1.

Turkey- Isagan
CONTENTS:
Map Location

● Turkey is located in southwestern Asia. Turkey is bordered by the Black Sea to the
north, the Mediterranean Sea to the southwest, Bulgaria and Greece to the
northwest, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to
the south.
History of Culture / Cultural heritage
●
Language and Communication Style
● Turkish is spoken by 87% of the population and is written with the Latin alphabet.
English is one of the most common foreign languages spoken in Turkey, followed by
French and German, which are generally understood in resorts and tourist areas.
● Body language and the use of gestures is widespread in Turkey and often conveys
as much, if not more, expression than speech.
National song, animals, plant/flowers
● Song
- The “İstiklâl Marşı” was officially adopted as Turkey’s national anthem on
March 12, 1921. 724 poems were submitted to a competition organized to
find and select the most suitable original composition, and a poem written by
the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy was adopted unanimously by the Turkish Grand
National Assembly.
● Animal
- The national animal of Turkey is the mighty Gray Wolf. The legendary
animals are very well known for their spine-tingling howl. As per a Turkish
legend, it is trusted that the Ancient Turks were bred, and raised by wolves
like their offspring. While the other says that the majestic Gray Wolf helped
the old Turks to conquer everything on their way in the chilling winter where
no beast can assist them better than a wolf.
● Plant/flowers
- Tulip is the National Flower of Turkey. Tulipagesnerianais the scientific
name of Tulip and it is commonly known as Tulipa or garden tulip. Tulip or in
Botany Tulipa, is derived from the Turkish word tulbend or turban, which the
flower resembles, is the national flower of Turkey. In Turkey, Tulips became
an important style of life within the arts and folklore, many embroideries and
textile clothing handmade by women, carpets, tiles, and miniatures had tulip
designs or shapes. Tulip, Turkey national flower symbol, symbolizes different
things depending on color and variations.
Space (distance when people interact)
● When interacting with colleagues and acquaintances, an arm’s length is an
appropriate amount of interpersonal space. However, personal space is closer for
Turks than what would be considered usual for many foreigners; so this can be a little
awkward for some people.
Time
● The Turks are actually quite generous with their time. There is no single definition of
time. Like their communication styles, the definition of time would largely depend on
the context of the situation. If it is a social occasion, you would not be considered
rude if you happen to arrive late. The consequence of this would be that in general,
you should never expect people to get to an event or occasion on time. In business
situations, punctuality is valued.
Touch
● Turks are generally quite open, tactile people. It is common for friends of the same
gender to kiss during greetings, or hug one another. People are generally
accustomed to seeing open affection between couples or children in public (e.g.
hand-holding). However, physical contact between unrelated members of the
opposite gender is less appropriate. Some Turks may be comfortable with it, although
others may avoid it altogether.
Biological variation (body structure, skin color… basta physical features haha)
● Turkish hair is straight or slightly wavy. The hair color is brown or black. (It is also
found in blonde and red hair.) The eyebrow arch is developed. Although the eyes are
relatively small, they are not slanting as in the Mongoloid race, they are more like
almond eyes. The ears are flat, small or medium in size, and flattened. The nose is
straight or eagle nose (not the big beak nose). The skin is wheat-colored. Also,
white skin color is very common. The cheekbones are well developed but not overly
protruding as in the Mongoloid race. The skull structure is brachycephalic. So it is
wide and short. Bones are thick, muscles are developed. The stature is medium or
slightly longer than the medium.
Religion
● Islam is the largest religion in Turkey. More than 99 percent of the population is
Muslim, mostly Sunni. Christianity (Oriental Orthodoxy, Greek Orthodox and
Armenian Apostolic) and Judaism are the other religions in practice, but the
non-Muslim population declined in the early 2000s.
foods
Clothing
● Women’s attire consist of baggy trousers (Turkish salvar), a long skirt, robe or dress,
a shirt, a jacket, a wide belt, or piece of cloth worn as a belt, a scarf or other
headdress, socks and shoes. As well as in other regions of Turkey, in Eastern
Anatolia women wear many layers of clothes.
● Men in Turkey also wear Turkish salvar and may add a traditional loose coat, called a
jubba over the salvar.
lifestyle/health care beliefs
Medical practices / health care practices
folk practices
diseases distinct/ prominent in the culture
cultural heritage that is worth preserving,
2. Syria- Landar
CONTENTS:
Map Location

