Afghan Nomads In Transition

Beskrivelse

Afghanistan, known as ‘the land of the nomads’, has long been home to a vibrant nomadic population that has significantly influenced the country’s political and economic landscape. This book focuses on the Zala Khân Khêl, a subgroup of the Ahmadzai tribe, who have traditionally migrated between Afghanistan’s highlands and the Indus valley lowlands in search of pasture.

A detailed exploration of the Zala Khân Khêl nomads and their evolving way of life within Afghanistan’s broader social and political context.

Afghan Nomads in Transition traces the history of the Zala Khân Khêl from the late 19th century to today. Drawing on fieldwork conducted by the author during extended periods living among the nomads, the book offers an in-depth study of their lifestyle and how it intersects with Afghanistan’s wider political and economic systems.

After providing a brief overview of Afghanistan’s geography and history, the book delves into various facets of the Zala Khân Khêl’s existence. It covers their genealogy and identity, social structure, migration patterns, modes of transport, types of tents and shelters, and the lands they inhabit. The author illustrates how their nomadic livelihood has undergone significant changes through interaction with larger tribal groups and state authorities.

The book highlights the complex ways in which this traditional way of life has adapted to the pressures and influences of modern society, all supported by remarkable photographs that enrich the narrative.

Additional features of the book include a bibliography, glossary, index, and an index of authors. It was published in 1994 as part of The Carlsberg Foundation's Nomad Research Project and contains 268 pages filled with 156 illustrations (70 in color) and 8 detailed maps, such as physical maps of Afghanistan, migration routes, summer pastures, ethnic groups, and refugee camps.

This work is closely related to studies by Birthe Frederiksen and Klaus Ferdinand on Afghan nomads, as well as Asta Olesen’s research on itinerant communities, all part of the same research series.

Author Gorm Pedersen is a social anthropologist who spent time living with both pastoral nomads and settled populations in Afghanistan during the 1970s, as well as with refugees in Pakistan during the 1980s and 1990s.

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