Gorno-Badakhshan
38°0′N 73°0′E / 38.000°N 73.000°E
Gorno-Badakhshan | |
---|---|
Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region | |
Name transcription(s) | |
• Tajik | Вилояти Мухтори Кӯҳистони Бадахшон |
• Russian | Горно-Бадахшанская автономная область |
Country | Tajikistan |
Capital | Khorog |
Government | |
• Chairman | Alisher Khudoyberdi |
Area | |
• Total | 64,200 km2 (24,800 sq mi) |
Population (2019) | |
• Total | 226,900 |
• Density | 3.5/km2 (9.2/sq mi) |
ISO 3166 code | TJ-GB |
HDI (2017) | 0.671[1] medium |
Gorno-Badakhshan,[n 1] officially the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region,[n 2] is an autonomous region in eastern Tajikistan, in the Pamir Mountains. It makes up nearly forty-five percent of the country's land area but only two percent of its population.[3]
Name
The official English name of the autonomous region is the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region.
History
Borders and political authority in the Western Pamir had always been contested by imperial powers. Between the 17th and 19th century, several semi-self governing statelets, including Darwaz, Shughnun-Rushan and Wakhan, ruled over the territories that are today a part of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan and Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan. In the late 19th century, the emirates of Kokand and then Bukhara held political authority over the region until the Western Pamir was colonized by Russia, completed in 1896.[8] Although Russia and the British empire in 1896 denominated their shared border through the Pamir, which resulted in the creation of the Wakhan corridor, other regional powers like China and Afghanistan, but also the ruling elites of Badakhshan, Bukhara, Kashgaria and Kashmir equally worked for expending their influence in the Pamir.[9] So, the Sarykol range has been demarked de facto as Eastern border in 1894 between the Qing empire and the Russian empire.[10] This imperial history still has relevance nowadays as it determined contemporary southeastern borders of the present-day autonomous region.
Soviet Union
The Tajikistani Badakhshan as distinctive polity with its contemporary Western borders and the Russian designation GBAO was created as autonomous republic in 1925.[11] Later in 1929, this was changed to autonomous oblast, of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic (Tajik SSR). The Soviet Orientalists' obsession with categorization of peoples led to the fixation of among others the identity category of Pamiris, or 'Mountain Tajiks' in the Soviet ethnogenesis.[12] During the Soviet Union years, a lot of resources had been allocated to Gorno Badakhshan as borderland of the Soviet Union, for instance through privileged access to higher education and the construction of infrastructure like the Pamir highway in 1935, which is still remembered nowadays as a time of modernity.[13] Therefore, people from the Pamirs used to have facilitated upwards mobility and access to political offices in the Tajik SSR. In scholarly discourse, this is regarded as a measure to safeguard loyalty to state socialism of the subjects at the strategically important Soviet 'frontier'.[14][15]
Since Independence
When the Tajikistani Civil War broke out in 1992, the local government in Gorno-Badakhshan declared independence from Tajikistan. Many politically active Pamiris later joined the democratic political movement La’al-e Badakhshan during the Tajik Civil war, which demanded autonomy and democratic rule for the region.[16] Regionalism was an important structuring factor in the Tajik Civil war, so that the Ismaili identity became a key marker of mobilization.[17] La'al-e Badakhsan joined the United Tajik Opposition in 1997.[18] Because of that, they were subsequently targeted by the popular front, which constituted the later government and then excluded from the political sphere of independent Tajikistan.[19][20][21] The Gorno-Badakhshan government later backed down from its calls for independence.[22][23]
After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the Ismaili development organization AKDN delivered supplies to Gorno-Badakhshan from Kyrgyzstan, which prevented the starvation of the population during the civil war.[24] While the AKDN itself frames this engagement as temporary measure, many of the inhabitants demand a permanent presence of humanitarian aid. Many see it as continuation from the provisioning of goods during the Soviet times.[25] This shared experience of Soviet and Ismaili development aid together with the neglect and crackdown by the Tajik state led to people perceiving themselves as Pamiri rather than Tajik.[26]
In 2011, Tajikistan ratified a 1999 treaty to cede 1,000 km2 (390 sq mi) of land in the Pamir Mountains to the
21st century civil unrest
A number of violent clashes and demonstrations have occurred in the region since the end of the civil war, with major incidences of civil unrest in 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021, and 2022.
In May 2022, Tajik government forces killed 40 civilians protesting against the torture and murdering of the youth representative Gulbiddin Ziyobekov.[36][37] The Tajik interior ministry stated that the protestors attempted to "destabilise the social and political situation" in the region.[38] Many of the protestors, but also journalists and human rights activists were detained in the subsequent cover-up.[39][40] Additionally, the government seized properties and kidnapped even oppositional Pamiris abroad.[34] Some human rights activists describe the situation as 'ethnic cleansing'.[41][42] Genocide watch is stressing the polarization and the persecution of Pamiris through the government.[43]
Districts and geography
Darvoz District is the western "beak" of the province. West-central Gorno-Badakhshan is mostly a series of east–west mountain ranges separated by valleys of rivers that flow into the Panj. The districts correspond to the river valleys. Murghob District occupies the eastern half of the province and is mostly a desolate plateau with high mountains on the west.
