Culture Café: Afghanistan Brings the Heart of Asia to HSE University
On October 24, the HSE community took a heartfelt journey toward the heart of Central Asia, Afghanistan. The latest session of Culture Café, organized by Support and Career Center for International Students and Alumni and the International Student Network (ISN HSE), opened the doors to a country where vibrant traditions meet the echoes of ancient civilizations. For the first time, Afghan students at HSE presented their homeland’s rich culture, history, and warmth in a night that blended flavors, stories, and heartfelt connections. The event, held at HSE Pokrovka, gathered students from more than ten countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Taiwan, all eager to experience Afghanistan’s deep-rooted heritage. What began as a simple cultural presentation soon turned into a moving exchange of friendship and understanding.
A Night of Hospitality and Heart
Hospitality lies at the center of Afghan identity, and that spirit filled the room from the very beginning. Guests were welcomed with traditional tea and the aroma of freshly prepared Afghan dishes. For the organizers, it was not just an event, it was a heartfelt introduction to their homeland and a message of unity. The menu showcased a symphony of traditional Afghan cuisine: Qabuli Palao, Mash Palao, Mantu, Ashak, Kofta, Do Pyaza, Kichiri, Rosh, and Shorba, each dish prepared with care and meaning. The dessert table was equally enchanting, featuring Halwa, Gosh Feel, Shir Berenj, Ferni, Jelabi, Shirpira, and Maleeda. For many guests, it was their first taste of Afghan food, and their reactions were unanimous: “Delicious, heartwarming, and unforgettable.” Alongside the food, bowls of colorful dry fruits were served a traditional Afghan gesture of hospitality, symbolizing respect and warmth toward guests.
Culture in Motion: From Buzkashi to Persian Poetry
Beyond cuisine, the evening offered glimpses into Afghanistan’s diverse traditions and arts. Visitors explored cultural displays of national symbols, clothing, and handicrafts, learning how Afghanistan’s geography has shaped its cultural mosaic. The presentation short but filled with emotions, took participants from the ancient Silk Road routes to the lively streets of Kabul and the serene valleys of Panjshir. Afghan students shared stories of their heroes and scholars, from Sayed Jamaludin Afghani and Abu Ali Sina Balkhi (Avicenna) to poets like Khoshal Khan Khattak, Ahmad Shah Baba, and Hamza Baba. Their words highlighted a culture that values wisdom, resilience, and creativity. Sports were also part of the story from the adrenaline of Buzkashi, Afghanistan’s national sport, to the community love for cricket and football. Together, these elements portrayed a country where life, despite challenges, beats with joy and strength.
Traditions, Holidays, and Shared Laughter
Afghanistan’s festive calendar came alive through discussions of national holidays like Eid, Nowruz (New Year), and Farmer’s Day all celebrating gratitude, nature, and renewal. Students explained the meaning behind these events, emphasizing how Afghan celebrations bring people together in spirit and song. A highlight of the night was the interactive Q&A session and oral games, including Afghan riddles that sparked laughter and curiosity across the room. The Afghan hosts didn’t shy away from humor either one of them playfully shared a common stereotype about Russia, that “Russians don’t smile much,” leading to a cheerful discussion where Russian students and HSE staff explained the cultural reasons behind this perception. The exchange turned into a shared moment of laughter, bridging differences through dialogue.
The Spirit of the Culture Café
The Culture Café project by ISN HSE is more than just an event series it is a bridge between worlds. It creates a space where students can share their cultures, learn from one another, and build meaningful friendships. Every session transforms HSE into a miniature global village where curiosity replaces stereotypes and learning goes far beyond classrooms. Following the success of previous editions such as Culture Café: China, the Afghan edition brought a new depth of emotion and authenticity. For the Afghan students, it was not merely about showcasing culture it was about representation, dialogue, and gratitude.
“It means a lot to us to share our culture with others,” one organizer said. “We wanted everyone to see Afghanistan beyond the news headlines to feel its warmth, its art, its food, and its people.”
We wanted everyone to see Afghanistan beyond the news headlines to feel its warmth, its art, its food, and its people.
Bringing Afghanistan Closer
For many participants, the event offered a chance to discover Afghanistan as more than a faraway country. Through music, games, traditional crafts, and storytelling, Afghanistan came to life as a land of poets and dreamers, of mountain paths and bustling bazaars, of deep faith and timeless hospitality. Special recognition was given to Abdul Ahad Momand, the first Afghan astronaut who carried a Quran into space a symbol of both national pride and global aspiration. His story, shared during the presentation, captured the spirit of the evening: courage, curiosity, and connection.
A Shared Table, A Shared World
As the night drew to a close, participants gathered around to share traditional dishes and dry fruits once more. Conversations in multiple languages filled the room, weaving together stories of home, identity, and belonging. Many guests lingered long after the official end, unwilling to let go of the warmth that had filled the evening.
The first Afghan Culture Café at HSE proved that cultural understanding begins not with grand gestures, but with simple acts offering food, sharing stories, and smiling together.
A Celebration of Unity
In the end, the Afghan Culture Café was more than a cultural event it was a celebration of shared humanity. Through food, music, and laughter, Afghan students reminded everyone that cultures may differ, but the values of kindness, hospitality, and respect are universal. For a few hours on a Friday evening, HSE truly became the heart of Asia a space where differences faded, friendships blossomed, and Afghanistan’s soul shone brightly through its people.
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