The Hazaras of Afghanistan: An Historical, Cultural, Economic and Political Study [Hardcover]

Sayed Askar Mousavi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312173865 | ISBN-13: 978-0312173869 | Publication Date: August 1997

This is a study of the second largest but least well-known ethnic group in Afghanistan. Largely Shi'a by religion and Farsi-speaking, the Hazaras traditionally inhabited Central Afghanistan although because of the war they are now scattered in large numbers across the country and in neighbouring countries as well. The Hazaras have recently come into a more influential position within the country's social fabric because its tribally based pyramidal structure has been disrupted. This book, therefore, makes a unique contribution in Afghanistan studies. It also directly confronts the taboo subject of an Afghan sense of national identity, a concept crucial to the resolution of Afghanistan's current crisis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 265 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312173865
• ISBN-13: 978-0312173869
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,261,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the true people of Afghanistan, this is a great book!, August 9, 2002

By 

Mahtabi (USA - the greatest country) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hazaras of Afghanistan: An Historical, Cultural, Economic and Political Study (Hardcover)

Hello.

Let me first say something. This is a great accomplishment for our Hazara people. The author in this book goes into depth about the fascism and racism from other writers, Afghan and non-Afghans regarding Hazaras. Mr. Mousavi also goes into depth about the detailed MASSACRE, murder, killings, rape, butchering, etc. etc. of the evil man himself, Abdur Rahman against the Hazaras for religious reasons in which no other Afghan Hazara writer has been able to do.

These people that write reviews concerning this book as "not impressive" or that say things of that nature do not understand about Hazaras at all!! Especially those that enjoy targeting Afghanistan in order to disrupt it's ethnic diversity (refering to readers from dubai, etc.)...

Its a great book and I recommend this to anyone, anyone that wants to learn more about Hazaras, one of the first settlers of Afghanistan. ZINDABAD AFGHANISTAN ba ham-e mardom-e Hazara, Tajik, Uzbek, wa Pasthun. Long live FREE Afghanistan.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Historical documentation, October 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hazaras of Afghanistan: An Historical, Cultural, Economic and Political Study (Hardcover)

This book seems to be a plea for readers in the West to notice the existence of the Hazara ethnic group of Afghanistan. As an ethnographic study, it is not very satisfying, since it has very little description of contemporary Hazara society. Its main value is in its extensive historical documentation of Hazara leadership and the social discrimination that the Hazaras have faced in Afghanistan. The writing is not always clear; indeed, there are many times when the big picture remains entirely elusive. Nevertheless, as a source book for historical facts, this volume might prove useful for area specialists.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another well written book on Afghanistan, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hazaras of Afghanistan: An Historical, Cultural, Economic and Political Study (Hardcover)

This book is very informative and well written by a talented Hazara writer. It provides discriptive information with informative facts on the Hazara people of Afghanistan. To the ignorant: Don't be a khar. We as Afghans need to unite in brotherhood to form peace and unity in Afghanistan and not hate and war. Inshallah, Khuda Hafiz.