The districts of Gorno-Badakhshan are:
- Darvoz District (westernmost, north)
- Vanj District (west, north)
- Rushon District (west, center)
- Shughnon District (west, center)
- Roshtqal'a District (west, south)
- Ishkoshim District (west, southernmost)
- Murghob District (eastern two-thirds)
Gorno-Badakhshan covers the entire eastern part of Tajikistan and borders China's
Demographics
Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1979 | 126,783 | — | ||
1989 | 160,860 | +2.41% | ||
1999 | 206,004 | +2.50% | ||
2010 | 205,949 | −0.00% | ||
2020 | 228,900 | +1.06% | ||
| ||||
Source: Citypopulation[44] |
The population living in Gorno-Badakhshan as of 2019 is estimated at 226,900. The largest city in Gorno-Badakhshan is Khorog, with a population of 30,300 (2019 est.);[3] Murghob is the second largest, with about 4,000 residents.
According to the State Statistical Committee of Tajikistan, most inhabitants of Gorno-Badakhshan identify as
Most people living in the Pamir are multilingual, as different languages are used in different situations.
The majority religion in Gorno-Badakhshan is
The Pamiris are increasingly being marginalilzed in linguistic and religious terms, as they deviate from the vision for nationhood of the Tajik state.[50] In 2009 the year of I'mam Hanafi Islam was celebrated, but a majority of Pamiris are followers of Ismaili Shia Islam. Subsequently, religious institutions had to be reregistered leaving all institution ousted not fitting the state's religious beliefs.[51] The 2010 law on language requires all documents to be made in Tajik.[52] This creates difficulties for the many inhabitants of Gorno Badakhshan who do not speak Tajik to access state services.[45] Facing this marginalization Pamiris express their distinctive identity against western Tajiks along secterian lines, even though there is considerable difference in ethnicity, religion and language amongst themselves.[53]
Government
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2022) |
Soviet era
The First Secretary of the Gorno–Badakhshan Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Tajikistan was the highest position in the region during the Soviet era.
List of first secretaries
Name | Term start | Term end |
---|---|---|
[data missing] | 1925 | 1928 |
Konstantin Moiseyenko | 1928 | 1930 |
Abdul Zennatshayev | 1930 | 1934 |
[data missing] | 1934 | 1939 |
Andrey Kuznetsov | 1939 | 1941 |
Nikolay Rogatkin | 1941 | 1945 |
Kurbonsho Gadoliyev | 1945 | 1949 |
Ismail Burkhanov | 1950? | 1951 |
Rakhimbobo Tursunov | 1951 | 1956 |
Nadzhmiddin Abdullayev | 1956 | 1961 |
Grizi Dzhavov | 1961 | 1963 |
Moyensho Nazarshoyev | July 1963 | April 1970 |
Khushkadam Davlyatkadamov | April 1970 | 1978 |
Aloviddin Babayev | 1978 | 1982 |
Mukhitdin Zairov | June 1982 | 11 April 1987 |
Soibnazar Beknazarov | 11 April 1987 | August 1991 |
Since independence
The chairman of the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region is the head of the regional government. They are appointed by the president of Tajikistan.
List of chairmen
Name | Term start | Term end |
---|---|---|
Alimamad Niyozmamadov | December 1994 | 25 November 2006 |
Kadyr Kasim[n 3] | 25 November 2006 | 19 November 2013 |
Shodikhon Jamshedov | 19 November 2013 | 2018 |
Yodgor Fayzov | 2018 | 5 November 2021 |
Alisher Khudoyberdi | 5 November 2021 | incumbent |
Transport
During the 20th century, the Soviet modernity project to establish roads connections in the Pamir led to the communities becoming part of a transit district between Osh, Khorog and Dushanbe.
Even though connectivity is promoted in Gorno-Badakhshan, as the "Golden gate of Tajikistan" local traders largely do not profit from the rise of trade. Instead logistic companies and elites from Dushanbe dominate the long-distance trade, as the Pamiris are increasingly excluded from central posts and have to obtain visas from Dushanbe to travel to China, which is very costly.[46] In June 2022, after local protesters blocking the road were imprisoned, some even killed, a Chinese company started the modernization of a Pamir highway section at the cost of US$200 million.[56]
Energy
In 2019, the European Union and Germany, in coordination with Tajikistan, committed 37 million euros to finance the construction of an 11 MW run-of-the-river hydro power plant along the Shokhdara river. The project is intended to also supply energy to Badakhshan, Afghanistan.[57]
Sports
Khorog is the highest location where bandy has been played.[58]
Notable individuals
- Qimmatgul Aliberdiyeva
- Savsan Bandishoeva
- Nobovar Chanorov
- Nazarsho Dodkhudoev
- Akbarsho Iskandrov
- Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov
- Davlat Khudonazarov
- Mirsaid Mirshakar
- Muboraksho Mirzoshoyev
- Qozidavlat Qoimdodov
- Nuqra Rahmatova
- Shodi Shabdolov
- Sabzajon Shoismoilova
- Shirinsho Shotemur
- Khudoyor Yusufbekov
- Gurminj Zavkibekov
- Muhammadboqir Muhammadboqirov
- Tolibbek Ayyombekov
See also
Notes
References
- ^ "Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Definition of 'Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region'". Collins English Dictionary. HarperCollins. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
- ^ a b Population of the Republic of Tajikistan as of 1 January 2008, State Statistical Committee, Dushanbe, 2008 (in Russian)
- ^ "Constitution (Basic Law) of the Republic of Tajikistan, Article 7".
