Mohammadzai

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Mohammadzai (meaning son of Mohammad in Pashto) is the name of one of the Pashtun tribes found in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They are primarily centered around Kandahar, although they can be found in other provinces throughout Afghanistan as well across the border in the Pakistan's Balochistan province where many Mohammadzai live as well.

1 Distribution
- 1.1 Afghanistan
2 History
3 Language
4 Politics
5 Notable individuals
6 See also
7 References

[edit] Distribution

[edit] Afghanistan

Although based mainly in Kandahar, the Mohammadzais have settled in many areas of Afghanistan. They can be found in Kabul, Herat, Kunduz, Takhar, Rostak, Maimana, Faryab, Mazari Sharif, Faryab, and Baghlan.

[edit] History

The Mohammadzais ascended to power following the collapse of the Sadozai dynasty. They have been the most politically active tribe and have wielded considerable influence in the region for much of Afghanistan's modern history.

During the reign of Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, some Pashtun populations were implanted in the northern provinces of Afghanistan to build a base of support there.^[1]

[edit] Language

Mohammadzais usually have the southern dialect of Pashto. The elites of this tribe, who live in the vicinity of Kabul, often speak Dari Persian more than their native Pashto.

[edit] Politics

The Mohammadzais are among the more urban, educated, and progressive tribes in Pashtun society. The last King of Afghanistan, Mohammad Zahir Shah, was also Mohammadzai. In the late 1970s, the Mohammadzais lost power to the pro-communist government of Afghanistan (which were mostly from the rival Ghilzai tribe). From 1826 to 1978, many rulers of Afghanistan were Mohammadzais from the Barakzai lineage.^[2]