Category: Xtra

KABUL, Afghanistan — Frozan Ahmadzai is one of 200,000 Afghan women who have the Taliban’s permission to work.

She should have graduated from university this year in pursuit of her dream of becoming a doctor, but the Taliban have barred women from higher education and excluded them from many jobs.

Now, instead of suturing, she sews in a basement in Kabul. Instead of administering medication, she makes pickles.

Half of Afghanistan’s population now finds itself locked out of the freedom to work at a time when the country’s economy is worse than ever.

Few jobs are still available to women. They include tailoring and making food, which the 33-year-old Ahmadzai now does along with women who once were teachers or aspired to be one.

Women’s participation in the workforce in Afghanistan, always limited by conservative cultural beliefs, was 14.8 percent in 2021, before the Taliban seized power and imposed harsh restrictions on women and girls.

They include banning female education beyond sixth grade, barring women from public spaces like parks, and enforcing dress codes.

Women’s participation in the workforce was down to 4.8 percent in 2023, according to World Bank data.

Ahmadzai’s eyes flare when talking about the new reality for Afghan women.

“We are only looking for a way to escape,” she said, referring to the work in the basement. It’s a step, at least, beyond being confined at home.

But profits are slim for her and her 50 colleagues in the collective. In a good month, the pickle-making and tailoring businesses bring in around 30,000 afghanis ($426).

The women also have other complaints familiar to anyone in Afghanistan: The rent and utility bills are high. The sewing machines are old-fashioned. The electricity supply is erratic.

Local retailers don’t compensate them fairly.

They don’t receive support from banks or local authorities to help their businesses grow.

Just obtaining permission from the Taliban to work is challenging for women, though under Afghan labor laws, the process for work permits ought to be the same for both sexes.

The ministry responsible for issuing permits has banned women from its premises, setting up a female-only office elsewhere.

It’s to “speed things up and make things easier” for women, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Samiullah Ebrahimi.

There, women submit their paperwork, including their national identity card, a cover letter and a health certificate from a private clinic.

That’s assuming they have the documents along with the money to cover any costs.

It also assumes they can move around without being harassed if unaccompanied by a male guardian.

Last year, a top United Nations official said Afghanistan had become the most repressive country in the world for women and girls.

Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN political mission in Afghanistan, said that while the country needed to recover from decades of war, half of its potential doctors, scientists, journalists and politicians were “shut away in their homes, their dreams crushed and their talents confiscated.”

The Taliban have a different view.

They have tried to provide women with a “safe, secure and separate” working environment in line with Islamic values ​​and Afghan traditions in sectors where women’s work is needed, according to ministry spokesman Ebrahimi.

They can work in retail or hospitality, but it must be a female-only setting.

He said women don’t need degrees for the majority of permissible work including cleaning, security screening, handicrafts, farming, tailoring or food manufacturing.

It’s heartbreaking for Ahmadzai and her colleagues to see their expertise go unused. Several also were training to be makeup artists, but beauty parlors have been closed.

Some jobs for women remain in education and health care, so Ahmadzai has pivoted to a nursing and midwifery course so she can become a medical professional. But not a doctor. The Taliban don’t want more female doctors.

The challenges for Afghan women of obeying Taliban edicts while helping to support their families while living conditions worsen is a strain on health, including mental health.

Ahmadzai said one of the few positives about her work in the basement in Kabul is the camaraderie and support system there.

“Afghan women nowadays all have the same role in society. They stay at home, care for children, mind the house and don’t work hard,” she said.

“If my family didn’t encourage me, I wouldn’t be here. They support me because I work. My husband is unemployed and I have small children.”

Salma Yusufzai, the head of Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledged that working under Taliban rule is a challenge.

The chamber has almost 10,000 members, but the lack of female representation within the Taliban-controlled administration is a challenge.

Yusufzai said the chamber supports women by giving them a platform at local markets and connecting them with the international community for participation in overseas exhibitions and other opportunities.

Chamber members include key Afghan industries like carpet-making and dried fruit. The businesses are male-owned but kept alive by women who want to support the economy, which she said would collapse without them.

She acknowledged that the chamber’s limited work was only possible through engagement with the Taliban: “If I close the door then nothing will happen, nothing will remain.”

Yusufzai once had three gemstone businesses and gave them up because of her chamber role. But she can’t own them anyway under Taliban rule, so the businesses are in her husband’s name.

“Since we are living in this country, we have to follow the rules,” she said. Her smile was tight.

“From nothing, it is better to have something.”

AN – AP

KHANH HOA – Tourism of the southcentral coastal province of Khánh Hòa has got a boost thanks to a bundle of international promotion programmes which have been put in place since the beginning of the summer.

According to the provincial Department of Tourism, the locality hosted nearly 5.2 million visitors in the first half of this year, up 88 per cent year-on-year, most of them from the Republic of Korea, China, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and Malaysia. Its tourism earning surged 97 per cent against the same time last year to over VNĐ26 trillion (US$1.02 billion).

Director of the department Nguyễn Thị Lê Thanh said the number of tourist arrivals to the locality in June rose 13 per cent year-on-year to 1.3 million, including over 370,000 foreigners, up 54 per cent from the same time last year.

Total tourism revenue in the month was estimated at over VNĐ6 trillion , expanding 12 per cent year-on-year, she said.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Đinh Văn Thiệu said the four-day Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival in June lured some 400,000 visitors, helping popularise local tourist destinations, and create a motive for tourism growth in 2024 and 2025.

The Nha Trang International Light Bay Festival – the country’s first drone light show slated for July 13 and 20 – will feature competitions among four teams from China, France, the Republic of Korea, and the UAE.

Thieu added that Khánh Hòa is planning to develop the light festival into a standout tourism offering.

During this summer, Nha Trang also hosts many sports tournaments such as the National Club Sailing Championship, the National Libera Fun Fest 2024 running tournament, the National Table-tennis Championship, and the National Youth Golf Championship.

Together with the tourism promotion events, airlines have opened new international routes to and from Nha Trang, and increased flights between the locality and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. – VNA/VNS

XINHUA

FRANKFURT, Germany — Goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three penalties as Portugal won 3-0 in a shootout against a brave Slovenia side who had held them to a 0-0 draw after Cristiano Ronaldo’s extra-time miss from the spot in a dramatic Euro 2024 last-16 clash on Monday.