Tajikistan shall consist of the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region, regions, towns, districts, settlements, and villages.
- ^ "Tajikistan–China state boundary". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
The Republic of Tajikistan in the east borders with the People's Republic of China. ... It goes through the highlands along the Pamir mountain range in the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region.
- ^ W. Eilers, "BADAḴŠĀN iii. The name Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine", Encyclopædia Iranica, 15 December 1988.
- ^ "Tajikistan: UN experts sound alarm about tensions in GBAO, urge protection of Pamiri minority". OHCHR. 20 April 2022.
- ^ , retrieved 7 May 2023
- ISBN 978-0-19-027772-7, retrieved 24 April 2023
- , retrieved 10 May 2023
- ^ S2CID 217200350.
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{{cite book}}
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- ^ "Political background situation Gorno-Badakhshan". archive.hrw.org. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ "Pamiris". Minority Rights Group. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ Suhrobsho Davlatshoev (2006). "The Formation and Consolidation of Pamiri Ethnic Identity in Tajikistan. Dissertation" (PDF). School of Social Sciences of Middle East Technical University, Turkey (M.S. thesis). Retrieved 25 August 2006.
- ^ "Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) :: Regions of Tajikistan". OrexCA.com. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- OCLC 1005971039.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link - OCLC 1005971039.)
{{cite book}}
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{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link - ^ "Tajikistan cedes land to China". BBC News. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
- ^ 董丛林. 中国近代史课程教案. Hebei Normal University (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 6 August 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
- ^ Horton, Chris (8 July 2019). "Taiwan's Status Is a Geopolitical Absurdity". The Atlantic.
- S2CID 221059356.
- ^ Roof-top Info (2022). "What is happening in Tajikistan? Background information on the situation in Khorugh" (PDF). Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "Tajikistan clashes: 'Many dead' in Gorno-Badakhshan". BBC News. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ "What Are the Causes of Protests in Gorno-Badakhshan?". CABAR.asia. 18 February 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ a b "The assassination that shook the Pamir Mountains to the core". openDemocracy. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ "Peace agreement broken in Tajikistan". CNN. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "Tajikistan: UN expert fears crackdown against Pamiri minority could spiral out of control". OHCHR. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ "Tajikistan: UN experts sound alarm about tensions in GBAO, urge protection of Pamiri minority". OHCHR. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "Nine killed in clash in eastern Tajikistan". Reuters. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ^ "Tajikistan: Free Autonomous Region Rights Defender". Human Rights Watch. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "Tajikistan: Autonomous Region Protesters Denied Fair Trials". Human Rights Watch. 23 August 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ Novastan (27 November 2022). "Tajikistan: "ethnic cleansing" and repression in the Tajik Pamirs". Novastan English. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ Baxley, Mia (31 October 2022). "Tajikistan Country Report". genocidewatch. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ "Tajikistan: Provinces". www.citypopulation.de.
- ^ OCLC 1005971039.)
{{cite book}}
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{{cite book}}
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{{cite book}}
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- ^ "The State Language Day marked in Tajikistan today | Tajikistan News ASIA-Plus". asiaplustj.info. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- OCLC 1005971039.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link - OCLC 1005971039.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link - OCLC 1005971039.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link - ^ "Tajikistan: China attaches strings to $204m highway grant". eurasianet. 18 June 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ "EU Commits 20 Million Euros for HPP Construction in Tajikistan". Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan. 6 December 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
- ^ Опубликован календарь матчей турнира по хоккею с мячом Азиады-2011 (in Russian)
Further reading
- Hoeck, Tobias; Droux, Roman; Breu, Thomas; Hurni, Hans; Maselli, Daniel (2007). "Rural energy consumption and .
- Robinson, Sarah; Guenther, Tanya (2007). "Rural Livelihoods in Three Mountainous Regions of Tajikistan". Post-Communist Economies. 19 (3): 359–378. S2CID 154395365.
- Robinson, Sarah; Whitton, Mark; Biber-Klemm, Susette; Muzofirshoev, Nodaleb (2010). "The Impact of Land-Reform Legislation on Pasture Tenure in Gorno-Badakhshan: From Common Resource to Private Property?". Mountain Research and Development. 30 (1): 4–13. .