1. A Thousand Splendid Suns By: khaled hosseini
An introduction to life in Afghanistan –
*images are hyperlinked to give credit to the owner

2. Map of Afghanistan

3. This is the story of two brave women . . .
Mariam
Laila
…whose lives are destined to cross – and they change each other, forever.

4. A brief history of Afghanistan rule (1933-1973)
Afghanistan has been a country that has been subject to many different take-overs and countries in power. (we’ll just review the timelines in the book)
The beginning of the novel is marked by a monarchy - Mohammad Zahir Shah took the throne in 1933 and reigned until 1973.
Most notable for his “experiment in democracy” – 1/3 of the king’s deputies would be chosen by the people
However, lead to the creation of extremists on both
1962 at the Faculty of Medicine
in Kabul
Zahir Shah with JFK

5. Kabul 1960s

6. A brief history of Afghanistan rule (1973- 1978)
In 1973, the king’s cousin and brother-in-law, Mohammed Daoud Khan, seized power in a non-violent coup and abolished the monarchy and set up The Republic of Afghanistan (with himself as President and Prime Minister)
In 1978, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) overthrew the government in a bloody military coup and lead the country in a Lenin/Marxist agenda
Most of the Afghan nation did not agree with these new laws (because of the suppression of religion) and there was unrest and civil war until the Soviets withdrew from the country
The United States supported the removal of the Soviets and assisted with refugee camps
The 10-year Soviet occupation resulted in the deaths of between 850,000 and 1,500,000 Afghan civilians.

7. War with Russia
The Soviet Union gained influence with the Afghan president by supporting the financial needs of the military.
The Soviet Union installed new president and tried to establish communism
The Mujahideen (people fighting a holy war) sought to restore Afghan society to Islam
War began in 1979.
1989-Over 1 million afghans died, one third of the population fled, and Afghanistan was in ruins.
The Mujahideen turned on each other for power and financial gain.
Lawlessness abounded.

8. Life under Soviet Influence
Men obligated to cut beards
Women no longer allowed to wear
chadors (similar to burquas)
Mosques were off limits
Equal opportunities for women
(especially in regards to education)
Banned forced marriages
Women had the right to vote
A move to promote atheism
Built many hospitals, roads, schools, etc.
Laila’s father tells her it is the best time to be a woman in Afghanistan

9. Civil War- 1989-1994 Soviets lose war.
Various groups in the Mujahideen seek to take power for themselves.
Civil war engulfs the nation resulting in:
fighting between warlords;
the destruction of much of what remains of Kabul;
unlawfulness marked by ethnic and religious killing
increased corruption as warlords abuse their positions.

10. Rise of the Taliban
Group of Islamic students sought to challenge the Mujahideen.
They called themselves the Taliban, which translates to “God’s students” in Arabic.
The Taliban students began attacking highway bandits and freed the countryside from crime.
Then they forced the corrupt officials to leave and took over the towns.
Little by little they gained control of almost all of Afghanistan.
Taliban’s purpose: Restore law and order under Islamic Law.
In 1994, the Taliban came into power – opposing the war lord rule - the Taliban did not take over Kabul until 1996 and declared the country: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

11. Life under Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
All must pray 5 times a day
Men must grow out their beards to at least a fist length below chin
Boys will wear turbans
Singing, dancing, playing games, flying kites, writing books, watching films, and painting pictures are forbidden
Birds (as pets) will be killed and you punished
Stealing – cut off hand, then foot
If you are not Muslim, do not practice in public (beaten and imprisoned) or try to convert others (executed)
Women must stay inside at all times – must be accompanied by a male relative
Women may not show face – wear a burqa when outside
No cosmetics or jewelry
Women are forbidden from attending schools and working
Any woman found guilty of adultery will be stoned to death
* The government did not interfere in the business of the household

12. The End of the Taliban
In December of 2001 – Taliban rule was toppled by US/British forces and a new Afghan government was formed
Today the country is still in a place of unrest and turmoil