The Hazara Minority in Afghanistan: A People Group Case Study

[This article was created by the following faculty-student team from Dallas Theological Seminary:]

Abstract

The land of Afghanistan has seen much turmoil in its history, from foreign invasions to the fall of empires and, in the last two hundred years, the fall of a monarchy, two superpower invasions and withdrawals, and the rise of the Taliban. Despite vast international humanitarian, peacekeeping, and military efforts, Afghanistan and its people remain in many ways challenged—economically, infrastructurally, and spiritually. Of the 14 recognized ethnic groups in the country, the following case study provides an overview of one of these groups, a minority Muslim population called the Hazaras. / The Hazara people are widely disfavored among Afghanistan’s Sunni majority for its Shi’ite identity. This article provides an overview of this minority group, largely mountainous village dwellers. Current challenges are discussed for expatriates considering working in the country, including safety and cultural concerns. The most appropriate platform for presence and forms of communication are offered.