A strayed dog in Madan Nakan, the red lights district in Mazar-e-Sharif, the Northern Afghanistan. As prostitution is punishable in Afghanistan, all the encounters are held inside girls‘ or customers‘ vicinities (like the one in the background).
„Salaam aleikum, come over and have sex with me“ – atracting a girl in Afghanistan is rarely sophisticated. Instead it is often confined to making a short telephone call. Regular customers know dozens of hookers and keep their numbers in their worn up notebooks.
Latifa, 17. Formerly a forced wife to a drunkard, junkie and – as she puts it – lazy bastard in one. She now hides herself from her husband who is threatening revenge after she had left him. She says he used to beat her up every so often.
Faranuz and Abdullah met seven years ago and eventually fell in love with each other. The trouble is Faranuz is married to another man. The bigger trouble is the guy is no use and Faranuz is considering a divorce. The biggest problem is that this is Afghanistan not US – and leaving a husband is against the shariah.
A room in Mazar Hotel can serve as a harbour of love for the newcomers. A very unsafe horbour however, for the owner is very likely to report the deed to the police.
Finally, "Loveghanistan" has been published in the newest issue of "Przekrój". Valentine's day story on hookers, hustlers, divorces and forbidden romantic love affairs in the land ruled by sharia.
Those of you speaking Polish, please grab a copy of the magazine and read Rafał's story.