Portugal had the lion’s share of the chances but also their brilliant goalkeeper to thank for a one-on-one save from Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko as they stumbled into a quarter-final meeting with France in Hamburg on Friday.

Costa also saved from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic in the shootout – the first keeper to save three penalties in a Euros shootout – to send his side through despite a team performance that lacked spark for the most part.

“This is probably the best game of my life,” Costa said.

“I focused on doing what I had to do. I went with my gut feeling. Of course we had analysed the penalty takers, but players change how they shoot. I’m very happy and very excited to have helped the team.”

Ronaldo in particular will come under the spotlight as he wasted several opportunities to go with a penalty miss in extra-time that left him in a flood of tears and needing to be consoled by team mates.

“Even the strongest people have their (bad) days. I was at rock bottom … when the team needed me the most,” Ronaldo said in a post-match interview before bursting into tears again.

“Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments,” he said.

“I feel sad and happy at the same time. But the important thing is to enjoy it. The team did an extraordinary job.

“We fought right to the end and if you look at it, if you analyse the game, I think we deserved it because we had more authority.”

SPOT KICK

Portugal were awarded the penalty late in the first half of extra time when Diogo Jota’s storming run into the box was illegally stopped by defender Vanja Drkusic, who had already been booked and was lucky not to receive a second yellow card.

They have a reliable penalty taker in their team in Bruno Fernandes but captain Ronaldo elected to take it and his effort was superbly saved to his left by Slovenia’s Jan Oblak, who pushed the ball onto the post.

Ronaldo, aiming to become the oldest scorer in Euros history at 39, had looked out of sorts all through the match, missing several headed chances.

He also insisted on taking all four free-kicks Portugal were awarded in shooting range, with none of them particularly threatening for Oblak.

Slovenia defended superbly and every time they had a scrap of possession they sent the ball long to forwards Andraz Sporar and Sesko to try and make something of it.

It was a ploy that worked well and Sesko had two one-on-one opportunities in the game, both from Pepe mistakes.

His first was scuffed wide and the second, some seven minutes from the end of extra time, was well saved by Costa.

That miss will no doubt haunt him and when it came to the pressure of the shootout Slovenia wilted in the face of excellent goalkeeping, much to the relief of Ronaldo, who to his credit scored the first penalty for Portugal.

Slovenia go home having played out four draws in Germany, but having qualified for the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

“Unfortunately, it did not work out for us. I’m lost for words, the atmosphere here is amazing and that’s what makes it that much more difficult,” Oblak said.

“There’s nothing more to add. You see what happened in extra time, we had the opportunity to score, but we were probably missing a bit of luck.”

REUTERS

ASTANA — In the North Kazakhstan Region, there are two unique bitter-saline lakes: Minkeser and Teke. They are considered “sacred’ by the locals and capture the imagination of the visitors.

This article, originally published in Kazinfo, explores the lakes and the fascinating legends associated with them.

Minkeser

Lake Minkeser, located in the Mamlyut District, just 85 kilometers from Petropavl, is well-known to nearly every resident. Often called the “Mini Dead Sea” of the region, Minkeser lives up to its name. In 2020, the Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases reported that the lake’s therapeutic mud and highly mineralized water have significant health benefits.

Locals have known about the lake’s healing properties for years. Hundreds of people visit every summer to treat joint pain and skin problems. Minkeser is 9.1 kilometers long and 6.1 kilometers wide, with an almost perfect oval shape. On calm days, the lake’s bitter-saline water appears dark blue. A mineralized spring with cold water is located on the shore.

The lake is home to the brine shrimp Artemia salina, which filters the water and releases biologically active substances, giving the water its healing properties. Some Artemia salina eggs die and settle at the bottom, forming the organic component of the therapeutic mud.

Legends add to Minkeser’s mystical charm. One legend says that batyrs (warriors) came to the lake to restore their health, as its waters had miraculous powers. Another legend tells of a poor warrior who fell in love with a wealthy girl. Her brothers discovered their secret and killed the batyr, who then turned into a spring. The girl cried by the spring every day, and her tears made the lake salty and gave it healing properties. She eventually turned into a blackbird. If you see a blackbird on your way to the lake, it’s best to turn back, as the water won’t benefit you.

Teke

Lake Teke, the second bitter-saline lake, is located in the Ualikhanov District. This closed basin lake contains up to 300 grams of table salt per liter. Covering an area of 260 square kilometers, it’s larger than Petropavl. The lake is shallow, with an average depth of 0.5 meters and a maximum depth of one meter, varying with the seasons. It is fed by snow and underground waters, with 37 seasonal streams flowing into it.

Teke is a gathering place for demoiselle cranes, and in autumn, gray cranes also arrive. Like Minkeser, Teke’s waters are home to Artemia salina, indicating the lake’s ecological purity. Salt deposits periodically form on the shores, where vegetation is almost nonexistent. The banks are steep and rugged, and the islands are small.

The waters and mud of Teke are also considered healing. According to legend, warriors came here to heal their wounds. The lake has been regarded as a sacred site for centuries. Locals respect Teke and refrain from littering or drinking alcohol here.

These two sacred lakes in the North Kazakhstan Region are not only unique natural wonders but also places steeped in legends and mystique, attracting many people with their healing properties and beauty. — ASTANA TIMES

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AN

ISTANBUL — In the Ottoman Empire, starting from the 16th century, birdhouses were built into the walls of some mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums to provide birds with a place to nest, and today, these birdhouses still host many bird species.

These structures, created as works of both architectural and humane aesthetic thought, are seen as symbols of the compassion shown towards living beings in the Ottoman civilization.

Bird palaces, constructed to shelter many bird species such as sparrows, pigeons, and starlings, were typically built in parts of architectural structures that received sunlight and were protected from the wind.

“Since the era of Suleiman the Magnificent, it is possible to find birdhouses built in different parts of the city,” historian and writer Mehmet Dilbaz told Anadolu.

Dilbaz underlined that birdhouses were usually made of brick or stone, but the first examples were wooden.

“Ottoman bird palaces were an aesthetic pleasure, many details of which we have lost today,” he stressed.

Dilbaz highlighted that birdhouses were built for both aesthetic and protective purposes.

“If our ancestors had built these palaces just so birds could enter, stay here during summer and winter, lay their eggs, or protect themselves from the cold, snow, and rain, they would have just built four walls,” Dilbaz said.

