Nuristan is not converted

I find it very astounding, that Afghanistan´s todays Nuristan province (former Kafirstan) hadn´t been converted until 1896, when it was converted forcefully by war after a long history of resisting. During the 20th century and after it, the Nuristani (given that name (al-Nuri=light)became very devoted to their new religion (Especially during the Soviet-Afghan war back in the 80es´) .What if their pre-Islam religion survived ?
 
Last edited:
I find it very astounding, that Afghanistan´s todays Nuristan province hadn´t been converted until 1896, when it was converted forcefully by war after a long history of resisting. During the 20th century and after it, the Nuristani (given that name (al-Nuri=light)became very devoted to their new religion.What if their pre-Islam religion survived ?

What was it? Zunism?
 
AFAIK they were similar to the neighboring Kalash people of the Chitral Valley in Pakistan, many of whom still practice their traditional religion, which has been described as being Vedic or something.
 
AFAIK they were similar to the neighboring Kalash people of the Chitral Valley in Pakistan, many of whom still practice their traditional religion, which has been described as being Vedic or something.

Intersting I didn´t knew that in detail. Do you think the Nuristan province could have maintained their traditional religion ?
 
Assuming no later Islamic fundementalism, they would be very similar to their Kalash cousins in Pakistan. A quirky culture with a throwback to the country's Pre - Islamic past, and any sane government would support their culture to boost the tourist industry, as OTL pakistan does with the Kalash.
 
The pre-Islamic religion of the Nuristanis appears to be much like the Kalash in that their religion predated Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. They were also considered to be a ferocious people that even the Mongols avoided. If their religion survived, they'd still be fierce warriors.
 
Top