Tajik (塔吉克族)

Geography of Tajik (塔吉克族)

For generations, Tajik people have lived in what is now Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, founded in 1954 in Xinjiang province. In this area lies the second highest mountain in the world, Mount Qogir, along with several other peaks up to around 6,000 metres above sea level.

• Population: 41,028
• Distribution:  Xinjiang
• Language: Tajik
• Religion: Islam

Language of Tajik (塔吉克族)

They have their own language, but many Tajiks also speak both Kirgiz and Uyghur due to frequent contact with these two groups; they generally use the Uyghur written script.

History of Tajik (塔吉克族)

The Tajiks’ history can be traced back to the tribes who settled in the Pamirs over 2,000 years ago. They were known as Tajiks from the eleventh century, and these were the ancestors of the present day Tajik people. Tsarist Russia took advantage in the 1700s of the turmoil in Xinjiang to occupy Ili and a deal was made between Britain and Russia to capture Puli and dismember the Pamirs. However, the Tajiks successfully defended their border and herdsmen moved south, guarding the borders there, living on reclaimed land while practising animal husbandry.

Traditions of Tajik (塔吉克族)

Farming and animal husbandry have been traditional ways of life for centuries; peas, wheat, highland barley and other cold-resistant crops are sown in spring.In early summer, herds are put to graze; in autumn, they return to harvest crops; and in winter, they stay at home.

It is taboo for Tajiks to eat pork and any animal which has died naturally. Their houses are flat-roofed and square, built with stone and wood. Low rooms protect the structures from snowstorms; adobe beds are built along the walls. Mud huts and tents are used by herdsmen when they graze their animals in the mountains.

Generally, three generations live together and the man is head of the family. Women, who live under the strict control of husbands and fathers-in-law, cannot inherit property. Any marriages with other ethnic groups were limited to those with Kirgiz and Uyghur people, though intermarrying was not common; all marriages were arranged by parents; apart from siblings, any other relationships were free to marry and marriages between cousins were common.

At the birth of a boy, three shots are fired or three cheers shouted; for a girl, a broom is placed under her pillow to pray for her to become a good housewife. Friends and relatives will visit the new baby, who they spray with flour as an expression of good wishes.

Culture of Tajik (塔吉克族)

Etiquette is very important to the Tajiks; men will pat each other’s beards, juniors must greet seniors, strangers will put their thumbs together and ask, ‘Can I help you?’ Other traditions include guests not riding through the hosts’ herds on horseback, getting near the sheep pens or indeed kicking the sheep. Unless the subject is serious, it is extremely rude to remove your hat when talking to someone.

Tajik Spring Festival falls in March, when every family will clean their home and paint good-luck patterns on the walls for the New Year. The end of a year is marked by the start of the Fasting Month, when there is a roll call with everyone holding torches covered in butter. They also celebrate the Islamic Corban Festival.

Prior to 1949, herdsmen were exploited by feudal landlords and rich herd owners. ‘Gang farming’ was another method of oppression and taxes were high.

Modern Times of Tajik (塔吉克族)

Since 1959, the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County has been self-sufficient and new pastures and grassland have been added. Factories and workshops have sprung up, animal husbandry has become mechanised, veterinary training has been provided and a roadway has been built. In addition, a bookshop, schools, a hospital, a bank and more have contributed to the growth of the local economy.