Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2011 Baba Ayub Mirza arrived in Chitral and married the daughter of the ruler Shah Raees, a supposed descendant of Alexander the Great. They have their traditional shamans whom they call Dehar. Indeed, conversion to Islam has become one of the issues afflicting the Kalash people today. Local people have mentioned that many of the educated Kalash young women have converted to Islam and married outside the community. However, though the languages of the Nuristanis and Kalash belong to two And when Kalash elders discuss their ancestors’ epics at festivals, they often mention a man they believe was one of Alexander’s generals, Shalakash, who they say settled in the region. Their culture is interlinked with their religion and based upon several festivals and celebrations. Derawar Fort: What Remains from a Once Thriving Desert Civilization? - Ayub Mirza was the grandson of Shah Abu'l Ghazi Sultan Mirza Husayn Bayqarah, What Does Alexander the Great Have to Do with Buddhist Imagery. The federal government appealed the decision. This link between the Kalash and the Macedonian king is perhaps best seen in Rudyard Kipling’s well-known story, The Man Who Would be King , in which this supposed connection forms the basis of the tale. In this video, we are travelling to a lesser-known place on planet Earth, a remote valley in Pakistan, an area where the ancient group of Kalash lives. The total area of Bumburet valley is 180 Km religiousidentity by virtue of one's birth, they say that sq out of which 51 Km sq is habitable and cultivable.religion … Although Pakistan is an Islamic Republic, with more than 95% of its population being adherents of Islam, the Kalash hold on to their own religious beliefs, along with their own identity, way of life, and language. Their culture is interlinked with their religion and based upon several festivals and celebrations. The Kalash tribe has managed to preserve their unique religion and practices in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, mainly because Kalash is guarded by the towering mountains of the Hindu Kush, so they were cut off from the outside world for so long. https://www.peopleofar.com/2012/01/14/the-six-pointed-star-of-armenia/. Two of her aunts became Muslim the same way. Their customs and traditions are contradictory to the Islamic and Pakistani culture. They became known as the Nuristanis (meaning ‘enlightened ones’) following their conversion. Huma Saeed, 16, a resident of Anizh, says that love is one of the main causes encouraging young Kalasha girls to say adieu to their families and the centuries-old Kalash religion. The Kho’s are Sunni Muslim and Ismaili Muslims. Shaman work as mediator between gods and human beings, his role in Kalash religion is like the role of prophets in the revealed religions. Pakistan and therefore the Kalash people became citizens In Hinduism it is believed that one was assigned one's of Pakistan. Oxygen Deprivation Led To Altered States For Subterranean Artists, Benjamin Hornigold and the Republic of Pirates, New Kind of Neolithic Age Human Burial Ritual Found in Spanish Cave, Bacho Kiro Cave Reveals Volumes About Human-Neanderthal Relationship. They live in three specific valleys in this area, Bumboret, Birir, and Rumbur. Mr. Wu Mingren, Pakistanis are not threatening the Kalash people to convert to Islam (it is just propaganda against Pakistan and Islam. Alexander and Porus by Charles Le Brun, painted 1673. Kalash women are allowed to marry whomever they wish, to divorce their husbands, and even to elope. There is pressure, both direct and indirect, to convert the Kalash to Islam. The Kalash people are also noted for their fair skin and blue eyes, leading to a popular hypothesis that they were of Greek origin, specifically the descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers who followed him on his campaign in India. Where the West Actually Meets the East—The Tarim Mummies, Battle of Visby: Medieval Massacre Leaves Behind Harrowing Remains of Fallen Soldiers, ‘Mind-blowing’ Find in Egypt! We seek to retell the story of our beginnings. Pakistan is very diverse, both ethnically and religiously, but religious-leaning groups call it one Islamic nation while ignoring the thousands of years of history of many nations and communities. The Kalash neither believe in any prophet nor do they have any sacred scripture. ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ). Nonetheless, while modernization generally kills traditional cultures, it has been indicated by some that it is doing the opposite to this particular culture. 