Orda.kz reported last year on the difficult living conditions of Kazakhs in Afghanistan and their desire to return to their historical homeland. On October 11, an armed conflict broke out again at the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although it has recently calmed down, Afghan Kazakhs, fearing for the safety of their families, have sent a letter to the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, requesting assistance in returning to their homeland.
With the rise of the "Taliban" to power in Afghanistan, the economic situation has significantly worsened due to international sanctions. The country has become isolated from the rest of the world and strictly adheres to Islamic norms. At the end of September, the Taliban completely shut down the internet under the pretext of "fighting immorality." Freedom of speech and the media is non-existent, and women are required to wear the burqa and cannot receive education after the sixth grade. Many countries still do not recognize Afghanistan as a full-fledged state, although in July, Russia was the first to officially recognize the Taliban.
However, the situation at the border with Pakistan also raises serious concerns. Armed clashes occur periodically, resulting in military casualties. Despite a ceasefire agreement, no one can guarantee that the conflict will not resume. Therefore, Kazakhs from Afghanistan decided to appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and directly to President Tokayev.
In a letter written by the chairman of the Afghan Kazakh Cultural Center, Haji Asat Oimaity, it is stated that about 200-300 Kazakh families live in Afghanistan:
“Some of them are descendants of the Kipchak, Kangly, Alshyn, and Konyrat tribes, who migrated during the reign of khans Kasym and Tauke. Others represent the Naimans, Kereys, and Sarks, who arrived in the 1920s-1930s. Due to political instability and harsh living conditions, it is extremely difficult for Kazakhs here. Our identity documents state 'Afghans,' although in reality, we speak the ancient Kipchak language — we are Kazakhs.”
Despite living among Persians and Pashtuns and adopting some of their culture and language, Afghan Kazakhs continue to preserve their national identity.
Haji Asat Oimaity reports that there is not a single school in Afghanistan where Kazakh is taught. Nevertheless, they have established the Afghan Kazakh Cultural Center in Mazar-i-Sharif:
“We lack teachers and textbooks in the Kazakh language. Girls are deprived of the opportunity to receive an education. Additionally, there are no medical facilities or pharmacies, the unemployment rate is high, and social conditions are extremely difficult. We opened the center to promote the Kazakh language and traditions, celebrate Nauryz, tell about the genealogy, and assist orphans and widows.”
He also described the life of 200-300 Kazakh families in Afghanistan, noting that they are peaceful people, far removed from politics and religious fanaticism.
“The main occupations of our people are livestock breeding and agriculture. Our girls engage in carpet weaving, embroidery, and sewing. Among us, there is talented youth eager for knowledge: some run YouTube channels and are fluent in English, Persian, Pashto, and Arabic. We are far from religious and political extremism; we are peace-loving, devoted Kazakhs.”
“Mr. President! Afghan Kazakhs are in danger.”
In September, armed conflicts began at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, resulting in suffering for civilians. Haji Asat Oimaity emphasized that Afghan Kazakhs face real danger and appealed to the President of Kazakhstan and the government for assistance in relocating to their historical homeland.
“The war continues to rage. Every day, civilians are killed. This situation poses a serious threat to Kazakhs living in Afghanistan. In this regard, on behalf of 300 Kazakh families, I ask the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, esteemed Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, as well as the government of Kazakhstan, to assist us in our relocation to our historical homeland. We wish to settle in the northern regions of Kazakhstan.”
He also added that Afghan Kazakhs are ready to work for the benefit of their homeland and contribute to the development of the country:
“We promise to cherish every tree and every drop of water of our homeland, to work for the good of the country, to develop livestock breeding and agriculture, to learn, and to serve Kazakhstan. We commit to respecting the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, striving to be cultured, educated, and civilized citizens. Esteemed Mr. President, we ask you to support the Kazakhs from Afghanistan who wish to return to their historical homeland.”
If not us, then who?
It is essential to realize that if we do not help our compatriots, no one else will. Kazakhs who find themselves in a foreign land live in difficult conditions. However, as long as they preserve their language and identity, they have the opportunity to return and become part of Kazakhstani society. Even if the older generation cannot fully adapt, their children, like the descendants of Kazakhs who came from China, Mongolia, or Uzbekistan, will be able to receive an education and become full-fledged citizens of the country.
Source: orda.kz