“However, since our ancestors had a sense of aesthetic pleasure, they built these birdhouses with elegance and detail, in harmony with the architectural elements of the period in which they were made,” he noted.

“Therefore, the birdhouses that have survived to the present day clearly show the architectural and aesthetic taste of their era,” according to Dilbaz.

“Birdhouses were not built just for aesthetic pleasure. Two hundred years ago, winters in Istanbul were very severe,” he said.

“In climates where the snow cover didn’t lift for two months during these cold and intense winters, birdhouses were the only places where birds could enter, take shelter, and continue their lives,” Dilbaz added.

Examples of birdhouses in Istanbul can be seen in many historical structures, such as the Uskudar Valide Sultan Mosque, Uskudar Ayazma Mosque, Eyup Sultan Mosque, Bali Pasha Mosque, Sehzade Mosque, the Tomb of Sultan Mustafa III, Grand Selimiye Mosque, Seyyid Hasan Pasha Madrasa, Sultan Mahmud I School, and the Millet Manuscript Library.

ANADOLU, 25.06.2024

An Egyptian-Italian archaeological mission has uncovered early this month a group of 33 previously unknown Graeco-Roman family tombs in the vicinity of the Aga Khan Mausoleum at Aswan’s west bank. The discovery sheds light on the diseases inhabitants of that era had suffered.

The cemetery of more than 400 tombs from the sixth century BC to the third century AD is located on more than 10 levels of terraces.

The tombs have distinguished architectural design, some have vaulted entrances preceded by an open courtyard surrounded by mudbrick walls, while others are directly carved into the mountain rock.

“It is a very significant discovery, adding a new historical dimension to the Aga Khan area,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). He explained that some of the tombs contain parts of mummies and remnants of funerary tools, providing valuable insights into that period and prevalent diseases.

Among the mummified bodies are an adult, probably a woman, and a child, with an estimated age at death ranging between one to two years old, resting one over the other in a stone coffin.

Further analysis will be carried out to understand the relationship between the two bodies. Additionally, many mummified remnants were found inside the tombs along with fragmentary painted terracotta figurines, stone and wooden coffins. Offering tables and many painted cartonnages were found.

“Data suggests that middle class citizens of the Elephantine Island were buried in this part of the necropolis, while the upper parts of the same necropolis seem to be reserved to the upper classes,” said Abdel-Moneim Said, general supervisor of Antiquities of Aswan and Nubia and head of the archaeological mission from the Egyptian side.

Said added that analysis of the structure of these tombs provides insight into the hard-working conditions of the ancient craftsmen and their outstanding achievement: in fact, they overcome the obstacle of digging deeply into the rock low ceiling funerary rooms and galleries.

The mission has also carried out anthropological and radiological analyses on many individuals discovered, using state-of-the-art technology.

Patrizia Piacentini, professor of Egyptology at the University of Milan and head of the mission from the Italian side, explained that the anthropological study drew a biological profile as complete as possible, including sex diagnosis, estimated age at death, and any pathological or traumatological signs.

The team discovered that in different tombs of the necropolis 30-40 percent of the individuals were very young, from new-born to adolescent. Some individuals suffered infectious diseases or metabolic disorders; the femur of a mature woman showed clear signs of amputation, to which the person survived since there is evidence of an osteoporosis callus.

Other bodies present signs of anaemia, nutritional deficiencies but, also, traces of tuberculosis and signs of osteoarthritis, marks of death at an old age.

In other case, no significant bone pathology is recognized, so the cause of death is assumed to be infectious diseases.

The CT scan also revealed the presence of bracelets on the wrist of some individuals, and it was possible to obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of them using the virtual unwrapping technique.

Ahram Online

ASTANA — National Geographic magazine described how to explore the best of Kazakhstan’s landscapes, culture, and events this year in its article “Why 2024 is the prime time to discover Kazakhstan,” published on June 15.

The article highlights direct flight routes, festivals with nomadic flair, and millennia-old natural beauty as key attractions drawing travelers to the Kazakh Steppe.

Almaty and its surroundings

“Most visitors will enter Kazakhstan from the forest-swathed southeast, landing in Almaty. Divided by dense thickets of pine and birch, the city’s surrounding green mountain peaks conceal vast lakes and twisting horse-back trails,” the author writes.

He recommends visiting Lake Kaindy in Kolsai Lakes National Park, known for its picturesque hiking trails and secluded accommodation options, and traveling to Charyn Canyon “for equally dramatic yet drastically different scenery.”

Central Kazakhstan

The author says that a train to Turkistan and the historic Silk Road city of Shymkent is advised for those eager to explore further. Shymkent’s Uzbek architecture and Persian designs, preserved under Soviet rule, make it an ideal stop for those curious about the history of the Turkic Steppe and an excellent base for exploring the Turkistan Region.

Western Kazakhstan

According to the article, the port city of Aktau, with its Caspian shores, offers easy access to the Mangystau Region’s otherworldly plateaus.

“Laced with lines of ochre rock and amber streaks, here colorful geology enshrouds labyrinthine desert trails and dramatic gorges. Sharp jutting ridges and undulating rock formations shadow clear traces of 50 million years of life existing in its canyons – paleontologists regularly unearth new evidence of animal life in the Ustyurt Nature Reserve,” the author writes.

Kazakh traditions and best times to visit

Travelers can witness ancient Kazakh traditions, such as horse riding displays and falconry, before trying traditional dishes such as beshbarmak and qurt.

The author recommends visiting Kazakhstan this September as competitors from all over the Eurasian Steppe will convene in Astana for the fifth World Nomad Games.

“The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn, when the climate is more moderate. In winter, head to Almaty, where ski areas are accessed via cable-car,” the article concludes. — ASTANA TIMES

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during a training session at the team base in Harsewinkel, western Germany on Sunday. (AFP)

The veteran forward, 39, says his team “deserve” to win another major international trophy to add to their singular triumph, at Euro 2016.

Portugal kick off their tournament against Czech Republic in Leipzig on Tuesday with Ronaldo set to start and appear at a record-extending sixth Euros.

Roberto Martinez’s side qualified with a 100 percent record and should progress with ease from Group F, which also contains Turkiye and Georgia.

“I believe this generation deserves to win a competition of this magnitude,” Ronaldo told reporters upon arrival in Germany, setting his sights on the Henri Delaunay trophy.

