anthro research[1]

8/3/2019 Anthro Research[1]

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Overview

The Pashtun, (pronounced PASH-toon) which are also

known as Pushtun, Pashtoon, Pathan, and Pakhtun, are a

people located in the northwestern and southeastern parts of

Afghanistan, as well as, northwestern Pakistan.

Several tribes, which are organized into clans, sub-clans,

and families based on patriarchy, lead to well organized

tribes. The Pashtun continue to thrive as one of the largest

ethnic groups in Afghanistan.


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Location and Population

The Pashtun make up

approximately 15.42% of

Pakistans 174 million

population and 42% ofAfghanistans 29 million people(https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-

factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=a

f&regionCode=sasaf)

About 60 tribes each maintain

their own territory Specific population numbers

are unknown, as many Pashtun

have been displaced.

Pashtun locations in gray
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html?countryName=Afghanistan&countryCode=af&regionCode=sas&


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History

Much is unknown

about the history of

these people

Oral tradition and

folklore tell varying

stories of their

beginnings.

The origins of the Pashtun are unclear.

Pashtun tradition asserts that they are

descended from Afghana, grandson of King

Saul of Israel, though most scholars believe it

more likely that they arose from anintermingling of ancient Aryans from the

north or west with subsequent invaders.

Several Pashtun tribes are known to have

moved from Afghanistan to Pakistan between

the 13th and 16th century.

(http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/445546/Pashtun)


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Settlements

Typical homes are made from

mud and/or brick

Because of ongoing conflict,

today many settlements sit in

ruins

Traditionally the Pashtun are anomadic people, primarily

herders, who move frequently


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Settlements cont.

Architecture includes public and private areas of the house because

women are not to interact with strangers.

Most families sleep together in one room, where a mattress is laid in

the evening. Very basic furnishings make up the rest of the house.

A large portion of Pashtun continue to be nomadic and rely on tents

for housing.


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Subsistence

Landowners often send familymembers to work in cities.

Poor workers are tenantfarmers on the land.

They poor workers, often indebt, are dependent on theirlandlords.

Major crops are wheat, rice,barley, corn, almonds and

fruits. Poppy cultivation, used for

heroin trade, is a major sourceof cash.

is


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Religion The primary religion of the Pashtun is Sunni

Islam

Orthodox view of Islam

People of Tradition

Six Articles of Belief

1. Belief in God, (Allah) the one and only one worthy of all worship

2. Belief in the Angels

3. Belief in the Books sent by Allah

4. Belief in all the Messengers sent by Allah

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment and in the Resurrection (life after death).

6. Belief in Destiny


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Religion cont.

Automatically considered Muslim at birth

Male circumcision and birth celebration coincide

Children begin practicing rituals of prayer and fasting at anearly age

A call to prayer is whispered in the ear of the child at birth


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Pashtunwali

Ethical code that rules

Pashtun life

hospitality

Revenge for anyperceived injustice

protecting one's "women,

gold and land"

admission of guilt for awrong committed


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Marriage and Role of Women The male is the dominant head of the household.

Marriage is arranged by the bride and grooms parents

When men marry, the bride moves into the father-in-lawshome.

The grooms parents agree to pay incash an agreed upon amount to the girl'sparents on the day of marriage.

A part of the payment, is made onthe spot.

The rest of the money is paid on themarriage day.


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Marriage and Role of Women cont.

Most women have very few

rights.

There is a high illiteracy rate

among women. Women often take care of largeextended families.

Swara is a tradition practicedwhere a woman relative is givento someone to solve a dispute.

Although, a few women workjobs and have moved topowerful positions, much worktowards equal rights remain.


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Family Tribal groups are divided into sub-tribes, clans, and families. Households may include:

Nuclear families.

Extended families.

Multigenerational families.

Families are patriarchal in structure and headed by the most senior male.

There is a high level of birthrate and low level of divorce.


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Economy and Politics The Pashtun people are at an emerging point, politically

and economically, during this time in history. (This presentation willfocus on the economy of the Pashtun in Afghanistan, as it is the most densely populated area.)

