A Continuing Tradition
Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Afghan letters is the incorporation of artwork. Drawing on a centuries-long tradition of manuscript illumination and floral painting, Radio Azadi listeners adapt these traditional art forms to their correspondence. Many of the letters also feature elaborate calligraphy and poetry. Calligraphic art has been a dominant visual art form in the Islamic world and is appreciated by the literate and illiterate alike. Poetry, too, has long flourished as a cultural tradition and passion in Afghanistan, and Radio Azadi receives many letters in verse. Read more about A Continuing Tradition »
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Requests for Action & Assistance
Like radio listeners everywhere in the world, Radio Azadi listeners ask that the station broadcast appeals for assistance or action on the part of the government. The format of the letters of request follows a traditional set pattern. Initially God is invoked, followed by salutations to the recipients of the letters. In addition to the substance of the letter, a poem or a story is inserted into the text. The use of poetry, often composed by a famous poet, and the relating of humorous and instructive stories or jokes is part of the Afghan cultural tradition that requires that even a letter about mundane matters should show the writer’s knowledge as well as good manners. Read more about Requests for Action & Assistance »
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The Question of Employment
During the thirty years of conflict and social disruption in Afghanistan, one generation has come of age and another is following close behind. The question of providing employment is crucial to Afghanistan in order for its citizens to achieve a more abundant life. Many letters sent to Radio Azadi question how people can earn a living, how jobs will be created, and how the resources of the country will be developed for the betterment of the nation. Read more about The Question of Employment »
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Voices of the Future
Today in Afghanistan, more than 5.7 million students—both boys and girls—attend school, and the Ministry of Education is working with foreign partners to implement a five-year National Education Strategic Plan. The abundance of fan mail from this new generation of literate, school-age children is one of the most encouraging signs for the future of Afghanistan. Some letters request that officials look into problems at school; others offer information that they have recently learned in school. These young people are all looking to the future and wish to acquire an education in order to better their circumstances. Read more about Voices of the Future »
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Crossing the Technology Frontier
In the rapidly changing Afghanistan, people are increasingly turning to new technologies—email, cell phones, and the Internet—to make their voices heard. Radio Azadi receives hundreds of such messages each day with music requests, political comments, and other messages. With the increasing frequency of email communication, the 15,000 letters, mostly handwritten, in the Radio Azadi Collection provide a window into the present world of the average citizen of Afghanistan in a manner that may eventually disappear. Read more about Crossing the Technology Frontier »
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Letters Given to Representatives, Senators & Other U.S. Government Officials
In recent years the United States has developed a deep interest in Afghanistan; members of Congress and other government officials have visited Afghanistan, Radio Azadi, and the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty headquarters in Prague. As mementos of their visits, many public officials have been given illuminated letters that were sent to Radio Azadi. The letters on display in this section are on loan from Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Senator Thad Cochran, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Representative Ed Royce, and Senator John Thune. Read more about Letters Given to Representatives, Senators & Other U.S. Government Officials »
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