The former Real Madrid hitman triumphed with Portugal in 2016 but limped off injured against France in the final, with Eder firing the team to glory in extra time.

Now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo netted twice against the Republic of Ireland in a tuneup friendly last week to extend his international goals record to 130.

Thus far, 14 of those have come at European Championships, making him the competition’s all-time top scorer ahead of France great Michel Platini on nine.

Ronaldo first appeared at the tournament in 2004 on home soil, scoring against eventual winners Greece on his Euros debut, and he has also struck in every edition since.

The forward has 25 appearances at the finals, missing only one game at the tournament on the five occasions he has been selected as part of Portugal’s squad.

If Ronaldo nets in Germany he will become the oldest-ever Euros goalscorer, with the current record set by Austria’s Ivica Vastic in 2008, scoring at 38 years and 257 days old.

“I enjoy football; records are a consequence, so for me it’s not a target, because I think they come naturally,” said Ronaldo.

“I’m happy to have a sixth European Championship and it’s about enjoying it in the best way, playing well, making sure the team can win, trying to give my all and enjoying it.”

Many believed Ronaldo’s time was finally up on the international stage when he was dropped for the last two matches of Portugal’s 2022 World Cup campaign after failing to score from open play in the three group games.

However, Martinez has stuck by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo started every qualifier he was available for, scoring eight goals in the process.

Despite his long and storied international career, Ronaldo said he still suffers with nerves after a men’s record 207 caps for his country.

“There’s always that tingling in the stomach, especially the day before the game, but that’s normal, that’s part of it and I’m glad I feel it, because when I don’t feel it, it’s better to give up and stop,” said the forward.

“I still feel quite motivated, it’s a different competition and we’re all prepared.”

Ronaldo’s ambition is fuel for his teammates to thrive on.

“Knowing Cristiano, he’ll always think big, and we’ll keep up with him,” Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot told a news conference Saturday.

“He’s the one who’s won the most among us… if we all realize that we have to go step by step, we can go far and I’m confident of that.”

While Portugal are among the favorites to lift the trophy, the Czech Republic have not gone beyond the quarterfinals for 20 years.

Like their opponents the Czechs have lifted the trophy on one occasion — in 1976 as Czechoslovakia.

A three-man defense with two wing-backs led by Slavia Prague’s Tomas Holes must find a way to stop Ronaldo if they are to start strongly.

However, few sides have managed that since Portugal’s talisman took the stage two decades ago.

One of the few challenges left for Ronaldo at the tournament is to score a hat trick, last achieved by Spain’s David Villa in 2008.

AN (AFP), June 17, 2024

Mona Tougaard, Vittoria Ceretti, and Loli Bahia have worked together with fashion brands like Courreges. (Getty Images)

DUBAI: Part-Arab models Loli Bahia, Nora Attal and Mona Tougaard paid tribute to their fellow Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti for her birthday this week.

The three models took to Instagram Stories to share moments with the birthday girl. 

Tougaard — who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry — wrote, “Happy bday to my other half,” and in the following picture added, “my Italian queen.”

Among the pictures she shared were two of Ceretti with US Dutch Palestinian model Gigi Hadid on set.

French Algerian model Bahia shared a picture that appeared to be on set for a brand shoot, while the British Moroccan Attal posted a throwback picture of her and Ceretti from when they were younger, captioning it, “Baby V+N.”

This week, Ceretti was on a birthday getaway and shared pictures from her celebration with her 1.6 million Instagram followers.

In one shot, she posed in the desert wearing a hot red, form-fitting dress with three-dimensional floral designs on the midsection and a plunging neckline. She also shared photos of the flowers she received for her birthday, a sunset dinner, a horseback riding experience and a cozy evening by the fire.

“Happy, grateful, in heaven and a year older,” she captioned her post. 

Ceretti, who grew up in Brescia, a small town outside Milan, began her modeling career at the age of 14 at Elite Model Look, one of the world’s most prestigious international modeling competitions. She was chosen as a finalist and signed with the agency. 

A pivotal moment in her career was securing her first beauty contract with Chanel, which appointed her as the face of its beauty line in 2018.

Since then, Ceretti’s career has been marked by continuous success.

She has walked for Versace, Dior, Celine and Louis Vuitton and has fronted beauty and fashion ad campaigns for brands like Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari and Prada. 

Her latest campaigns, unveiled in May, were for Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs. For Calvin Klein’s summer collection, she wore monochromatic white pieces, while for Marc Jacobs, she donned a colorful pink knit sweater paired with the brand’s white “Sack Bag.”

AN, 8.6.2024

AFYONKARAHISAR, Türkiye — Caverns dot the rock facades of a valley in western Türkiye where, thousands of years ago, one might meet armies, merchants, and other travelers bustling through the ancient realm of King Midas.

The area is known today as the Phrygian Valley, with cliffsides rising from gently rolling hills. These have served many cultures and civilizations through the centuries, leaving behind tombs, forts, monuments, and dwellings hewn into the rock.

Covering an area of about 5,300 square kilometers (over 2,000 square miles), the valley is named after the ancient Phrygians, who inhabited it for over 3,000 years, most famed today for the mythical golden touch of their King Midas.

Carved centuries after Phrygian rule, the valley walls also feature burial chambers and churches dating back to the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Speaking to Anadolu in the province of Afyonkarahisar, where much of the ruins can be found today, Ali Kabakulak points to the valley’s status as a “transportation hub and junction point from ancient times to the present day,” as one of its major features.

Kabakulak, a member of the local Afyon Kocatepe University’s Tourism Faculty, said the valley is marked by the historical Royal Road that traversed it, stretching from the ancient Persian city of Susha to Ephesus near the Aegean Sea coast.

Serving both military and commercial purposes, it was long a strategic lynchpin in its region and is today a hidden gem for tourists, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2015.

Cultural legacy

Delving further into history, while Afyonkarahisar is associated most with the Phrygians, the Hittites were actually the first major civilization known in history to have settled there.

But the Phrygians, established in the 9th century B.C., lived exclusively in this area, while the Hittites were based further east.

“Being situated amidst four provinces, including Ankara, Eskisehir, Afyonkarahisar and Kutahya (provinces), and covering a vast area, the Phrygian Valley distinguishes itself with its structures reminiscent of Cappadocia,” Kabakulak said, referring to the renowned fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in southern Türkiye.

