faith, 2 Factions… Sunnis Shia Absolute acceptance of Koran No additions/deletions Leadership chosen on trustworthiness/devotion to the Koran More conservative 80-90% of Muslims Pashtun Accept Koran with interpretations Imams can add/subtract as needed Leadership through line of Muhammad More radical 10-20% of Muslims Hazara Source: http://www.slideshare.net/almiklas/islam-34693032

Afghan Ethnic Groups No coherent national identity Ethnicity takes priority Loyal to family, kin group, clan or tribe Largest groups are Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Hazaras Source: http://uwf.edu/atcdev/afghanistan/people/Lesson.html

Ethnic Groups Population Ratio Source: http://afghanistan.saarctourism.org/ethnic-groups.html

Pashtun Persian origin (ancient Iranian) Scattered across Afghanistan Segregated into tribes Durrani Ghilzai Others Pashto language Most work in farmlands Many are nomadic Source: http://afghanistan.saarctourism.org/ethnic-groups.html

Tajiks Live mostly in Panjsher Valley North of Kabul Others live in northern /northeastern provinces Not tribes, identify by valley or region where they live Dari Persian language Mountain farming and sheep/goat herding Grow fine fruits and nuts Source: http://afghanistan.saarctourism.org/ethnic-groups.html

Hazara Central regions of Afghanistan Mongolian origins Dialect of Persian language Farmers and shepherds Massacre Mazar-I-Sharif Trying to shed inferior status Hope for Hazara Source: http://afghanistan.saarctourism.org/ethnic-groups.html

Ethnic Diversity Analysis of the novel