as experiences of non-european groups that came to australia - Afghans

Question 1

Why did the Afghans come to Australia?

Answer 1

They came to Australia for a better opportunity for a better life. The first few Afghans that came to Australia during the 1860s were cameleers. They came to the goldfields.

Question 2

Describe the typical living and working conditions of the Afghans in Australia:

Answer 2

• 18 Afghans from the Middle East and South Asia came to Australia in 1838, along with camels, to work in the desert regions of central Australia
• The Afghani worked in the deserts of central Australia with their camels to transport heavy loads for long distances across Australia
• This was significant as there were no road networks or train lines in this part of Australia
• The industry grew and numbers of Afghani and camels in Australia grew

Question 3

Contribution to the Colonies/Australia

Answer 3

• Played a significant role in the development of Australia’s communication networks as they were involved in building the Overland Telegraph line from Adelaide to Darwin in 1872
• Most of the Afghani migrants were Muslims and they established some of the first mosques in Australia, which were simple structures built from mud brick or corrugated iron
• First mosque built in Marree in 1861
• Paved the way for multiculturalism in Australia in the late 1800s

Question 4

2 pieces of info gained:

Answer 4

• Camel looked like it was yelling in pain as it was being strapped with ropes, like it was being forced
• There was bascically nothing to keep them alive happily as it is just desert. They had a small shelter they built, which was located to the left.