The soft volcanic rock that the Phrygians and others carved into homes, tombs, temples, and fortresses, was also malleable to wind erosion, resulting in winding stone structures, including the cone-shaped fairy chimneys.

The Phrygian Kingdom has left behind a rich mythology, including Midas.

They believed their mother goddess, Kybele, who symbolized fertility and abundance for many other communities in Anatolia as well, made her home inside the rocks, building many sacred stone monuments throughout their land.

Lion symbols guard the exterior of these burial chambers, representations of Kybele.

“What makes the valley special is its status as a center of worship for the Phrygians as the region is home to highly significant monuments, dating back to the Phrygian period, such as the Aslankaya, Maltas, Yilantas, and Aslantas temples,” according to Kabakulak.

One of these temples to Kybele, Aslankaya, overlooks Lake Emre, which visitors to the Phrygian Valley can enjoy in a hot air balloon tour far above the surface or a scenic boat ride under the flocks of migratory birds.

Heart of Phrygia: Ancient Ayazini

Ayazini village, seen as the heart of Phrygia and a religious centerpiece during the Roman and Byzantine periods, has a rich history spanning thousands of years.

Previously known as Ayazini Metropolis, this village has been continuously inhabited at least since the era of the Phrygians, its oldest known inhabitants, and has served as a pivotal settlement for the empires of the Eastern Romans, the Seljuks, and Ottomans.

In Ayazini, homes perched atop rocky slopes have gradually melded with ancient tombs, bringing the ancient and modern together in a unique setting where remnants of diverse cultures coexist.

Upon examining the earliest traces, it has been established that Ayazin was settled as early as 6,000 years ago, being under Phrygian control in 750-696 B.C., while traces of numerous other civilizations are also present.

The rock structures in the area mainly consist of areas for living and daily use, such as for storage and stables, but also include castles, sacred sites, cisterns, and thoroughfares.

Cultural traces from different periods of the ancient era can be simultaneously observed throughout the Ayazini Necropolis.

“The cemetery area contains burial structures from various historical periods. Even today, when people living in the region pass away, they continue to be buried there,” Kabakulak noted.

Visitors can view tombstones from the Ottoman period side-by-side with churches in the necropolis, Kabakulak said: “This cemetery illustrates that this city has been a cradle of tolerance and a home to many civilizations.”

The region is believed to have been a major center under Byzantine rule, with a total of 25 churches and chapels of varying sizes scattered throughout the village.

The most significant structure in the region is the centuries-old Church of the Virgin Mary, carved out of the rock.

“Ayazini village emerges as distinctly exceptional with its collection of notable artifacts from the Phrygians, including rock churches, diverse styles of burial chambers, as well as significant chapels like the Church of the Young Jesus,” Kabakulak said.

Ayazini also hosts Avdalaz Castle, a multi-story and multi-roomed settlement unit carved into tuff rock.

A large cistern is found at the upper entrance of the rock mass, while burial chambers are located at the lower part. The castle was known to be used for defensive purposes.

ANADOLU, 06.06.2024

AFYONKARAHISAR, Türkiye — Combining the unique charms of Anatolia with its historical, cultural and gastronomic values, Afyonkarahisar has been home to various civilizations for thousands of years.

The city offers a journey through time into mythology, where gastronomic treasures from Anatolia reach the world and history melds with nature and culture.

It features a fairytale-like landscape where underground riches blend with aboveground beauty.

Afyonkarahisar is more than just a city; it is a meeting point of civilizations, preserving the heritage of Anatolian civilizations over millennia.

Situated in the heart of Anatolia, where the first civilizations emerged in prehistoric times, Afyonkarahisar connects the east and west, north and south.

It was home to the Hittites and Phrygians, carried the legacy of the Lydians and Persians, and fell under the rule of Rome and Byzantium.

Afyonkarahisar is the crown jewel of Anatolia with its Phrygian Valley, ancient historical structures, archaeological sites, natural beauty, thermal resources, underground and aboveground riches, religious temples, handicrafts, and globally renowned culinary delights.

Capital of gastronomy, marble, thermal and religious tourism

Afyonkarahisar Governor Kubra Guran Yigitbasi described the city as “the capital of sports, gastronomy, marble and thermal tourism.”

Speaking to reporters who visited the city as part of a city promotion tour, Yigitbasi said: “The city is famous for its rich underground resources, geothermal sources, and hot spring waters.”

Afyonkarahisar, historically celebrated as a healing hub, features mystical landscapes with mineral-rich thermal waters, offering invaluable health benefits.

As a premier destination for thermal and health tourism, it boasts five-star hotels and extensive thermal facilities, drawing visitors from around the globe each year.

Meanwhile, Afyonkarahisar’s culinary heritage, recognized by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for its gastronomy, offers a diverse array of traditional flavors.

The city’s indigenous delicacies and desserts such as Turkish delight, sausage, poppy paste, keshkek and potato village bread, which have registered geographical indications, represent a legendary culinary wealth.

The abundant utilization of locally grown ingredients in regional dishes contributes to a wide range of culinary variations.

After being included in the UNESCO list in 2019, Afyonkarahisar has become globally recognized as “the city of gastronomy,” Yigitbasi said.

Yigitbasi noted that Afyonkarahisar is one of the three cities in Türkiye that holds this title, along with southern Hatay and southeastern Gaziantep provinces.

Located at a critical junction of both highways and railways, the city is also of strategic importance in terms of location, she noted.

Afyonkarahisar is a city that can be easily reached from various points of Türkiye.

Afyonkarahisar, which is connected to major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya by road, opens the doors of a pleasant journey.

The city is also of considerable significance for religious tourism as it is home to the Sultan Divani Mevlevi Lodge, one of the first Mevlevi lodges in Anatolia.

Dating back to the 13th century, Mevlevi Lodge became a very important center in the 16th century during the time of Sultan Divani, who is one of Mevlana’s seventh-generation grandchildren.

The grave of Divani Mehmet Celebi, revered as the second Pir — a spiritual guide or mentor in the Sufi tradition — after Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, is located there, and the site is regarded as the second most important Mevlevi lodge after the Konya Mevlevi Lodge.

City that brings world together with sports, festivals

Afyonkarahisar, one of the significant cities hosting major sports events and festivals, is steadily evolving into a preferred destination thanks to factors like infrastructure development, the quantity and quality of facilities, employment opportunities, security measures, accessibility, local community support and tourism infrastructure.