●
● The country of Syria, otherwise known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is located
between a handful of countries being directly adjacent to Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and
Lebanon with its capital of Damascus being closer to Lebanon and Israel. Syria is
considered a middle eastern/western asian country in the Eastern Mediterranean and
Levant with a rough population size of 17.5 million as of 2020.
History of Culture / Cultural heritage
● Syria is more of a traditional society with a long cultural history. An emphasis is
placed on family, religion, education and self-discipline and respect. The Syrian's taste
for the traditional arts is expressed in dances such as the al-Samah, the Dabkeh in all
their variations and the sword dance. Marriage ceremonies are occasions for the lively
demonstration of folk customs.
● The scribes of the city of Ugarit (modern Ras Shamra) created a cuneiform alphabet in
the 14th century BC. The alphabet was written in the familiar order we use today like the
English language, however with different characters.
● Syrians is known for its contributions to Arabic literature, poetry, and music, with its
capital of Damascus being one of the Arab world's centres for cultural and artistic
innovation, especially in the field of classical Arab music.
Language and Communication Style
● Arabic is the official language of The Syrian Arab Republic. Modern Standard Arabic is
taught in schools and used in printed materials like books, newspapers and official
documents, yet it is not spoken between people. Syrians use several spoken Arabic
dialects in their everyday lives.
● People of Syria typically communicate verbally but they also generally communicate in an
indirect fashion. One's express point is generally reached in a long, roundabout way. This
has the purpose of avoiding embarrassment or offence and respecting the other person
in the conversation.
● Syrians commonly joke and banter during conversation. Men often try to one-up each
other with witty insults. The humour is likely to be different to what a Westerner is familiar
with, however somewhat easy to engage with.
● Syrians may be quite animated when they communicate. They typically gesture largely
with their hands and head to emphasise their words. The theatrics of their mannerisms
sometimes distract from the conversation, often causing it to digress. To a non-Syrian this
body language can make a casual conversation seem quite intense.
National song, animals, plant/flowers
● "Ḥumāt ad-Diyār" is the national anthem of the Syrian Arab Republic, with lyrics written
by Khalil Mardam Bey and the music by Mohammed Flayfel, who also composed the
 national anthem of the Iraq as well as many other Arab folk songs."Ḥumāt ad-Diyār
means “Guardians of the Homeland.”

● The national animal of Syria is the Syrian Brown Bear. The Syrian brown bear (Ursus
arctos syriacus or Ursus arctos arctos)is a relatively small subspecies of brown bear
native to the Middle East and the Caucasus mountain range.

● Although the government of Syria hasn't named any flower as the country's national
flower, the public considers jasmine, a lovely flower widely cultivated, as the national
flower of the country. Damascus is also named the "City of Jasmine." There are
approximately 200 species of jasmine.
Space (distance when people interact)
● People often sit and stand closer to each other than the Western norm.Some Syrians
may stand at proximities that are slightly uncomfortable for you. In this case, keep in
mind that they may not have been made aware of the Australian standard of personal
space, and probably do not realise the awkwardness it can create.
Time
● Syrians make an effort to arrive on time. However, Syrians have a looser sense of
punctuality and may be late themselves.
Touch
● Syrians are generally very comfortable touching people of the same gender. People
often hug and kiss one another, lean on each other and walk holding hands or with
linked arms. This display of affection between friends of the same gender or family
members is more common in public than that between a husband and wife. However,
affectionate conduct between a man and a woman is likely to draw the quick
assumption that they are in a romantic relationship.
Biological variation (body structure, skin color)
● Syrians were historically racialized as “Arab” though they include many ethnic groups
such as Arabs, Kurds, Druze and Assyrians.
 ● Their skin colour is typically brown to dark brown as they hail from the middle east.Their
hair is also typically black. The Syrian people do not have specific physical
characteristics that differentiate them from many of the other different middle eastern
ethnic groups.
● Syrian women typically have the inverted-triangle body shape while the men usually
range between ectomorph and endomorph.

