1. Connecting The Kite Runner to Ethnic Diversity of Afghanistan

2. 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:

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

4. 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:

5. 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
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6. Ethnic Groups Population Ratio
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8. Pashtun Persian origin (ancient Iranian) Scattered across Afghanistan
Segregated into tribes
Durrani
Ghilzai
Others
Pashto language
Most work in farmlands
Many are nomadic
Source:

9. 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:

10. 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:

11. Ethnic Diversity
Analysis
of the novel