Underlining the city’s critical importance in sports tourism, the governor said: “The city hosts the World Motocross Championship, which is the most watched event after Formula 1 globally.”

The championship has been held in Afyonkarahisar for six years, said the governor, adding that the city received the “Best Infrastructure” award in 2018 and the “Best Paddock” award in 2019.

Since 2019, the city has hosted national gastronomy festivals, and since 2021, international ones as well, attracting tourists from around the world and Türkiye, Yigitbasi said.

“Last year, we hosted around 300,000 tourists at the festival,” she noted.

The International Gastro Afyon Tourism and Flavor Festival, where chefs from Türkiye and the world, local and foreign press representatives, universities and gastronomy writers come together, hosts fun and delicious events such as educational and artistic activities, interviews, and workshops.

Meanwhile, Afyonkarahisar brings together the world’s most important artists with art lovers every year at the Jazz Festival, one of Türkiye’s longest-running festivals.

Concerts, exhibitions, live broadcasts and interviews are held throughout the festival.

Natural, historical beauty

The city is worth visiting also for its historical and natural beauty, including the Phrygian Valley, known as one of the most significant valleys in the world, and Akdag National Park in Sandikli district.

Akdag National Park is a very special nature park and one of the unique living spaces not only of Afyonkarahisar but also of Anatolia, with its lush green meadows where wild horses run freely, untouched forests, water resources, and rich vegetation.

“The Phrygian Valley, listed on UNESCO’s tentative heritage list, holds special significance and interest both globally and nationally,” Yigitbasi said.

The valley, where the Phrygians carved houses, castles and monuments into the rocks 3,000 years ago, is a unique and breathtaking landscape that showcases endless beauty and pristine nature, making it a must-see destination.

City sets ambitious goal to boost tourist numbers

In 2023, Afyonkarahisar welcomed 721,710 domestic tourists, with a total of 1,527,525 overnight stays.

While 31,582 foreign tourists visited the city, 61,054 foreign tourists stayed overnight in 2023.

In total, there were 753,292 tourist arrivals and 1,588,579 overnight stays last year.

Yigitbasi underlined that most foreign tourists visiting the city come from South Korea, Germany, Romania, France, Ukraine, and Russia.

“With our international festivals, including the World Motocross Championship, gastronomy festivals, as well as classical music and jazz festivals, we host many international guests in our city,” she told Anadolu, adding: “However, considering the city’s potential, the current number is not sufficient.”

The governor said they aim to increase the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the city through various collaborations.

A high-speed train line being constructed between Afyonkarahisar and Ankara is expected to be completed within two years, she said, adding: “With these connections, we expect many more tourists from big cities to visit Afyonkarahisar.”

“We have ongoing cooperation work with Turkish satellite technology firm Turksat, service exporters, and Turkish Airlines to increase the number of foreign tourists,” Yigitbasi said.

“Our consultations and meetings with these stakeholders are ongoing. With their contributions, we plan to open the city to more foreign tourists,” she added.

Recently, the city signed a deal with Turkish Airlines, Yigitbasi noted, adding that with the agreement to be implemented in June, discounts on hotel accommodations will be offered to guests traveling to Afyonkarahisar with Turkish Airlines.

“We had meetings with about 15 travel agencies from China. Our communication with them is ongoing,” she said.

The governor stressed that they prioritize promoting Afyonkarahisar in international fairs, saying previously they participated in ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, and already saw its positive impact.

The show provides a unique opportunity to learn about different countries and regions all over the globe in one place.

“We will strive to participate in more international fairs,” she added.

ANADOLU, 04.06.2024

BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Herzegovina — For nearly 400 years, a 16th-century Ottoman mosque stood in Banja Luka before it was leveled by explosives in the middle of the night on May 7, 1993. For years, its fragments were patiently collected from garbage dumps and the nearby Vrbas River in hopes that one day the mosque would stand again.

On May 7, the renovated Arnaudija Mosque formally reopened, marking the 31st anniversary of the night it and a nearby mosque were bombed in an act of ethnic hatred.

Opening the mosque doors to not only its faithful but individuals of all faiths is its chief imam, Muamer Okanovic.

“For believers and for all citizens, Banja Luka can once again experience one of its significant heritage sites,” Okanovic said, before adding that he hopes the opening will “improve relations among the city’s residents.”

According to the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an estimated $3.3 million was used in the seven-year restoration. Though the mosque looks new, visitors who spend time on its grounds will see portions of the original 16th-century stonework and details.

“These artifacts, these fragments, should be reminders for every visitor, for every person who comes to the mosque, that certain things that happened several decades ago should never happen to anyone again,” Okanovic said.

“The task for us all, is to be builders and never destroyers,” he added.

Though no fighting took place in Banja Luka during the 1992–95 Bosnian War, the city was subjected to a deliberate and systematic ethnic cleansing campaign that forced out its non-Serbian population and obliterated its cultural heritage.

On May 7, 1993, the Ferhat Pasha Mosque (Ferhadija), a cultural heritage site that received UNESCO protection in 1950, was blown up first. Some 15 minutes later, the Arnaudija mosque suffered the same fate.

The large-scale destruction of both mosques required large quantities of explosives and extensive coordination, yet the perpetrators were never found.

By the time the war in Bosnia ended in 1995, almost all of Banja Luka’s Muslims and Croats — about 30 percent of the prewar population — had left the city. Even today, few have returned to the city, which is the political and financial center of Republika Srpska, the Bosnian entity dominated by ethnic Serbs.

Of the 15 mosques destroyed in Banja Luka during the war, the Arnaudija is the last to be rebuilt.

For Okanovic, the mosque’s reconstruction and opening are a new chapter in not only Banja Luka but also Republika Srpska and the rest of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“With strength, a pure mind, and reason, we hope to observe a more beautiful, brighter future for all our generations,” he said.

During the 1992-95 Bosnian War, a total of 614 mosques were destroyed, and another 307 were damaged. Additionally, 353 Catholic churches were destroyed or damaged, and 125 Orthodox churches were also reduced to ruins.

RFERL, May 08, 2024

Afghan women make crochet lace at a workshop run by social enterprise Silaiwali in New Delhi. AN

Di bengkel yang cerah di New Delhi, sekumpulan artis wanita dikelilingi oleh kepingan fabrik berwarna-warni, anak patung jahitan dan aksesori untuk mencari rezeki daripada sisa fesyen yang dikitar semula.