Religion
● Though the majority of Syrians identify with some form of Sunni Islam, the country is
home to a vast diversity of religious and ethnic groups, including Kurds, Armenians,
Turkmen, Alawis, Twelver Shi'a Muslims, various Christian denominations including
Greek Orthodox Christians and Druze, Yezidis, Baha'is, and Jews.
● Islam, specifically Sunni Islam is the predominant religion in Syria.
Foods
● Sharing meals with family and friends is an important social activity for Syrians. This
includes inviting others to share a meal. The Syrian cuisine is very like that of its
Middle Eastern neighbours (e.g. Lebanese cuisine), with a wide variety of grains,
meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables eaten. Syrians are also used to purchasing
and eating seasonally. They enjoy cooking fresh food rather than packaged or
commercially pre-prepared goods. Vegetables and fruit are often purchased in large
quantities from markets. Freezing vegetables may be viewed with suspicion due to
perceived loss of nutrients.
● Syrian food mostly consists of Southern Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern
dishes. Some Syrian dishes also evolved from Turkish and French cooking. Dishes like
shish kebab, stuffed zucchini, yabra' (stuffed grape leaves), shawarma, and falafel are
popular in Syria as the food there is diverse in taste and type.
Clothing
● Traditional Syrian male attire is the long gown called a “kaftan.” Women wear long robes
that cover everything except hands and feet. Men and women wear head wraps. The
educated upper classes, particularly the young, prefer modern Western attire—bright
colours, jewellery, makeup, and high heels for women, and dressy slacks and shirts for
men. Jeans and T-shirts are rare, as are shorts and miniskirts and bare shoulders or
upper arms for women. Each tribe and village has distinctive patterns, designs, and
colours of clothing.
Lifestyle/health care beliefs
●
Medical practices / health care practices
folk practices
diseases distinct/ prominent in the culture
cultural heritage that is worth preserving

3. Pakistan- Labordo
CONTENTS:
Map Location
● Pakistan is located in Southern Asia, along the Arabian Sea. It borders the Middle
Eastern countries of Iran to the west and Afghanistan to the northwest. Additionally,
 it's next to India to the east and China to the northeast, which are both a part of Asia.
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country.

History of Culture / Cultural heritage

● Pakistan's cultural heritage includes archaeological sites, stupas, forts, shrines,
tombs, buildings, residences, monuments, and places of worship. Until the passing of
the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, some sites were under
the federal government while others were in the provincial domain.
● Pakistan has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their country, all of which are
cultural locations, as follows: Ancient Monuments at Makli, Thatta , 1981.
Archaeological Ruins of Mohenjo Daro, 1980. Fort & Shalamar Gardens in Lahore,
1981.
● Pakistani Culture is very unique in terms of its social values revolving around the
religion of Islam. The region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural
complex of South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia with an integration of elements
from various invading cultures from the earliest of times.
Language and Communication Style
● Urdu is the national language and the lingua franca of Pakistan, and while sharing
official status with English, it is the preferred and dominant language used for
inter-communication between different ethnic groups.
● The Pakistani communication style is generally indirect as they often seek to avoid
confrontation or offense. Conversations are usually long and drawn out; people tend
to speak in a roundabout way that reaches their point more delicately.

