The Qizilbash population of
Afghanistan
A
Mughal Persian tribe settled in different parts of Afghanistan, and especially
in Kabul and its neighbourhood.
When
Nadir Shah marched for India in 1738, he left at Kabul a “chandawal,” or rear
guard, of this tribe, whose name is derived from the red caps they once wore,
i.e., kizil bash. After the death of Nadir Shah they remained at Kabul as a
military colony, and their descendants still occupy a distinct quarter of the
city, which is called Chandawal. They hold their ground in Afghanistan as a
distinct Persian community of the Shia persuasion against the native Sunni
population. They constitute an important element in the general population of
the capital, and exercise a considerable influence in local politics. Owing to
their isolated position and antagonism to the Afghans, they are favourable
inclined to the British. Indeed the overture which Burnes reports to have been
made to him by Naib Muhammad Sharif shows this. He says that “the Kizilbashis
were then dangerously places, as their quarter, the Chandawal, being completely
commanded, they could easily be overpowered by an infuriated population; but if
a piece of ground could be got for them at a distance, they would build a fort on
it bridle the ruler whoever he might be and prove of eminent service to any
power who might purchase their good offices. That besides their own military
strength, which amounted to 5,000 cavalry, they could reckon on the aid of the
Hazaras, who were also Shias, and the Ghilzais, who were decidedly inimical to
the Duranis.”
During
the British occupation of Sherpur in 1879-80, the Kizilbashis were, as a rule,
friendly, and in December 1879, when Sir Frederick Roberts’ force was besieged
in Sherpur, the Kizilbash quarter in Kabul was in like manner beleaguered, but
the inhabitants were able to keep off their assailants, and were amply
provisioned, as it is the traditional custom of every Kizilbash family, however
poor, in Chandawal, to keep one year’s supply of food in hand.
When
their military employment ceased, many of the Kizilbashes were forced to seek
employment as secretaries, stewards, etc., although a portion of them have
always remained in the service of the Amir. Their military influence having
thus declined, they have turned their attention to adding to their strength by
intrigue, and there is no doubt that their power in this way has consequently
increased rather than diminished, for every Afghan of rank has Kizilbashis as
his secretaries, and thus, all the home and foreign correspondence being in
their hands, their influence has opportunities of spreading in every direction.
Dost Muhammad, from his mother being of this tribe, was at first inclined to
coquet for their support; but finding that it would have made him exceedingly
unpopular, he never gave himself much into their hands.
The
following is a list of the divisions of the tribe, in the order of their
relative importance:
1. Jawansher
2. Shah
Samand
3. Aoshar
4. Kuchari
5. Nabari
6. Kabari
7. Siah
Mansur
8. Shah
Mansur
9. Kurd
10. Khafi
11. Jami
12. Shirazi
13. Kirmani
14. Arab
15. Baiat
Of
the above, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 8 and 9 were originally Turkish; Nos. 7, 10,
11, 12, 13 and 15 were Persian; No. 14 was Arab. The different races have now
been thoroughly mixed by free intermarriage, and the distinctions are those of
name only, although each subdivision has its own hereditary chief, and at
Chandawal only, its particular quarter.
The
Kuchari section was originally Sunni, but became Shia on arrival at Kabul. In
the fort and village of Murad Khani (on the left bank of the Kabul river,
opposite the city) the population is entirely Kizilbash of the Kirmani, Aoshar
and Jami sections, and this fact has led some writers erroneously to suppose
that the name Murad Khani is applied to a division of the tribe itself.
In
appearance the Kizilbash is remarkably handsome, with a fair complexions and
vivacious manners. He is manly, of a hardy frame, and possesses many martial
qualities. The bulk of the Afghan cavalry and artillery is Kizilbash, and
members of the tribe are frequently to be found in regiments of Bengal and
Punjab cavalry, where they have the character of being smart and intelligent
soldiers, and excellent horsemen.
The
Turki language has nearly disappeared from amongst the Kizilbashis of
Afghanistan, and Persian has taken its place. The village of Aoshar, in the
Kabul district, is an exception to this statement there the language spoken is
exclusively Turki, although of course the inhabitants understand Persian as
well. (Elphinstone, Burnes, Bellew, I.B.C.)
Ludwig W. Adamec — Historical and political gazetteer
of Afghanistan. Volume [06] (1985)
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