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Moreover, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports that Kalash elders “have strictly prohibited the reentry into their own by those who have converted to Islam.” However, this may not be seen as a punishment, per-se, instead it has been suggested that the “move was driven in part to protect the converts from potential reprisals for leaving Islam.”, Individual people of the Kalash culture. In 1967, Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin spotted, and filmed, or so they claimed, a Sasquatch next to Bluff Creek in California. There is a God of Creator “Dezau” and many gods. The Kalash follow various social customs and rituals. But no one can say for certain where exactly it was located. The Kalash, with unique culture, traditions, rituals, values, festivals and dress, are a tribe from Chitral – the northern district of the Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province. But the smooth co-existence between the Kalash and Muslims has been fading in recent months and the area is suffering from many of the religious tensions marring the rest of Pakistan. In the 1990s, for example, thousands of people visited the area annually, though these figures have dropped since 9/11. Young people sometimes move to a city to seek work and due to the temptation of modernity and technology. Pakistan: The free women of Kalash. Yet another perceived threat to the Kalash culture is modernization. The G group is not Alexandrian. This in a Muslim country that forbade alcohol. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. For example, the way Kalash women behave, and the rights they have, is quite different from the conservative Islamic outlook held by their neighbors. [2][3][4] The largest and most populous valley is Bumburet (Mumuret), reached by a road from Ayun in the Kunar Valley. This 2 nd religion is called Animism by some observers. A drummer during the Joshi festival in Bumberet, Pakistan. The people are under legal … Islam is not the religion of extremists even the prophet of Muslims (Muhammad PBUH) forgave his enemies. ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ). This site is said to be near Jalalabad and Lughman according to Morgenstierne. Timeless Mystery: How did a Swiss Ring Watch End up in a Sealed Ming Dynasty Tomb? It has been said that their religion is a type of Hinduism that recognises many Gods and spirits. The people generally do not intermarry or cohabit regions with local Muslims but neither are they hostile towards them. [Online]Available at: http://kalashpeople.com/, Khan, M. I., 2016. Pakistani Taliban threaten Kalash tribe, Ismailis in Chitral However, during the last two decades, protection by the Pakistani government has seen the Kalash double in number. they’ll be seen dancing and celebrating when. 150,000-Year-Old Pipes Baffle Scientists in China: Out of Place in Time? The Kalash follow their traditions and belief systems. Culture Kalash in Pakistan. The inhabitants of the valley are the Kalash people, who have a unique culture, language and follow a form of ancient Hinduism. By having contact with the outside world, for instance, the Kalash are teaching others about their culture. Remembering the Barbary Slaves: White Slaves and North African Pirates, Seahenge: A Subaquatic Monument of the European Bronze Age, Shahr-i Sokhta, Mysteries of the Burnt City of Iran, Ancient Gandhara Kingdom Was A Melting Pot That Left Its Legacy in Art. Lilith: Ancient Demon, Dark Deity or Sensual Goddess? (2014) on the DNA of the Kalash people showed evidence of input from modern day Germany and Austria between 990 and 210 BC, a period that overlaps with that of Alexander the Great." Over the centuries, however, armies and members of competing faiths moved in, … [Online]Available at: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-glyn-williams/pagan-kalash-people-of-pakistan_b_4811627.html, Wu Mingren (‘Dhwty’) has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Archaeology. Religious identity is constructed both socially and culturally and transmitted to the next generation. The Accidental Mummy: the discovery of an impeccably preserved woman from the Ming Dynasty. Kungagraven – A Grave Fit for a Nordic Bronze Age King, But Who Was Buried Inside? Kalash People. Scholars, specifically sociologists, anthropologists and historians, as well as photographers, are particularly drawn to the Kalash, and many visit them each year. The Kalash are distinct from the rest of Pakistan not only in terms of their religion, colorful dresses, and comparatively fair skin, but also with their liberal approach to marriage. They are non-Mulsims who follow their own religion, language and customs, and are believed to be the descendants of legendary Greek emperor Alexander. The pride that the Kalash have in their way of life, as well as their awareness of its remarkable nature would undoubtedly go far in their efforts to preserve it for future generations. ---- King Arthur is one of, if not the, most legendary icons of medieval Britain. Alexander the Great: Was he a Unifier or a Subjugator? The people are under legal and constitutional protection of the State of Pakistan as a scheduled tribe. Kalash People. these are the teachings of Islam which persuade people to become the member of Islam by their own willingness not by coercion. the Kalash who were brutally converted to Islam by a campaign of the Afghani ruler Abdur Rahman Khan at the end of the 19th century, were known as the ‘red kafirs’. The narrator warns the Kalash, who are thought to number only 3,500, to convert to Islam or face death. Kalash seem to have strikingly similar culture compared to Armenians living in Armenia. One of them that