National song, animals, plant/flowers

● Song - The "Qaumī Tarānāh" (National Anthem), also known as "Pāk Sarzamīn" ("Thy
Sacred Land"), is the national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and formerly
the Dominion of Pakistan. It was written by Hafeez Jalandhari in 1952 and the music was
produced by Ahmad G. Chagla in 1949, preceding the lyrics. It is in the Persian
Language. It was officially adopted as Pakistan's national anthem in August 1954 and
was recorded in the same year by eleven major singers of Pakistan including Ahmad
Rushdi, Kaukab Jahan, Rasheeda Begum, Najam Ara, Naseema Shaheen, Zawar
Hussain, Akhtar Abbas, Ghulam Dastagir, Anwar Zaheer, and Akhtar Wasi Ali.
● Animal - The Markhor (Capra Falconeri) is the largest of the goat family and is
commonly found in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The name Markhor translates to
“snake eater” in Persian, for the Markhor holds great skill at killing snakes in the wild
to protect its harem.
 ● Plant/Flowers - The national flower of Pakistan is the white Jasmine, also known as
the Jasminum (scientific term). The alluring beauty and wonderful fragrance that it
comes with, the Jasmine is found in abundant quantities in Pakistan.

Space (distance when people interact)

● Pakistanis are generally not concerned with personal space and will stand closer to
their subjects than in Western culture. However, more distance is kept between those
of opposite genders.
Time
● Generally, Pakistanis are not very punctual and are commonly tardy. However, there
are exceptions to this. For example, military families tend to be very punctual.
Touch
● In Pakistan Handshakes are appropriate amongst men; hugs are used for greeting
amongst women. Pakistanis do not normally maintain as much personal space as
Western cultures, hence Westerners may feel as though their personal space is
being invaded; do not step away.
Biological variation (body structure, skin color… basta physical features haha)
● With various shades of brown skin, straight black hair and for the most part brown
eyes, the Pakistani people do not have specific physical characteristics that
differentiate them from many of the other different ethnic groups. And the majority
have brown eyes, but some have blue.
Religion
● The official religion of Pakistan is Islam, as enshrined by Article 2 of the Constitution,
and is practised by approximately 96.47% of the country's population. The remaining
less than 4% practice Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadiyya, Sikhism and other religions.
A few aspects of Secularism have also been adopted by the Pakistani constitution
 from the British colonial concept. However, religious minorities in Pakistan often face
significant discrimination, subject to issues such as violence and the blasphemy laws.

Foods
● There are various types of dishes that are quite famous in India. Some of them are –
Biryani, Beef Kebab, Chicken Tikka, Samosas, Nihari, Haleem, Lassi. The food of
different cities of Pakistan reflect their unique cultural setup.

Clothing
● The shalwar kameez,Achkan/Sherwani, Kurta, , Shalwar Kameez or Kurta Pajama. is
national dress of Pakistan and is worn by men and women in all Five provinces
Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa And Gilgit-Baltistan in the country
and in Azad Kashmir.

Shalwar kameez —------------------->

lifestyle/health care beliefs

● In Pakistan, family is the core of social life, with family honor serving as the key to
many ethnic groups. Parents, their sons, and the sons' families will often live together
in the same household. In more traditional families, men serve as head of their
homes.
Medical practices / health care practices
● Traditional medicinal practices in Pakistan have a long history and are largely based
on the Unani Tibb, the Greco-Arab system of medicine. The Unani system relies on
the concept of humor and aims for nature and mankind to coexist in a balanced
manner. Unani Tibb traces its origins back to Hellenistic Greece. It was later adopted
by the Arabs, and was extended to both Europe and Asia. Chinese and Indian
medicine enriched it further. It proliferated in India under the Muslim rulers around
1350 AD. Unani is still significant in Pakistan especially among tribal peoples where it
is considered as first line treatment
Folk practices
● Relationships are important to Pakistanis; they will prefer to work with people they
know and trust.
● It is best to ask a Pakistani how they wish to be addressed; first names are generally
reserved for use amongst family and close friends.
●
diseases distinct/ prominent in the culture
●
cultural heritage that is worth preserving
●

4. India- Galarpe
CONTENTS:
Map Location
● India is situated in South Asia and is bordered by Afghanistan and Pakistan to the
north-west; China, Bhutan and Nepal to the north; Myanmar to the east; and
Bangladesh to the east of West Bengal. Sri Lanka is separated from India by a
narrow channel of sea, formed by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.

