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CULTURE
THE HIGH-MOUNTAIN communities of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region are culturally rich and diverse . The people who live there have adapted to different empires and influences over the centuries yet are proud to have maintained their beliefs and traditions .
One of these populations , the Pamiri people , live in the Badakhshan region that spans Afghanistan and Tajikistan . The Pamiris are known for their hospitality and love of tradition . Classic Pamiri clothing consists of dresses and other attire bursting with bright colors , especially red , and heavy use of patterns and embroidery . These outfits are often accompanied by tokis ( skullcaps ), beaded jewelry , and colorful patterned wool socks .
The Baltis are an ethnic group of Tibetan descent . They live in the Karakoram mountains of northern Pakistan , in the narrow , fertile valleys formed by the tributaries of the Indus River . While not nomadic , they graze their livestock from one mountain pasture to another with the changing of the seasons . The Balti wear traditional wool clothing to keep them warm in the frigid alpine region where they live . Women usually wear black while men wear white . Both men and women wear skullcaps embroidered with flowers , berries , or leaves .
The Wakhi predominantly live in the Wakhan Corridor , the narrow strip of Afghanistan that lies snuggled between three major mountain ranges . Known to be peaceful , welcoming , and honest , the Wakhi are mostly nomadic and often have two homes , one for the winter and one for the summer . The men are responsible for farming and weaving wool , whereas the women look after the home and cattle . They love traditional music made with daf frame drums , flutes , and rababs . They also wear distinct wool headwear and use the colors of their clothing to indicate emotion .
Photo by Sa ' adia Khan
Photo by Ellen Jaskol
RELIGION AND BELIEFS
LIKE MUCH OF CENTRAL ASIA , the mountain communities of the Pamir and Hindu Kush regions practice Islam . Many of them adhere to a lesser-known branch of Shi ’ a Islam , known as Ismailism . They believe that Muhammad was the last prophet of God and that the Holy Qur ’ an , God ’ s final revelation to mankind , was revealed through him . Although they believe that the Prophet Muhammad was the last of the prophets , they feel that spiritual and moral guidance is provided by his descendants . This guidance is embodied in the Aga Khan , their spiritual leader . The current Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam ( leader ), and Ismailis believe he is a direct descendant of Muhammad . Ismailis express their values and traditions with a commitment to search for knowledge to better oneself and society , to build bridges of peace and understanding , and to share one ’ s time and talents .
These mountain-dwelling people live in some of the most remote and extreme conditions in the world , yet they boast a unique and beautiful mix of cultures . While each ethnic population has distinct traits , tongues , and traditions , they are unified in their place on the “ Roof of the World .” Central Asia Institute is honored to work in this part of the world and serve these magnificent people .
18 | JOURNEY OF HOPE CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE