Who are the Hazaras, the ancient and often persecuted people of central Afghanistan?

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Hazaras are a principal ethnic group in Afghanistan, primarily inhabiting the central Hazarajat region. Their origins remain a subject of intense historical and genetic debate, linking them to Mongolic, Turkic, and Iranic ancestors. Despite their deep roots, they have endured centuries of systematic discrimination, displacement, and targeted violence.

The etymology of the name Hazara is contested. While some scholars link it to the Persian word for 'thousand'—potentially referencing Genghis Khan’s military units—others suggest it stems from ancient terms for 'good-hearted' or even the strings of a musical instrument. Genetic evidence reveals a complex, mixed heritage. Analyses indicate that while they share substantial ancestry with East Asian populations, approximately 57.8% of their genetic profile traces back to Mongolian-related sources, alongside significant connections to Turkic and Iranic groups.

Historically, the Hazaras have faced catastrophic persecution. During the late 19th century, the Emirate of Afghanistan under Abdur Rahman Khan launched campaigns that resulted in the massacre of over sixty percent of the Hazara population. This era of violence saw their lands seized and redistributed, forcing many into exile in neighboring countries like Iran, Pakistan, and the former Tsarist Russian regions. These events have been characterized by many historians as genocide or ethnic cleansing, leaving a lasting legacy of trauma and mistrust toward central authorities.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Hazaras have remained a target of systemic discrimination and organized attacks. Following the Taliban's rise in the 1990s and their return to power in 2021, the community has faced renewed threats. Recent reports from Human Rights Watch highlight that since August 2021, the Islamic State affiliate ISIS–K has repeatedly targeted Hazara mosques, schools, and workplaces, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Despite these hardships, Hazaras have played significant roles in Afghan society, from political leadership and higher education to the development of national infrastructure like the Band-e Amir national park.

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