History of Culture / Cultural heritage

● Indian culture, often labeled as an amalgamation of several various cultures, spans
across the Indian subcontinent and has been influenced and shaped by a history that
is several thousand years old. Throughout the history of India, Indian culture has
been heavily influenced by Dharmic religions.
 ● The plurality and multiplicity of the Indian Culture is evident to the whole World as
India has one of the world's largest collections of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk
traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, languages, dialects, paintings and
writings that are known, as the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage'

Language and Communication Style

● Hindi is the official language of India, with English being the second official language.
● The communication style of Indians tends to be polite and indirect . They may try to
speak appeasingly to those they are not close to in order to avoid conflict or
confrontation. Negative feedback is provided in a subtle, diplomatic way. "Yes" can
have different meanings. An Indian may say 'yes' to indicate that they are listening to
the speaker, whilst indicating disagreement or refusal through their body language.

National song, animals, plant/flowers

● SONG- The national song of India is Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by
Bankimchandra Chatterji, it was a source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for
freedom.
● ANIMAL- The national animal of India is the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger. Its
scientific name is Panthera tigris tigris. The Royal Bengal tiger is the symbol of
strength, agility, and grace. The Royal Bengal Tiger is majestic, regal and lethal at
the same time which makes it one of the most distinguished carnivores among the
Indian fauna. It is known for its mystic and charming features that set it apart from the
rest of the wild animals found anywhere in India.

● Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn) is the National Flower of India. It is a sacred flower
and occupies a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India and has been an
auspicious symbol of Indian culture since time immemorial.

Space (distance when people interact)

● Indians generally respect each other's personal space and an arm's length of
distance is common during interactions. This is usually a similar proximity to what
 Westerners are familiar with. They may stand further away from those who are of the
opposite gender.

Time
● Indians typically have a relaxed approach towards timekeeping and punctuality. It is
common for people to arrive at events 30 minutes to an hour after the designated
time. However, Indians will usually observe punctuality in a formal context such as
important business meetings, appointments or when visiting a doctor.
Touch
● In an Indian tradition touching the feet is a very common gesture that they used to
give to the elders. It is a sign of respect and has been adopted since Vedic period
and also known as Charan Sparsh.
● Indians prefer not to touch people when it can be avoided, but they may touch
someone's arm or hand when speaking so long as they are the same gender. Body
contact between the genders is kept minimal throughout most of India. For example,
hugging, kissing and holding hands are not customary.

Biological Variation (body structure, skin color… basta physical features haha)
● The “Apple Shape” or the “Inverted Triangle” body type is the most common figure
amongst Indian women.
● With various shades of brown skin, straight black hair and for the most part brown
eyes, the Indian people do not have specific physical characteristics that differentiate
them from many of the other different ethnic groups.

Religion
● India is one of the most religiously and ethnically diverse nations in the world, with
some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. Religion plays a central and
definitive role in the life of many of its people. Although India is a secular
Hindu-majority country, it has a large Muslim population.
● Hinduism is the largest religion in India. According to the 2011 Census of India, 966.3
Million people identify as Hindu, representing 79.8% of the country's population. India
contains 94% of the global Hindu population.

Ethnicity (foods, dress, lifestyle/health care beliefs, medical and folk practices, and
diseases in common group)
● FOOD- There are various types of dishes that are quite famous in India. Some of
them are – biryani, butter chicken, samosas, dal makhani, tandoori chicken, chaat,
and more. The food of different cities of India reflect their unique cultural setup.

