A Thousand Splendid Suns Review Flashcards

This vocabulary set covers cultural terms, historical context, and significant vocabulary used throughout Khaled Hosseini's 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'.

Harami

An illegitimate person or 'bastard'; a term of shame Nana uses to describe Mariam.

Kolba

A small hut or shack made of sun-dried bricks where Mariam and Nana live outside Gul Daman.

Jinn

The spirit or seizure-like fits that Nana suffers from, which cause her to collapse and become rigid.

Dil

The Persian word for heart; Nana claims Jalil lacks the 'dil' to do the honorable thing.

Tahamul

The act of enduring; according to Nana, the only skill a woman needs in life.

Akhund

A religious teacher or Koran tutor; Mullah Faizullah serves as this for Mariam.

Mariam (the flower)

A tuberose flower, which Jalil claims is the inspiration for his daughter's name.

Nikka

The formal Islamic wedding ceremony and signing of the marriage contract.

Ambagh

A rival wife or co-wife; the term Mariam uses to describe Laila after their marriage to Rasheed.

Hamshira

Sister; a common way to address a woman politely in Afghanistan.

Mujahideen

Afghan resistance fighters who waged a holy war against the Soviet occupation.

Laili and Majnoon

Star-crossed lovers from a famous Persian poem, often used similarly to Romeo and Juliet.

Pakol

A traditional soft, round-topped men's hat worn by Afghans, often associated with Ahmad Shah Massoud.

Shaheed

A martyr; a term used for those killed in the path of God or in the war for Afghanistan.

Burqa

An outer garment worn by women in Afghanistan that covers the entire body and face with a mesh screen.

Taliban

An extremist guerrilla force of 'decent Muslim boys' who took over Kabul and enforced strict Shari'a law.

Mahram

A close male relative who must accompany women when they leave their homes under Taliban rule.

Ghazali

A form of amatory poem or ode, originating in Arabic poetry, often recited by Babi and Zaman.

Titanic City

A makeshift market in the dry Kabul riverbed inspired by 'Titanic' fever during the 2000 drought.

Loya Jirga

An Afghan grand council of tribal elders and leaders who meet to settle national issues.