has been much discussed is the custom of sending menstruating as well as … The people of Kalash are divided into two religions Islam and Kalash‘s traditional religion. Kalash tribe constitute the smallest ethnic and religious group of Pakistan with a population of only 4000 people. Dubbed an elaborate hoax by many, this image has become the... How about a "Books and Literature" forum? Rumbur is a side valleys north of Bumburet. RELIGION • People of Kalash are divided between followers of Islam and those who practice traditional Kalash religion. Top image: This is a woman of the Kalash culture. Being a minority in Pakistan with only 5,000 people, the Kalash people have their own religious beliefs of Animism, as well as a really unique culture. The Stoned Ape Theory and the Dawn of Human Consciousness: Did Our Prehistoric Ancestors Evolve by Getting High? Many consult Shamans, priests, to cure the sick, communicate … [19]" His popularity has lasted centuries, mostly thanks to the numerous incarnations of his story that pop up time and time again. Kalash people have their own religion. • Mostly Kalash are polytheist and nature plays an essential spiritual role in their traditional religion. A charitable organisation headed by the Aga Khan, the Ismailis' spiritual leader and a globally renowned philanthropist, is singled out for condemnation." The video also accuses international NGOs of creating an “Israel” like state in Chitral by attempting to protect the Kalash culture and take people away from Islam, and vows to foil their plans. Kalash Minority Seeks UNESCO Protection For Cultural Heritage; Pakistan Makes Excuses. ThLost Children of Alexander the Great: A Journey to the Pagan Kalash People of Pakistan. However, she still feels that there should be no restriction on women marrying whom they choose. The Copper Age: When Metallurgy Came to Rule the World. [1] As such, the Kalasha Valleys are a source of attraction for Pakistani as well as International tourists. The origins of behavioral modernity and what exactly makes us human are topics which have fascinated people for hundreds of years. [Online]Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/apr/17/pakistan-taliban-hindu-kush, The Committee for Cultural Policy, 2016. The Kalash or Kalasha are indigenous people living in the Kalash Valley. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday directed the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to include the Kalasha religion on the national census form … The Kalash people of Pakistan have a fascinating history and culture. Women are the particular savior of Kalash culture who wears heavy traditional dresses, turbans, and jewelry when. - Baba Ayub Mirza who was also a disciple of the saint Kamal Shah Shams ud-din Tabrizi. The trend of entire families converting to Islam is more painful to the Kalasha than simply one or two people converting, even though conversions often tend to create rifts within families, especially if only one or two members have left the Kalash religion. The Kalash can be found in the Chitral District, which is situated in the northwestern Pakistani region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I am Hassan Mujtaba from Pakistan. Alternatively, it has been hypothesized that the Kalash are of Indo-Aryan stock. Kalash Valley is situated in District Chitral of province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. The people generally do not intermarry or cohabit regions with local Muslimsbut neither are they hostile towards them. Furthermore, the names of Kalash deities also resembles Greek gods and goddesses and there are many words in the Kalash language (also called Kalasha) which resemble Greek words. “By the grace of Allah, an increasing number of people from the Kalash tribe are embracing Islam and we want to make it clear to the Kalash tribe that they will be eliminated along with their protectors, the Western agents if they don't embrace Islam,” he says. ( CC BY-2.0 ). Pakistan clashes over Kalash teenager's conversion. [6] And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exists countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. However, the people of Kafiristan were converted to Islam in 1890’s and then Kafiristan became Nuristan. Dozens of Kalash people have been forced to change their religion. "The ruling family of Chitral is the Kator dynasty, founded by Muhtaram Shah Kator (c. 1700-1720), which governed Chitral until 1969, when the government of Pakistan took over." A little-known Pakistani tribe that loves wine and whiskey fears its Muslim neighbors. In contrast to most places of Pakistan, women and men are not separated and are free to choose their partner. Translation of 5,500-Year-Old Babel Text from China Reveals Oldest Known Map of Inner Solar System, The origins of human beings according to ancient Sumerian texts, The Carthusians: Solitary Lives Dedicated to Pure Contemplation, Where are Ashkenazi Jews from? No. The Kalash people are also noted for their fair skin and blue eyes, leading to a popular hypothesis that they were of Greek origin, specifically the descendants of Alexander the Great’s … [Online]Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36562014, Rickett, O., 2011. Conservative Muslims in Pakistan's northwest are blaming the animist Kalash for a powerful earthquake that flattened entire villages in October, claiming their immoral ways provoked Allah's wrath, in the latest attack on a diminishing tribe fighting to keep its identity alive. Among the Kalash religion is the main divine force for their cultural identity. Wootz steel was amongst the finest in the world. Only the larger part of the Kalash, living in three of the western valleys of Chitral, have retained their old, pre-Islamic religion and rituals, while the rest of the Nuristani and Dardic speaking peoples have retained, as Muslims, only vestiges of their former beliefs. As a result, the Kalash will be counted separately as Pakistan conducts its first national census in nearly 20 years. In 2016, for example, it was reported that clashes broke out due to a row over a teenage girl’s conversion to Islam and since then, Pakistani authorities have banned Tablighi (a Sunni Islam missionary movement) from entering the valley where the violence occurred. AFP — Updated Feb 13, 2014 06:24pm. When compared to their Muslim compatriots, the Kalash have a strikingly distinct lifestyle and culture. Ancient Origins © 2013 - 2021Disclaimer - Terms of Publication - Privacy Policy & Cookies - Advertising Policy - Submissions - We Give Back - Contact us. Their carving of eternal wheel can be seen in Armenian carvings dating back 5000 years ago. "The ruling family of Chitral traces its descent from “Kalash people are not aware of their rights. [Online]Available at: https://committeeforculturalpolicy.org/pakistans-kalash-seek-unesco-protection-for-cultural-heritage-pakistan-demurs/, Williams, B. G., 2014. In the north of Pakistan, in the Rumbur Valley surrounded by the cold Himalayan mountains, there is an ethnic group of approximately 3,000 inhabitants: the Kalash. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods.... Read More. " They speak the Kalasha language. At times, this issue even erupts in violence. They are considered as people of Dardic Indo-Aryan origin. There are less than 4000 Kalash people left in the world. There are three main valleys. Kalash people are the smallest religious as well as the ethnic minority of Pakistan. Estimates suggest that Kalash converts to Islam may number some 300 people since 2016, though some local reports suggest the numbers are not that high. Kalash Solstice: Winter Feasts of the Kalash of North Pakistan. "The Taliban's 50-minute long video released on February 2 on their media wing's website opens with a scenic view of the mountainous valley that is popular among domestic tourists and famed for its annual polo festival. - the son of a Khorasan prince, Baba Ayub Mirza Mystery of the Fetus Found in a Bishop’s Coffin Solved! Wazir said if a member of a Kalash family becomes Muslim, they have to leave their home because the differences between Islamic traditions and Kalash rituals makes it very difficult to live under one roof. Chitral District is divided into two major ethnic communities, Kho and Kalash. Some scholars have suggested the name may refer to Seleucus Nicator , one of Alexander’s generals who did rule over the region after the Greek armies had departed. However, a report on the Kalash people on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty shows that missionary work continues in other ways, such as through converted Kalash people encouraging family members to follow their lead and the lack of education discussing Kalash culture, language, and history in schools; though Kalash children are taught about Islamic theology and Koranic scripture alongside their Muslim peers. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. The word Sunni is an Arabic word, Sunnah, which are used to refer to Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and saying as recorded in hadith. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Religion of Kalash Valley. On the other hand, people from other areas are occupying their land. The valleys are surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range. The Kalash are G haplogroup, DNA. Lost Golden City Discovered in Luxor, How King Arthur Became One of the Most Pervasive Legends of All Time. The former, for instance, involves extremists who prey on the weak, and create internal division between the Kalash, whilst the latter involves the promise for better treatment and services for converts. There are fears that these moves lead to abandonment of their culture. "A study by Hellenthal et al. A decade ago, there were 15,000 non-Muslim ethnic Kalasha in the three valleys of Bumborate, Rumbur and Birir. Recognition was the culmination of a lengthy fight in the predominantly Islamic country, where religious and other minorities often come … One of the major reasons for the dwindling of this community is love. [citation needed], The three remote valleys are home to the animist Kalash people, http://www.tourism.gov.pk/kalash_valley_nothern_areas.htm, http://www.press.umich.edu/pdf/0472097830-02.