Tajik people

**Tajiks** () are an Iranic ethnic group who are mostly found in Tajikistan, parts of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and China. Alternative names for the Tajiks are Eastern Persian, Dehqan, and Farsiwan. After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, many Tajik refugees migrated to live in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Most Tajiks are Sunni Muslims, but a few in remote mountain areas follow Ismailism.

The name *Tajik* refers to the traditionally  people who speak a form of Persian language called *Tajiki* in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, *Madaklashti* in Pakistan and *Dari* in Afghanistan.

It is generally accepted that the origin of the word *Tajik* is Middle Persian *Tāzīk* "Arab" (New Persian: *Tazi*), or an Iranian (Sogdian or Parthian)  word. Some Turks of Central Asia adopted a variant of this word, *Täžik*, to designate the Persian Muslims in the Oxus basin and Khorasan, who were the Turks' rivals. 

Historians believe that the Tajiks may be connected to ancient Aryans who lived in the region for thousands of years. They were the heirs and transmitters of the Central Asian sedentary culture that diffused in prehistoric times from the Iranian plateau into an area extending roughly from the Caspian Sea to the borders of China. The Aryans constituted the core of the ancient population of Khwarezm, Sogdiana and Bactria, which formed part of Transoxania. They were included in the empires of Persia and Alexander the Great, and they mixed with later invaders like the Mauryans, Kushans and Hepthalites. Over the course of time, the language that was used by these ancient people eventually gave way to Farsi, a western dialect now officially spoken in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In the 13th century, Genghis Khan and his Mongol army settled in many of the popular Persian cities after wiping out the Persian population. These Mongols later adopted the Persian language and the religion of Islam, the Persian-speaking Hazaras claiming partial descent from them. Tajiks usually reject a Mongol or Turkic origin and claim to be descended from the ancient Iranians of Central Asia. However, historically, there has been heavy intermixing between the nomadic Turkic-speaking Central Asians and the settled Persian-speaking Central Asians.

## Culture 
Tajik culture is closely related to Persian culture because Tajiks speak a variety of the Persian language and share many historical traditions with Iran and Afghanistan. Their culture has developed in Central Asia over many centuries and has been influenced by Persian, Islamic, and Central Asian traditions. 

Family is very important in Tajik society. Many Tajiks live in close family communities where respect for elders and hospitality are important social values. Guests are often welcomed with tea and traditional foods. Hospitality is considered an important cultural tradition throughout Tajik communities.

Traditional Tajik food includes dishes such as **osh (also called plov)**, a rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, and spices. Bread called **non** is also a staple food and is usually baked in traditional clay ovens. Other common foods include soups, noodles, and meat dishes that are shared during family meals and celebrations.

Music and poetry are also important parts of Tajik culture. Tajiks have a long literary tradition connected to classical Persian poetry. The famous poet **Rudaki**, who lived in the 9th and 10th centuries, was born in the region that is now Tajikistan and is considered an important figure in Tajik literature.

One of the most important holidays celebrated by Tajiks is **Nowruz**, the Persian New Year. It is celebrated on the first day of spring and symbolizes renewal and new beginnings. During Nowruz, families gather together, prepare traditional foods, and celebrate with music, dancing, and community events.

## Related pages 
* Persian people
* Hazara people

## References 
* From the Alleyways of Samarkand to the Mediterranean Coast (The Evolution of the World of Child and Adolescent Literature,Tajikistan, Poopak Niktalab , printed 2019 , Faradid Publishing

* TAJIK i. THE ETHNONYM: ORIGINS AND APPLICATION, Encyclopædia Iranica, Last Updated: July 20, 2009, www.iranica.com