Afghanistan’s Turkmen are a nomadic people who practice Sunni Islam, the most common religious denomination in Afghanistan.  As Afghanistan is landlocked, the Turkmen there are largely farmers and herders who raise livestock for income.[1]  They are credited with bringing Karakul sheep to Afghanistan, and this stock facilitates a large Persian lamb export business.  Many Turkmen are also involved in Persian rug weaving and the crafting of expensive jewelry. [2]

The Turkmen language is spoken by some 11 percent of the Afghan population. [3]

Turkmen tribes are patriarchal in nature, with the oldest individuals having the utmost authority. [4]

In 2002, a council was formed by the Turkmen to help rebuild Afghanistan.  In keeping with the group’s nonaligned stance during the tumultuous 1980s and 90s, the council designated the Turkmen a neutral party.[5]

Demography

Turkmen are considered to be one of Afghanistan’s main ethnic groups;[6] there are twelve major Turkmen tribal groups in the country. [7]

According to CIA estimates for 2007, 3 percent of the Afghan population was Turkmen that year, meaning that the group numbered somewhere in the vicinity of 956,000.[8]  In 1996, according to the Library of Congress, this figure was closer to 700,000. [9]  Still, another source says that in 1995, there were just 500,000.[10]

Geographic Distribution

Turkmen can be found in the northeastern provinces of Fariab and Badghis, with smaller numbers in Herat and the town of Andkhoi.[11]

The first Turkmen groups to arrive in Afghanistan migrated from east of the Caspian Sea.  The largest migration is said to have been caused by Russia’s encroachment into Turkmenistan.  In 1920, another small wave of Turkmen journeyed to Afghanistan following the failed Basmachi revolts against the Bolsheviks. [12]

Historic Hardship

Turkmen have had a positive impact on the Afghan economy and it doesn’t seem that the group has been singled out for mistreatment because of their ethnicity.  Of note is the fact that Turkmen-made jewelry and Persian rugs are traded internationally, and are a source of acclaim for the Turkmen people. 

Ongoing Hardship

During the campaign to oust of the Taliban in 2001, the Turkmen had little political leverage due to their choice to remain neutral during times of conflict.[13]  However, as previously mentioned, because of their desire to help rebuild Afghanistan, a council was formed to emphasize their solidarity, and also bring a greater voice to the group.  

One of the Turkmen’s most notable concerns is having the chance to study in their native toungue.  (Currently Turkmen must study in Dari, the official language of Afghanistan.) Turkmen cite this as a “barrier to full social engagement.”[14]  

---