Peta besar Afghanistan di dinding di belakang mereka bertindak sebagai peringatan tentang tanah air yang mereka lari dan tidak tahu bila mereka akan dapat melihat lagi.

Bengkel itu milik Silaiwali, sebuah perusahaan sosial mesra alam yang diasaskan pada 2018 oleh pereka Perancis Iris Strill dan suaminya India Bish Moitra dengan objektif berkembar membantu wanita pelarian Afghanistan kekal bertahan dan mencari cara untuk mengitar semula fabrik sisa dari rumah fesyen, yang biasanya akan berakhir di tapak pelupusan sampah.

Syarikat itu diperakui oleh World Fair Trade Organization dan menjual kraf tangan di kedai di 25 negara dan dalam talian.

Tiga puluh wanita pelarian Afghanistan berpangkalan di bengkel Delhi.

“Kebanyakan wanita Afghanistan ini sudah pun menceburi bidang sulaman, jahitan, dan aktiviti artisan lain dan mempunyai beberapa latihan asas dari rumah mereka, apabila kami bertemu dengan mereka,” kata Moitra kepada Arab News.

“Kemahiran mereka digilap lagi untuk menyediakan produk yang boleh dipasarkan dengan memperhalusi kraf mereka melalui sedikit latihan yang diberikan oleh Iris.”

Terdapat kira-kira 15,000 pelarian Afghanistan di India, kebanyakan mereka tinggal di dalam dan sekitar ibu kota.

Tetapi memandangkan India bukan penandatangan konvensyen pelarian PBB, mereka tidak dibenarkan mengambil sebarang pekerjaan tetap.

Wanita Afghanistan yang bekerja untuk Silaiwali memperoleh antara $250 dan $350 sebulan — jumlah yang membantu mereka dan keluarga dalam perbelanjaan harian mereka.

Apabila syarikat itu bermula, ia menggaji kira-kira 130 wanita Afghanistan.
Kebanyakan mereka telah berpindah ke Kanada bersama keluarga mereka, dan kini tinggal 30 orang, juga berharap untuk berhijrah.

Mozghan Gawhary, 26, tinggal di Delhi bersama kakaknya sejak 2018. Mereka sedang menunggu ibu bapa mereka menyertai mereka. Mereka ingin berhijrah bersama ke Kanada, yang telah menerima pelarian Afghanistan berikutan pengambilalihan Afghanistan oleh Taliban pada 2021.

Gawhary ialah graduan sains komputer dari Universiti Kabul, tetapi dia tidak dapat mencari pekerjaan yang sesuai yang berkaitan dengan pendidikannya. Menjahit anak patung, mainan haiwan dan hiasan Krismas, memberikannya sedikit rasa stabil.

“Walaupun berpendidikan dan pemegang ijazah, kami tidak dapat pekerjaan tetap di India kerana kami tidak mempunyai kad pengenalan India. Kami hanya mendapat visa tinggal kami dilanjutkan setiap tahun,” katanya kepada Arab News.

“Sepupu kami, (ibu bapa) dan datuk nenek berada di Afghanistan, dan kami bercakap dengan mereka melalui telefon, kerana mereka tidak boleh melawat kami, dan kami tidak boleh kembali ke sana.”

Bagi Nahid yang menetap di India sejak 2012 dan membesarkan tiga anaknya seorang diri, bekerja di Silaiwali adalah satu cara untuk menampung kehidupan.

“Perbelanjaan terlalu banyak tetapi kami uruskan,” katanya, sambil menyediakan pemadat kapas untuk mainan.

Kisah rakan sekerjanya serupa.

Shekiba Ahmed, 45, mengembara ke India bersama suami dan lima anaknya pada 2013. Suaminya tidak bekerja, dan dia dan anak sulungnya merupakan pencari nafkah keluarga.

Dia membuat kira-kira 40 anak patung sebulan dan 15 mainan haiwan untuk dikikis dan walaupun hidup sukar, dia tahu bahawa sekurang-kurangnya anak perempuannya boleh mendapat pendidikan di India. Kembali ke tanah air, Taliban melarang gadis dari sekolah.

“Anak perempuan saya boleh dididik di sini, yang tidak mungkin berlaku di Afghanistan,” katanya.

“Saya dan anak-anak saya berasa selamat di sini.”

ARAB NEWS

Keffiyeh Palestin, penutup kepala dibuat secara tempatan di sebuah kilang di tengah-tengah bandar Hebron di Tebing Barat yang diduduki.

Petani pernah memakai keffiyeh untuk melindungi mereka daripada panas musim panas dan sejuk musim sejuk, tetapi peranannya dalam konteks Palestin bertukar menjadi tindakan yang berkaitan dengan identiti dan ia dianggap sebagai simbol penentangan terhadap “pendudukan Israel”.

Penyelidik warisan Palestin Hamza Al-Aqrabawi berkata, keffiyeh adalah simbol karya fedayee, dan nama keffiyeh telah dikaitkan dengan perjuangan nasional sejak revolusi 1936 di Palestin, apabila petani revolusioner memakai keffiyeh untuk menyembunyikan ciri mereka. semasa menentang tentera British di Palestin untuk mengelak daripada ditangkap atau dilaporkan.

Kemudian orang-orang di bandar-bandar memakainya, ketika British mula menangkap setiap orang yang memakai keffiyeh di kepalanya, menyangka dia adalah salah seorang revolusioner, oleh itu tugas mereka menjadi sukar dengan menangkap para revolusioner selepas semua pemuda dan tua-tua kampung dan bandar memakainya.

Keffiyeh adalah simbol perjuangan menentang Mandat British, pendatang Yahudi, dan kumpulan mereka, dan keffiyeh terus menjadi simbol revolusi sehingga hari ini, melalui semua peringkat perjuangan nasional Palestin, dengan tercetusnya revolusi Palestin kontemporari pada separuh kedua tahun enam puluhan abad yang lalu, keffiyeh dikaitkan dengan fedayee serta senjatanya.

Ia adalah simbol penentangan jadi “pendudukan Israel” melalui perang gilanya terhadap penduduk Gaza dan melalui perang istilah, untuk mengharamkan keffiyeh dan bendera Palestin dan memadamkan frasa “Palestin bebas daripada semua media yang bermusuhan.”