Biryani Butter Chicken Samosas

 Dal Makhani Tandoori Chicken Chaat

● CLOTHES-Indian ethnic wear is the traditional Indian ensembles worn by the people
in India. Saris, kurtas, shararas, salwar kameez sets, lehenga sets, palazzos,
Anarkali kurtas etc, are all considered ethnic wear. (pics to be followed haha)
● LIFESTYLE- Hinduism encourages family members to take a role in the care of
family members. Hinduism especially emphasized respect for all older people, with
children having a special responsibility towards their parents. It is considered a family
obligation to care for the elderly and the sick. Hindus believe that all illnesses,
whether physical or mental, have a biological, psychological and spiritual element.
Treatments which do not address all three causes may not be considered effective by
a Hindu patient. Many Hindus attach a stigma to mental illness and cognitive
dysfunction.
● MEDICAL PRAC/ / health care practices- India has the unique distinction of having
six recognized systems of medicine in this category. They are-Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani and Yoga, Naturopathy and Homeopathy. But the most common medical
practice that they are performing is Ayurveda…
○ Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a
special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. The
concepts of universal interconnectedness, the body's constitution, and life
forces are the primary basis of ayurvedic medicine
● FOLK PRAC- India
diseases in common group
cultural heritage that is worth preserving

5. Sri Lanka- Janagap

CONTENTS:
Map Location -
● Sri Lanka, is an island country located in South-Central Asia. Sri Lanka
shares a maritime border with India and the Maldives. It lies in the Indian
Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, and southeast of the Arabian Sea;
and separated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait.
History of Culture / Cultural heritage -
● The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many factors but has
managed to retain much of its ancient aspects. Mostly it has been influenced
by its long history and its Buddhist heritage. The country has a rich artistic
tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, and visual arts. Sri
Lankan lifestyle is reflected in the cuisine, festivals, and sports. South Indian
influences are visible in many aspects. There are some influences from
colonization by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. Sri Lankan culture
is best known abroad for its cricket, food, holistic medicine, religious icons like
the Buddhist flag, and cultural exports such as tea, cinnamon and gems. Sri
Lankan culture is diverse, as it varies from region to region.

Language and Communication Style-

● Sinhala (also called Sinhalese or Singhalese) is the mother tongue of the
Sinhalese ethnic group which is the largest in Sri Lanka. It belongs to the
Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. Most Sri Lankans can
speak English, though of course, their brand of English may sound a bit
strange at first. Some struggle with English and that is sometimes due to a
lack of confidence.
National song, animals, plant/flowers-
● "Sri Lanka Matha" is the national anthem of Sri Lanka. The beautiful Nil Manel
or blue water lily, was declared as the national flower of Sri Lanka in 1986.
The Elephant is the national animal of Sri Lanka.

Space (distance when people interact)

● Sri Lankans respect each other’s personal space. The general distance
people keep from one another is roughly an arm’s length.

Time
 ● Sri Lankans are always late. “Sri Lankan time” is a shorthand for ambling in
hours late.
Touch
● Women are forbidden to touch or be seated beside a Buddhist monk. If they
are required to pass an object to a monk, it is best to pass it through another
male or to hold the object with a tissue. This is generally because male monks
are not to touch women of any age in order to avoid developing a craving or
attachment to women.
● The top of the head is considered to be the most important part of the human
body. To touch someone on the top of their head, especially a baby or child, is
rude and insensitive.

Biological variation (body structure, skin color… basta physical features haha)
● Most Sri Lankans are dark skinned. They have glowing skin that varies from
dark brown to light. Sri Lankan women are very curvy and slender. Their
arms, neck, wrists and legs are considerably more slender than those in India.
They have deep set eurasian eyes, full lips, colgate smile, symmetric face and
often a defined chin. Their hair is often wavy or curly.
Religion
● Buddhism is the major religion followed in Sri Lanka, with 70.2% of the
population identifying as Buddhist. Of the remaining Sri Lankan population,
12.6% identify as Hindu, 9.7% identify as Muslim and 6.1% identify as
Christian.
Foods
● Foods - The cuisine of Sri Lanka draws influence from that of India, especially
from Kerala, as well as colonists and foreign traders. A very popular alcoholic
drink is toddy or arrack, both made from palm tree sap. Rice and curry refers
to a range of Sri Lankan dishes. Sri Lankans also eat hoppers (Aappa,
Aappam), which can be found anywhere in Sri Lanka. A typical Sri Lankan
meal consists of a “main curry”. Another well-known rice dish is kiribath,
meaning milk rice. Sri Lankans eat “mallung”, chopped leaves mixed with
grated coconut and red onions.

