Hazara vs. Pashtun — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 2, 2023
Hazara and Pashtun are two distinct ethnic groups in Afghanistan; Hazaras are primarily Shia Muslims with Mongolian ancestry, while Pashtuns are Sunni Muslims of Indo-European descent.
Difference Between Hazara and Pashtun
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hazara and Pashtun are major ethnic groups in Afghanistan, each with its unique history, culture, and language. The Hazara community primarily identifies as Shia Muslims, a minority in predominantly Sunni Muslim Afghanistan. Pashtuns, on the other hand, are predominantly Sunni Muslims and form a significant proportion of the Afghan population.
Hazaras are believed to have Mongolian ancestry, which is evident in their distinct facial features and historical ties. The Pashtun lineage, in contrast, traces back to the Indo-European ethnicities, and they have a rich history of tribal and clan-based systems.
The Hazara community primarily resides in the central highlands of Afghanistan, known as Hazarajat. They have faced persecution throughout history due to their faith and ethnicity. Pashtuns predominantly inhabit the southern and eastern parts of Afghanistan and have historically held significant political power in the country.
The languages spoken by these communities also differ. Hazaras predominantly speak Hazaragi, a variant of Dari. The Pashtuns, meanwhile, have Pashto as their primary language. Both ethnicities contribute richly to the diverse cultural and historical tapestry of Afghanistan.
Lastly, in terms of traditions and customs, both communities have distinct practices. While there's an overlap due to shared Afghan culture, the Hazara and Pashtun communities have separate traditional songs, dances, and clothing styles that signify their unique identities.
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Comparison Chart
Religious Affiliation
Primarily Shia Muslims.
Predominantly Sunni Muslims.
Ancestral Roots
Mongolian ancestry.
Indo-European descent.
Primary Region in Afghanistan
Central highlands (Hazarajat).
Southern and eastern parts.
Language
Hazaragi (variant of Dari).
Pashto.
Historical Power Dynamics
Historically persecuted minority.
Historically held significant political power.
Compare with Definitions
Hazara
Primarily Shia Muslims residing in Hazarajat.
Many Hazara people live in the central highlands of Afghanistan.
Pashtun
An ethnic group in Afghanistan with Indo-European ancestry.
The Pashtun tribes have a deep-rooted history in the region.
Hazara
Speak Hazaragi, a variant of Dari.
Hazaragi is the primary language spoken by the Hazara community.
Pashtun
Speak Pashto as their primary language.
Pashto poetry is an integral part of Pashtun culture.
Hazara
An ethnic group in Afghanistan with Mongolian ancestry.
The Hazara community has distinct cultural practices that trace back to their Mongolian roots.
Pashtun
Predominantly Sunni Muslims residing in southern and eastern Afghanistan.
Pashtun communities are widespread in the southern regions of Afghanistan.
Hazara
Historically persecuted due to their faith and ethnicity.
Throughout history, Hazaras have faced discrimination and violence.
Pashtun
Historically held significant political and tribal influence.
Pashtun leaders have often played crucial roles in Afghan politics.
Hazara
Contributed richly to Afghan arts, music, and literature.
Hazara artisans are known for their exquisite craftsmanship.
Pashtun
Known for their Pashtunwali code, emphasizing honor and hospitality.
The Pashtunwali code dictates many aspects of Pashtun social conduct.
Hazara
A member of a Dari-speaking, predominantly Shiite people of central Afghanistan.
Pashtun
A member of an ethnic group of Afghanistan and parts of western Pakistan.
Pashtun
A member of the mountain people living in the eastern regions of Afghanistan;
Pathans are the predominant ethnic group in Afghanistan
Pashtun
An ethnic minority speaking Pashto and living in northwestern Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan
Common Curiosities
Which religion do most Pashtuns follow?
Most Pashtuns are Sunni Muslims.
What is Pashtunwali?
Pashtunwali is the traditional Pashtun code of conduct emphasizing honor, hospitality, and justice.
Are Hazaras and Pashtuns only found in Afghanistan?
While both groups are primarily based in Afghanistan, they can also be found in neighboring Pakistan and other countries due to migration.
What's the primary language of Hazaras?
Hazaras predominantly speak Hazaragi, a variant of Dari.
Why have Hazaras historically faced persecution?
Hazaras have faced persecution due to their Shia faith and Mongolian ethnicity in a predominantly Sunni country.
Are there significant literary contributions from the Pashtun community?
Absolutely, Pashto poetry and prose have made significant contributions to Afghan literature.
Who are the Hazaras?
Hazaras are an ethnic group in Afghanistan, primarily Shia Muslims with Mongolian ancestry.
What language do Pashtuns speak?
Pashtuns predominantly speak Pashto.
Where do Hazaras primarily reside in Afghanistan?
Hazaras primarily live in the central highlands of Afghanistan, known as Hazarajat.
Which group is larger in number in Afghanistan: Hazara or Pashtun?
Pashtuns form a larger proportion of the Afghan population compared to Hazaras.
Have Pashtuns played significant roles in Afghan politics?
Yes, Pashtuns have historically held significant political power in Afghanistan.
How has the history of Hazaras and Pashtuns shaped modern Afghanistan?
Both groups have rich histories that have influenced Afghan culture, politics, and societal dynamics.
Is there a difference in traditional clothing between Hazaras and Pashtuns?
Yes, both have distinct traditional clothing, though there might be some similarities due to shared Afghan heritage.
Are there any cultural overlaps between Hazaras and Pashtuns?
While each has distinct traditions, there's an overlap due to shared Afghan culture.
What are some major cities or regions where Hazaras and Pashtuns predominantly live?
Hazaras primarily live in regions like Bamyan and Daykundi, while Pashtuns are predominant in places like Kandahar and Nangarhar.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
