By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest
Growing up as a descendant of the Safavid dynasty and reflecting on my multifaceted journey—from a former Muslim leader and socialist to a devoted Christian conservative—I have come to appreciate the complex layers of history and the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities. Among these is the Hazara people, whose history is marked by perseverance amid relentless persecution.
The Hazara, a primarily Shia Muslim ethnic group in Afghanistan, have long been the target of systematic violence. Their distinctive Central Asian features and religious practices set them apart, making them a scapegoat in a nation fragmented by tribal and sectarian divisions. As an Iranian-American with royal lineage, I see echoes of my ancestors’ trials and triumphs in the Hazaras’ story—a people whose suffering and resilience bear lessons for us all.
Historical Roots of Discrimination
The roots of Hazara persecution trace back centuries. After the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, the Hazara established themselves in the mountainous regions of central Afghanistan, now known as the Hazarajat. Despite forming a significant portion of Afghanistan’s population, they were often viewed as outsiders, both culturally and religiously. The rise of the Pashtun-dominated emirate in the late 19th century under Abdur Rahman Khan marked the beginning of state-sanctioned campaigns against them. Thousands were killed or enslaved, their lands seized, and their cultural identity suppressed.
Modern Incarnations of Genocide
In more recent times, the Hazara have faced persecution from both the Taliban and extremist Sunni factions, who view their Shia faith as heretical. The Taliban’s return to power in 1996 unleashed another wave of targeted violence. In Mazar-i-Sharif, for instance, thousands of Hazara men, women, and children were slaughtered in what can only be described as ethnic cleansing. This pattern of targeted massacres continued well into the 21st century, with attacks on Hazara schools, mosques, and public gatherings.
The Global Response: Indifference and Complicity
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of the Hazara genocide is the lack of significant global attention. While major powers debate policy and strategy in Afghanistan, the plight of the Hazara remains a footnote. This neglect reflects a broader issue within international politics: a tendency to overlook smaller, less strategically “useful” groups, even when they face existential threats. Such indifference allows perpetrators to continue their atrocities with impunity, leaving the Hazaras to fend for themselves.
Why This Matters to All of Us
The Hazara genocide is not just a tragedy for one ethnic group—it is a litmus test for humanity’s commitment to justice. Ignoring the plight of a people because they are small, different, or inconvenient sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that the world’s moral conscience can be selective, prioritizing some lives over others based on arbitrary geopolitical calculations. For those of us who believe in the intrinsic value of every human life, raising awareness and advocating for the Hazaras is a moral imperative.
As someone who has walked diverse spiritual and ideological paths, I now view these issues through the lens of Christian compassion and justice. The teachings of Christ compel us to speak for the voiceless, to confront evil wherever it manifests, and to ensure that no community is abandoned to the forces of oppression. The Hazaras’ plight challenges us to act—not out of charity, but out of a recognition that their humanity is inseparably linked to our own.
Citations:
- Mousavi, S. A. (1998). The Hazaras of Afghanistan: An Historical, Cultural, Economic, and Political Study. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Human Rights Watch (2001). “Massacres of Hazaras in Afghanistan.” https://www.hrw.org/reports/2001/afghanistan/
- Ibrahimi, N. (2012). The Hazaras and the Afghan State: Rebellion, Exclusion and the Struggle for Recognition. Hurst & Company.
- BBC News. (2018). “Afghanistan’s Hazaras: The Persecution of a People.” https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45550617
- Amnesty International (2021). “Afghanistan: The Tragedy of the Hazaras.” https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa11/2021/
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