Alakozai

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Alakozai (

Pashto) is a Pashtun tribe in Afghanistan. They are one of the four tribes of the Zirak tribal confederacy of Durrani Pashtuns.[1][2]

Variations

Spelling variations include Alakozi, Alakoozi, Alekozai, Alekuzei, Alikozai, Alokozay, Alkozai, Alokzai, Hulakozai, Alecozay, Alikusi, and Alakuzei.

History

Predigree of King Dost Mohammad Khan of Afghanistan, whose stepmother was an Alakozai. The figure shows the branching of the Abdal dynasty into the Popal (founder of the Popalzai; in figure spelled 'Fofal'), Barak (founder of the alikzai), and Alako (founder of the Alakozai) line (the fourth branch, Achakzai, is missing).

Their eponymous ancestor is claimed to be Alako, son of King Zirak Khan, son of Abdal, son of Tareen.[3]

Distribution

The Alakozai people are found primarily in

Arghandab District of Kandahar.[5] The Arghandab district was given to the Alakozai tribe by King Nadir Shah, who brought down the Safavid empire of Persia with the help of the Alakozai in 1738.[6] Arghandab was referred to by the Greek historians as Arakozia, or the "Land of Arako/Alako".[7][8]

Notable individuals

See also

References

External links