Conflicts within the villages are traditionally resolved by a consensus of the leading men. One very influential person is the Sayyid , an Islamic authority who uses his sacred qualities to serve the religious needs of the community. Formal education of one to two years is provided for boys only. Teachings are centered around Islam. Memorizing poetry is a common mode of instruction.
Recreation consists of storytelling, wrestling, and a game similar to baseball.
A favorite sport, similar to polo, involves carrying a goat carcass by competing horsemen to a goal a couple of miles away. Strong feelings prevail between the two sects, each one often denying they have any ethnic affinity with the other at all. The health of the Hazara is perhaps the worst of any in Afghanistan. Lack of personal cleanliness is common in the yurts. Eye trouble is frequent among travelers who encounter mountain dust storms and for those living in the smoky village houses.