Tag Archives: Afghanistan

The most numerous of the non-Afghans are the Tajiks (strangers), estimated to number 900,000, living mainly in the vicinity of Herat. They belong to the ancient Iranians; the original inhabitants of A., are therefore of Aryan tribe. They call themselves Parsiwan and speak a Persian dialect. They are the most peaceful farmers. Of the Turkic peoples are represented the Hazaras, about half a million in number, who inhabit the center of the country N. of Kandahar, in the so-called Hazaristan. They are the most powerful mountain dwellers, many of whom helped build the Indian Railways, and several enlisted in the Indian Army. The masses, however, are a poor pastoral people, despised by the other tribes, against whom they have always maintained their independence. Also of Turkish origin are the 300,000 Usbeks who live in Afghan Turkestan, mostly in Kataghan and scattered in Badakhshan. They are the Turkish lords of the Tajiks, who are, however, kept in check by Afgh. troops. More important, though fewer in number, are the 50,000 Kizilbashen, (Redheads), the descendants of the soldiers, whom Nadir Shah left behind in 1737; they dwell chiefly in Kabul, but there is no city in A. where they are lacking. Although they are Shia, many hold the office of doctor, scribe to the Emir, and ascend to considerable administrative or commercial positions. — On the borders with British India, the population is mixed with Hindus, of whom 35,000 live in A. Of the many tribes and tribes, which moreover still exist, only the mentioned Kafirs from Kafiristan deserve mention. They are so called because they are the only Gentiles in this Mohammedan neighborhood. They probably number 60,000. With great hesitation they have now adopted Islam, but much of their ancestor-worship and fire service has been preserved. See aceinland for Afghanistan Religion.