Civil war and international conflict have caused an

economic upheaval. For the Pashtuns, as well as all ofAfghanistan.

"Pashtuns are at the heart of insurgency in both

Pakistan and Afghanistan," said Hassan Abbas,

research fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center

for Science and International Affairs. "Because they

have been used and abused in the last three decadesby regional as well as international players. Their

social fabric has been torn to smithereens and their

tribal ethos has been under severe stress and strain

due to the rise of fanatical religious elements.

Pashtuns today are a victim of circumstances.

- Seattle Times

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2009686374_pashtunistan19.html


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Economy and Politics cont.

Pashtun politics reflect the greater nation of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic, which recently has

been reframed to include executive, legislative, and

judicial branches

An elected president, currently Hamid Karzi, serves as

head of state, along with two vice-presidents and anappointed cabinet of ministers.

Currently, Afghanistan is largely influenced by NATO

and the United States.


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President Karzi Ethnic Pashtun

Chosen as interim president in 2002

Elected president in 2004 and 2009

Denounces the opposing Taliban

Khair Muhammad Karzai, his

grandfather was head of the Popalzai

tribe of the Pashtun


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Constitution Newly approved in 2004

Executive, legislative, and judicial

branches of government Islam is the state religion

Right to free speech

Equal rights for men and women

Pashto and Dari are official languages.

"Freedom of expression shall be

inviolable. Every Afghan shall have

the right to express thoughts through

speech, writing, illustrations as well

as other means in accordance with

provisions of this constitution. Every

Afghan shall have the right,

according to provisions of law, to

print and publish on subjects without

prior submission to state authorities.

Directives related to the press, radio

and television as well as publicationsand other mass media shall be

regulated by law.

Article 34


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Economy and Politics cont. Agriculture is credited for the major

source of the economy

Fruits

Nuts

Wheat

Poppies (for opium trade)

Small scale industry and service also

make up the Pashtun (Afghan) economy

36% of the population live below thepoverty line

World Fact Book

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-

world-factbook/


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Two Faces of the Pashtun

Taliban Islamic Militia Group

Has ruled Afghanistan at various

periods

Follow strict interpretations of

Pashtunwali

Known for unfair treatment of women

Known for violent massacres in

Afghanistan Alliance with Al-Qaeda

Small insurgency minority of Pashtuns


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Two Faces of the Pashtun cont. Badshah Khan and Non-Violence

Social activism and reform used to benefit the Pashtuns

Founder of schools and advocate of education

Led non-violent political opposition

Formed close relationship with Mahatma Gandhi Champion of womens rights

Died under house arrest in 1988

Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Legacy continues through family,history, literature, and film


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Concluding Remarks

The Pashtun are a misunderstood people, with a varied history.

While struggling with their own survival and identity as a culture, they

have not only been subjugated to extensive violence, but massacre and

oppression by ruling nations and terrorists.

As American citizens continue to form relationships and provide

economic support to the Pashtuns, we must be careful to study and

become aware of the culture and true nature of these people. We must not

judge the worth of the whole of a people based solely on the violent acts

of a few. It is imperative to come to an understanding of the depth ofhistory and traditions that have contributed to this culture today. As the

Pashtuns rise from the ashes of war and oppression, we have the

opportunity to share in relief and support to a community that can thrive,

and write new histories within their own cultural context.


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Bibliography

Easwaran, Eknath

1999 Nonviolent Soldier of Islam. Nilgiri Press

Zaehner, R.C.

1888 Encyclopedia of the Worlds Religions. Barnes & Noble Books

Vogelsang, Willem

2002 The Afghans, Blackwell Publishers

Gannon, Kathy

2009 Pashtuns Key to Region's Past, Future

Seattle Times Aug. 19, 2009

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2009686374_pashtunistan19.html

Notable Biographies 5-1-11

http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ge-La/Karzai-Hamid.html

Encyclopedia Britannica Online 4-29-11

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/445546/Pashtun

World Fact Book 5-1-11https://www cia gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/af html
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/445546/Pashtunhttp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/445546/Pashtun

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