Toddy or Arrack Aappa or aappam Curd and treacle

Chicken Curry Kiribath Mallung

Clothing
● There is no official national costume in Sri Lanka. But the most popular items
are sari for women and sarong for men. The traditions in men's clothing are
simpler and clearer – men of any age wear sarongs or trousers. It is a little bit
more complicated with women.

Sari or saree Sarong

lifestyle
● The country has a rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including
music, dance, and visual arts. Sri Lankan lifestyle is reflected in the cuisine,
festivals, and sports. South Indian influences are visible in many aspects.
Medical practices / health care practices
● Four systems of traditional medicine have been adopted in Sri Lanka:
Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Deshiya Chikitsa. The Ayurveda and Deshiya
Chikitsa systems use mainly plant and herbal preparations for the treatment of
diseases, the former uses about 2000 species, the latter about 500.
● Siddha medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine practiced
in southern part of India mostly in Tamil nadu and Kerala. Siddha means
“perfection”. It has holistic approach and covers physical, psychological, social
and spiritual well being of an individual.
● The Unani System of Medicine offers treatment of diseases related to all the
systems and organs of the human body. Unani uses eight diagnosis methods
 for effective results which include pulse, stool, urine, tongue, speech, vision,
touch and appearance.

folk practices
● Local Sri Lankan beliefs, knowledge, and practices were used in protecting
mental health through rituals and performances, such as pirith, meditation,
bodhi pooja, wows, yoga, astrology, palmistry, healing through spirits,
exorcism, tovil, charms and amulets, adi veil and hetme ritual.
● Divinities or supernatural beliefs related to some specific characteristics, such
as natural phenomenon and metaphysical existences are considered the
higher levels of the folk religious beliefs. Devils, ghosts, dead souls also are
mixed with the folk rituals and beliefs. Those spiritual and metaphysical
existences joined with the folk religious practices and the beliefs are a part of
the lives of the people.
● According to folk religious beliefs in Sri Lanka Deity Kataragma, he has a lot
of divine powers than the Indian divine characteristic of his, and here he can
preserve and make the wishes and basic folk religious requirements of people
who follow him successful.

diseases distinct/ prominent in the culture

● Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that is endemic to Sri Lanka.
● Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) are leading causes of childhood
mortality and morbidity in Sri Lanka; they are responsible for 9 percent of
deaths of children under age 5. Poor access to health care, food shortages,
lack of safe water and poor sanitation elevate the risk and disease burden.
● Typhoid is a bacterial infection that has a high mortality rate when a person
does not receive treatment. Between 2005 and 2015, Sri Lank had 12,823
confirmed cases of typhoid fever.
cultural heritage that is worth preserving,
●
health care practices

● The country has made significant gains in essential health indicators,

witnessed a steady increase in life expectancy among its people, and
eliminated malaria, filariasis, polio and neonatal tetanus. Sri Lanka has a
universal health care system that extends free healthcare to all citizens,
which has been a national priority. OPD facilities are readily available in public
(general) hospitals situated in major towns and cities, with laboratory and
radiology facilities common in most.

6. Nepal - Galera
CONTENTS:
Map Location: Nepal, country of Asia, lying along the southern slopes of the
Himalayan mountain ranges. It is a landlocked country located between India to the
east, south, and west and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north. The
capital is Kathmandu.

History of Culture / Cultural heritage: Nepalese celebrate many Hindu and

Buddhist philosophical ethos and traditions. These traditions and ethos include
Kashmir Shaivism, Tibetan Buddhism, and tantric traditions, among others. However,
Tantric traditions, including the practice of animal sacrifices, are not very functional in
Nepal.
Kashmir Shaivism is a teaching, and these teachings are derived from the
ninety-two tantras. These teachings are told by Lord Shiva himself to Goddess
Parvati. The ninety-two tantras are also known as Agamas.
Buddhism is the second-largest religion in Nepal.
Tantric techniques include breathing, yoga, and meditation that can then increase
sexual energy.
Nepal has a total of 4 World Heritage Sites; the Kathmandu valley and Lumbini as
Cultural World Heritage Sites and the Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Park as
Natural World Heritage Sites.