Tetapi ia adalah isyarat yang indah daripada penunjuk perasaan di jalan-jalan Sepanyol dengan memakai keffiyeh Palestin, seperti Agence France-Presse melaporkan bahawa ribuan orang berdemonstrasi pada 15-10-2023 di ibu kota Sepanyol, Madrid, di bawah slogan “Madrid dengan Palestin.”

Mereka berarak melalui pusat ibu kota, melaungkan slogan-slogan menghormati perjuangan rakyat Palestin dan mengecam pembunuhan beramai-ramai yang dilakukan oleh “pasukan pendudukan Israel”.

SANA

Membesar di kawasan luar bandar di Wilayah Bac Giang, artis Do Xuan Tuyen sangat meminati landskap desa dan pemandangan kampung halamannya.

Kasih sayang sedemikian telah memberi inspirasi kepadanya untuk mencipta lukisan memukau yang membangkitkan perasaan nostalgia dalam kalangan orang Vietnam.

Dalam lukisannya, para petani dengan tenang berbual selepas seharian bekerja keras di padang, manakala kanak-kanak riang bermain di bawah naungan pokok kapok berbunga merah di pintu masuk ke kampung.

Satu siri lukisan menggambarkan ruang yang selesa di dapur desa, di mana anak anjing atau anak kucing sedang tidur nyenyak di tepi dapur yang membakar kayu.

“Seperti kata pepatah Vietnam, ‘quê hương là chùm khế ngọt’ (tanah air adalah sekumpulan buah belimbing yang manis). Tanah air saya telah memupuk cinta saya terhadap seni,” kata Tuyen.

“Melalui lukisan saya, saya ingin menyebarkan rasa cinta kepada tanah air saya, rasa kemasyarakatan, dan ikatan kekeluargaan, terutama apabila nilai emosi ini semakin pudar apabila masyarakat berkembang.”

Selepas menamatkan pengajian dari kolej budaya dan seni perguruan di Hanoi, daripada memilih untuk tinggal di ibu kota seperti kebanyakan orang sezamannya, Tuyen kembali ke kampung halamannya, membuka kedai menjual bingkai dan gambar.

Apabila wabak melanda Bac Giang pada pertengahan 2021, perniagaannya terhenti.

Semasa hari-hari penutupan itu, lelaki berusia 35 tahun itu melukis semula untuk menghabiskan masa.

“Saya sentiasa mempunyai minat yang tinggi untuk fotografi dan telah merakam banyak imej tanah air saya.

“Semasa mengambil gambar itu, saya sudah merancang untuk melukisnya suatu hari nanti,” katanya.

“Berada di rumah kerana pandemik memberikan peluang yang sempurna untuk saya menghidupkan rancangan itu.

“Apabila saya melukis karya seni yang menggambarkan tanah air saya, saya merasakan tarikan yang pelik dan menawan.

“Saya secara beransur-ansur mengurangkan tumpuan saya pada perniagaan dan, sejak awal tahun ini saya telah mendedikasikan sepenuhnya diri saya untuk melukis.”

Lukisan Tuyen mencerminkan imej popular dalam kenangan setiap zaman kanak-kanak Vietnam, terutama bagi mereka yang membesar di kawasan luar bandar di utara. Ia mungkin tambak, layang-layang terbang, dapur kecil dengan jelaga hitam di dinding, atau trellis labu luffa di taman.

“Lukisan saya adalah realistik, jadi saya perlu menggambarkannya dengan cara yang dirasakan asli, seolah-olah penonton pernah menemuinya dalam kehidupan sebenar.

“Namun, saya masih perlu memastikan orang ramai dapat mengenalinya sebagai lukisan dan bukannya gambar yang diambil di suatu tempat, ” katanya.

Salah satu cabaran terbesar Tuyen dalam melukis landskap luar bandar ialah ketersediaan bahan rujukan.

Perkembangan ekonomi secara beransur-ansur mengubah pemandangan asli desa tradisional di kampung halamannya dan kawasan luar bandar yang lain, menjadikannya lebih sukar untuk mencari rujukan sesuai.

“Dalam beberapa lukisan, saya telah menggunakan bahan rujukan daripada lebih 30 sumber berbeza untuk menangkap intipati adegan yang menimbulkan emosi saya,” katanya.

Menurutnya, bagi mencipta lukisan yang penuh jiwa, pelukis mesti mempunyai emosi dan melukis dengan penuh semangat.

“Pengalaman hidup saya telah membantu saya memahami butiran, aktiviti dan pemandangan yang ingin saya gambarkan, yang membawa makna dan semangat kepada karya seni,” katanya.

Satu objek tertentu yang kerap dipaparkan dalam lukisan Tuyen ialah periuk besi tuang. Walau bagaimanapun, tiada satu pun daripadanya kelihatan sama dalam setiap lukisan.

“Periuk besi tuang itu dahulunya digelar sebagai ‘periuk nasi kebangsaan’. Sebelum periuk nasi elektrik tersedia, hampir setiap isi rumah di luar bandar mempunyainya. Keluarga saya juga tidak terkecuali, malah ia adalah pusaka yang digemari oleh datuk saya. kepada ibu saya.

“Atas sebab itu, saya mempunyai hubungan emosi yang istimewa dengannya,” katanya.

Tuyen juga telah memperkenalkan karya seninya kepada banyak komuniti seni dalam talian dan menerima banyak penghargaan. Hampir 40 lukisan dilukisnya dalam dua tahun lalu sejak wabak itu semuanya telah menemui pengumpul.

Nguyen Van Cuong, 29, seorang peminat seni dari wilayah tengah Thua Thien Hue, berkata: “Pada pandangan pertama saya pada lukisan itu, saya ingin kembali ke zaman kanak-kanak saya pada usia lima atau tujuh tahun, dan pada petang musim panas ketika saya tidak akan tidur sebentar dan sebaliknya berkumpul dan bermain dengan kawan-kawan di pintu masuk kampung.”

“Saya masih ingat dengan jelas saat-saat berkumpul di sekeliling api dengan ibu bapa saya apabila musim sejuk tiba, di samping semua objek kesayangan di rumah tradisional kami yang beratap jubin. Saya berterima kasih kepada artis terbabit kerana menggambarkan secara realistik kawasan desa seperti ini.”

VIETNAM NEWS