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kalasha_Valleys&oldid=1015324797, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Kalasha-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 31 March 2021, at 20:42. adjudged favourably in 2015, directing the authorities that Kalash religion should be included in the population census. "In the 1970s there were a number of forced conversions. Ancient Journeys: What was Travel Like for the Romans? Their Origins May Surprise You, Do you dare enter a fairy ring? In Rumbur, however, where the people are more progressive and there is a stronger belief in the monotheistic concept of one single creator of the universe, Saifullah Jan, the official representative of the Kalasha, says the Kalasha do believe in one supreme god. Most anthropologists consider the Kalasha Religion to be polytheistic, because it has many deities. In an article from 2016, it was estimated that the Kalash community consists of about 3000 people, which makes them the smallest minority group of Pakistan. The Kalasha Valleys (Kalasha-mondr: Kaĺaśa Desh; Urdu: وادی کیلاش‎) are valleys in Chitral District in northern Pakistan. The video explores a remote valley in Pakistan, an area where the ancient group of Kalash lives. ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ). The Kalasha participants believed that unless they were legally recognized as a separate religion in Pakistan, attempt to have Kalasha religion… The unique nature of the Kalash culture has also allowed these people to turn to tourism as a source of income. The mythical mushroom portals of the supernatural, Is Bigfoot Real? over 1/2 the Kalash people have converted to Islam and other Muslim communities are settling here. The Kalash’s religion is considered to be closer to Vedic and Pre-Zoroastrian cultures, even though it has a valuable existence that retains the old form of the Indo-Aryan religion. the Chitral District was a fully independent monarchy until 1885" [Online]Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-13469826, Craig, T., 2016. In Kipling’s The Man Who Would be King , the Kalash who held onto their ancient ways were referred to as the ‘black kafirs’, a term Kalash people dislike, whereas their neighbors, i.e. When the couple marries, the woman typically converts to Islam and adopts the non-Kalash culture. Young Kalash women fall for non-Kalash men. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. - Shah Abu'l Ghazi Sultan Mirza Husayn Bayqarah = the great grandson of Emperor Timurlane. "... Kalash religion is similar to the religion that was practiced by Rigvedic aryans. " The Kalash religion is polytheist faith similar to ancient forms of Hinduism and the people offer sacrifices for their gods. http://www.dawn.com/news/1086564 Scota: Mother of Scotland and Daughter of a Pharaoh, Searching for the Terrifying Mongolian Death Worm, Five Female Olympians of Ancient Greece: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Wootz Steel: The Mysterious Metal that Was Used in Deadly Damascus Blades. Religion: Although the Pakistanis proper converted to Islam over the centuries, the Kalash people retained their pagan traditions and worshiped their ancient gods in outdoor temples. Kalash women and children in traditional bright costume. In 2014, geneticists looked into the claims and they found that the Kalash people do have portions of their DNA coming from ancient European populations. The grandson of this marriage founded the present Katoor dynasty. " However, some also describe their religion as a form of ancient Hinduism infused with old pagan and animist beliefs. Now there are just 4,000. The Kalash religion is polytheist faith similar to ancient forms of Hinduism and the people offer sacrifices for their gods. The Kalash are considered to be an indigenous people of Asia, with their ancestors migrating to Afghanistan from a distant place in South Asia which the Kalash call "Tsiyam" in their folk songs and epics. ( Public Domain ). The culture of Kalash is at the verge of getting extinct. The Kalash religion at one time flourished in the Hindu Kush region. With only 3,000 people in the community, local leaders have been alarmed and concerned about the number of people that have left the Kalash belief system. How Pyramids Are Pointing to Former Geo Poles, Alignment of the Pyramids of Chichen Itza, What's your favourite Fairy Tales (and their possible origins), The Frightening Discovery of the Mount Owen Claw, Real-Life Lord of the Flies: The Strange and Violent History of Pitcairn Island. Drumming is a male occupation among the Kalash people. One is that they are the descendants of the Greek soldiers who followed Alexander the Great on his Indian campaign. The Kalash (also known as the Kalasha) are an indigenous people living in what is today Pakistan. The Kho people are mostly Sunni Muslims, however, many combine the Islamic practices with their traditional folk religions, which involves worship of spirits and fire, animism, and ancestor worship. Nevertheless, this group is best-known for their unique and well-preserved culture, which has led to it being listed by UNESCO for consideration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage .

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