| · Population : Estimates are from 100,000 to 300,000
The most inaccessible of Afghan provinces, Nuristan forms the backbone of the Hindu Kush mountain range in north-east Afghanistan. 5,500m snow-capped mountain peaks are linked by deep valleys where stone, mud and wood houses compete for space on the mountain slopes. Nuristan (formerly Kafirstan) was the the setting of the book and film “The Man Who Would Be King.”
The difficulty with accessing the area and the long-time enmity with the neighbouring Pashtun tribes has continued the isolation of the Nuristani peoples and to date it remains almost completely undeveloped. There is no health care, very few functional schools and in many parts no vehicular access. Many villages are completely snowed in during the winter months.
Call for Help Unanswered
In 1865, two new Pashtun believers risked their lives to go up to this area to take the gospel of peace to the Nuristanis, who at the time represented a lone island of animism in the seemingly unbroken sea of Central Asian Islam. Their message was greeted with enthusiasm and the Nuristanis extended a further invitation to teachers of the good news to return and share more. Tragically, no one managed to return. 30 years later, possibly using information given by the British, the Amir of Kabul invaded Nuristan, converting the people to Islam at the point of a sword. The “land of the “kafirs” (unbelievers), as it was known, was renamed the “land of heavenly light”.
In 2007, the area is still in dire need. Food production is insufficient, life-expectancy is low and the maternal mortality rate is amongst the highest in the world. Eastern Nuristan, a hiding place for the Taliban and al-Qaeda, is subject to frequent attacks, both on locals and on foreigners seeking to work there. Other areas are divided by distrust, blood-feuding, unforgiveness, banditry and the fear of spirits. Seemingly, the god of war extensively worshipped in pre-Islamic times, still has great sway over the valleys. Nevertheless, these people were never forgotten by our God of love who has undoubtedly planned great things for the Nuristanis (Isaiah 9:2). He who has promised is faithful!
New Vision for Nuristan
For more than 20 years, a desire to reach out to Nuristan has been growing. There is a vision to see whole feuding communities transformed by the power of God’s message of grace, love and forgiveness. Practical development projects are in great need. Problems of accessibility have frequently impeded attempts of outsiders to visit the area but there is a sense that God’s time is coming for the Nuristanis. The challenge is great, but our God is much greater.
Flag of Afghanistan
Map of Afghanistan
Please pray for:
* Access for workers; the gospel of forgiveness to come and radically impact feuding communities
* Contacts with people of peace and honor who can open doors for the Good News (Mt. 10:11)
* More workers, especially medical personnel, willing to serve in a tough place
* Dreams and visions of Jesus to prepare the Nuristanis for his message
* Understanding, wisdom and protection for workers as they plan to take hope to the mountains
* Names of the major tribes among the Nuristani :
Vasi, Kata, SaNu, Ashku, GramsaNa, Tregami, Kalasha, Dungullo, Kom, Kshto-Dungulio, Mumo (One could site each tribe in prayer before the Lord).
Background Information on AFGHANISTAN is Here →
Gospel Recording: 5 Audio Gospel recordings available for Nuristan, Afghanistan:
Ashkuni | Kamviri | Kantwai | Paruni | Waygali
I find it absolutely fascinating that of the people of Nuristan, particularly of the Nysa group, are descended from Greeks who moved there before the time of Alexander the Great. According to “Greeks in India,” the Nysa had a Greek-style republic, although with aristocratic rulers rather than the democracy common today. They apparently were excellent winemakers until recently. At least until the 1960s, in Pakistan there were a group of people near Chitral who practiced animism. I doubt that is still the case but I could be wrong. The Greek ancestry might help explain the appearance of the Afghans with fair skin. I think the diversity even in the strictest regions in the world shows that there should be tolerance, particularly toward those of differing faiths. There is a history of religious tolerance in this area if you go back far enough.
Scott while one can appreciate your fascination with Nuristan you have no clue what you are talking about. If you want to know more about Nuristan visit Dr. Richard Strands Nuristan Site on the Web for he is the World’s most knowledgeable person on Nuristan more so than the Nuristanis themselves. His knowledge on the peoples of Nuristan, their language, their culture, and their history are unsurpassed.
There is still an enclave of the former Nuristani peoples in Chitral and they still practice a mixture of animism/Hinduism. In Barg-e Matal they still make wine but they keep the fact hidden as it would mean their death with some in the Islamic faith. In Wama they still have ancient Greek looking vats where their ancestors use to stomp the grapes to make into wine.
As for as tolerance goes, you have no clue, the Nuristani peoples prior to their conversion in 1895 would take Muslim heads and put them on a wall erected in the area which is now called Kaligush. This was done as a deterrent to any Muslims who might think about trying to move north into their area. When they were betrayed in 1895 by a fifth columnist they were conquered and forced to convert to Islam by the sword so much for tolerance on either side.
The ancestors of the Nuristani peoples in Chitral are allowed to stay animist at a price. Their women (not all) are used by the Muslim men in the southern parts of the North -Western territory of Pakistan as prostitutes.
You speak of tolerance go ask any Christian in the Middle East if he believes the Muslims are tolerant. You know not of what you speak.
Are you kidding me, most Afghans are not thankful, only thugs you put in power are thankful. And as an Afghan I want American military to be out of my country and God willing Afghanistan will be America’s last adventure. Even a recent report by your own military says that most in East and South of Afghainstan want Taliban more then American military that is 23 million people. Your is an example of typical american exceptionalism; “How can people not wants us, we are number one, blah blah blah” Let me tell you, people not only don’t want you they hate your culture, your way of living, its expensive on every human level to a degree that you aught not to be considered human. You waste, you have no honor, you have no restraint, you have no family and your religion and God is limited to one day in church at best. So please keep your every thing to your self, we don’t want these negative moderanization, your stealth abuse of humanity and aminals, your destruction of environment and your a mass every thing.
Taliban have Christ, they believe in him and rest of the messnegers of God, unlike you Christian who believe in Paul the Liar and his religion. On the day of Judgement Jesus Christ will refuse you send you back, beucase you are hire of Paul not Jesus (PBUH). Muslims are the true hire of Christ and his teachings!
Sir
I use to read this webside articles and found about the “Kom Tribe” Muslim in Nuristan ,Afghnasthan. Could you please write some more articles about the “Kom Tribes”. Because I too belongs to Kom tribe of India and want to Know more about the Kom tribes in Nuristan ,Afghnasthan.
Thanking You