Language and Communication Style: The Nepali communication style is generally

indirect to avoid confrontation or offense. Nepali is an Indo-Aryan language,
written with the Devanagari script. There are over 17 million Nepali speakers in
the world, in countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Brunei and India.

National song, animals, plant/flowers: Sayaun Thunga Phulka was officially

declared as Nepal's national anthem by the House of Representatives. Cow
(Achham cattle), which is sacred to Hindus, has been declared the national animal
of Nepal. Rhododendron arboreum is called Lali gurans in Nepali, and is Nepal's
much-loved national flower.
Space (distance when people interact): People tend to keep slightly less personal
space between each other in Nepal than is common in Australia. However, the
distance widens when interacting with a person of the opposite gender.
Time: By “Nepali time”, denoted late, people are far less punctual than what is the
norm in Western culture.
Touch: Nepali society is quite conservative and modest in regards to contact
between the genders. Public displays of affection (such as hand holding) are not
common, even among married couples. One should generally avoid touching people
of the opposite gender. Physical affection is generally permissible between people of
the same gender. Nepali men commonly hold hands and embrace each other in
public. It is also common for them to share beds. Women may walk with their arms
around each other. All same-sex expressions of affection are perceived as gestures
of friendship as opposed to homosexuality
Biological variation (body structure, skin color… basta physical features
haha): The Indian and Nepalese have similar anthropometric characteristics with
regard to facial height. However, arch length and palatal rugae characteristics vary
between the two races.
Religion: The main religions followed in Nepal are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam,
Kirat, and Christianity.
Foods: Its predominantly mountainous terrain means Nepali cuisine differs from its
neighbors' through dishes such as yak curry and buffalo steak. Dal Bhat is often
considered the national dish of Nepal. Almost identical both in name and preparation
to Dal Bhat in India, the dish is curried lentil soup (Dal) and rice (Bhat).

Yak Curry Gundruk Chai (milky tea)

Clothing: On a daily basis most Nepali men wear jeans or cotton pants and shirts.
Women dress in Sari's or Kurta's. Young Nepali girls often wear a combination of a
Kurta and jeans or leggings.
lifestyle/health care beliefs : Family is very important in Nepalese life and is
traditionally close-knit and loyal. Women are generally subservient to the men and
although highly honored as mothers, they have less access to education and political
prowess.
Medical practices/ health care practices: Traditional healing practices in rural
Nepal have emerged together with its culture and tradition. In the rural areas
traditional culture is still predominant and western allopathic medicine has yet to
reach those areas. People of rural societies are reluctant to accept changes in their
cultural practices. There are also a lot of factors that make people choose traditional
healers in lieu of modern hospital/heath post services. However, modern health
services are slowly replacing traditional healing practices in rural parts of Nepal.
folk practices: The concept of witch or ‘Bokshi’ developed simultaneously with this
notion. A witch is supposed to keep ghosts with her and orders it to enter a person’s
body, at first, causing minor illness, progressing towards severe condition and finally
death. To get rid of it, faith healers were introduced. They were called ‘Dhami or
Jhankri. They were believed to act as mediators between the spiritual world and the
material world and suck the offending spirit from the sick person’s body.
diseases distinct/ prominent in the culture: According to the Global Burden of
Disease Study 2017, the eight leading causes of morbidity (illness) and mortality
(death) in Nepal are: Neonatal disorders (9.97%), Ischaemic Heart Disease (7.55%),
COPD (5.35%), Lower respiratory infection (5.15%), Diarrhoeal disease (3.42%),
Road injury (3.56%), Stroke (3.49%), Diabetes (2.35%)
cultural heritage that is worth preserving,