They call it the heartland of the Taliban. But for over 3000 years it has been Zoroastrian, Buddhist, and Greek — long before the Kalashnikov was invented.
Excellent article. Thoughourly enjoyed reading this. I especially enjoy your investigative research. There's something special about discovering about places more than the current "buzz" idea. Thank you. Your look back is inspiring. Seeing how and when somewhere had been impacted by the shifting, ongoing, changings within any given time and culture. Bravo✌️✌️
Your writing is like music. I forgot to look at things that way, to see their greatness. I believe now that is more critical than ever to remember that mostly Afhegan women can take Kandahar back, would be like recovering the soul. I would dare say that is what the city wants and is waiting to be recovered. :) Afhegan women will find a way, women always do. And they will ask for exactly what they need to do what they need to do.
Really moving piece. Hopefully, one day Kandahar will be unbounded from Taliban rule, finally free to blossom and appreciate its history, cultural heritage and stories.
It’s a little laughable that you expect people to believe the Pashtuns waded into the region “from the mountains” in the 1700’s and within a couple of generations these ostensibly simple hillbillies founded the Durrani empire, the modern state of Afghanistan and have ruled over the more sophisticated and ancient peoples that lived in that region for centuries. Did the Pashtuns just form out of thin air in the mountains? Or perhaps they have lived in that region for millennia and have been active participants in our countries rich history. The Taliban are not a bunch of outsiders who claimed this land. They are the progeny of centuries of Afghan patriots who have defended the land from from invaders and usurpers.
The area may be more accurately represented by the historical region of Sistan, known to the Arabs as Sijistan. The name "Sistan" is derived from Sakastan, meaning the seat of the Sakas (Scythians).
Greater Sistan historically encompassed not just Arachosia, as detailed in your article, but also included the region of Zaranj and the Helmand Valley. Notably, the Helmand Valley held a particular sanctity within the Avestan religious tradition, regarded with reverence in its pantheon.
Also, I do appreciate your thoughtful inclusion of both Hinduism and the cult of Zhuna. In that spirit, allow me to humbly share an article that may be of further interest —
“But the shift didn’t happen overnight. Islam didn’t sweep through like a firestorm. It crept in through trade, treaties, and the subtle power of language and law. By the 9th century, under the Saffarids, Islam had become the dominant force, but Zoroastrian shrines and Buddhist relics didn’t disappear entirely — they simply faded into the margins of memory.”
What absolute propaganda. The Islamic invasions of Afghanistan were nothing short of barbaric and iconoclastic.
Beautifully written and very insightful. Thankyou.
Excellent article. Thoughourly enjoyed reading this. I especially enjoy your investigative research. There's something special about discovering about places more than the current "buzz" idea. Thank you. Your look back is inspiring. Seeing how and when somewhere had been impacted by the shifting, ongoing, changings within any given time and culture. Bravo✌️✌️
Your writing is like music. I forgot to look at things that way, to see their greatness. I believe now that is more critical than ever to remember that mostly Afhegan women can take Kandahar back, would be like recovering the soul. I would dare say that is what the city wants and is waiting to be recovered. :) Afhegan women will find a way, women always do. And they will ask for exactly what they need to do what they need to do.
I am proud of you, Shabnam Jan.
Great work, very interesting
Really moving piece. Hopefully, one day Kandahar will be unbounded from Taliban rule, finally free to blossom and appreciate its history, cultural heritage and stories.
Ancient Iran and Zoroastrianism always fascinated me, wish there was more book regarding Iran in the west.
Fascinating. Thanks for your insights, you go deeper than most. Thank you.
Absolutely amazing, I learned and enjoyed it so much. Wonderful writting.
Marvelllous. I learnt so much reading this. This actual, real, history should be taught in schools. What a long history for Kandahar. Thankyou!
This is really beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your insights beyond click-bait headlines and geographic generalisations
I so love it when we tell the old stories and set the record straight!
It’s a little laughable that you expect people to believe the Pashtuns waded into the region “from the mountains” in the 1700’s and within a couple of generations these ostensibly simple hillbillies founded the Durrani empire, the modern state of Afghanistan and have ruled over the more sophisticated and ancient peoples that lived in that region for centuries. Did the Pashtuns just form out of thin air in the mountains? Or perhaps they have lived in that region for millennia and have been active participants in our countries rich history. The Taliban are not a bunch of outsiders who claimed this land. They are the progeny of centuries of Afghan patriots who have defended the land from from invaders and usurpers.
The area may be more accurately represented by the historical region of Sistan, known to the Arabs as Sijistan. The name "Sistan" is derived from Sakastan, meaning the seat of the Sakas (Scythians).
Greater Sistan historically encompassed not just Arachosia, as detailed in your article, but also included the region of Zaranj and the Helmand Valley. Notably, the Helmand Valley held a particular sanctity within the Avestan religious tradition, regarded with reverence in its pantheon.
Also, I do appreciate your thoughtful inclusion of both Hinduism and the cult of Zhuna. In that spirit, allow me to humbly share an article that may be of further interest —
https://substack.com/@aharpati/note/c-69246739?r=liju9
“But the shift didn’t happen overnight. Islam didn’t sweep through like a firestorm. It crept in through trade, treaties, and the subtle power of language and law. By the 9th century, under the Saffarids, Islam had become the dominant force, but Zoroastrian shrines and Buddhist relics didn’t disappear entirely — they simply faded into the margins of memory.”
What absolute propaganda. The Islamic invasions of Afghanistan were nothing short of barbaric and iconoclastic.
May you be able to take few more baby steps inside through my posts.