Why Choose Us
At One Hazara Australia, we stand for unity, pride, and purpose. We’re more than just a community — we’re a movement. A voice. A symbol of resilience and progress.
Here’s why we stand out:
Community-Driven: Built by Hazaras, for Hazaras — with heart, history, and hope at the core.
Culturally Rooted: We celebrate our rich heritage while embracing the future in a proudly Australian way.
Unbreakable Unity: We foster togetherness, strength, and support for every Hazara across Australia.
Empowering the Next Generation: From cultural events to education and advocacy, we’re here to uplift and inspire.
Proudly Australian. Proudly Hazara. Our identity is our power — and we carry both flags with honor.
Join us. Stand with us. Grow with us.
One voice. One future. One Hazara Australia.
Petitions and Campaigns
Raising Our Voice. Protecting Our People. Honoring Our Heritage.
At One Hazara Australia, we don’t stay silent — we stand tall. Our petitions and campaigns are not just words on paper — they are the voice of a proud people demanding justice, recognition, and equality. We fight for our community with conviction and carry the spirit of our ancestors into every cause we champion.
Testimony
“One Hazara Australia gave me something I hadn’t felt in years — true belonging. Seeing our culture celebrated, our voices heard, and our community united brought tears to my eyes. I’m so proud to be part of this movement. It’s more than a website — it’s home.” — Ali R., Sydney
Testimony
“I’ve never felt more connected to my roots and my people. One Hazara Australia reminded me of who we are and what we stand for. The campaigns, the unity, the pride — it’s inspiring. It’s not just for us, it’s for the future of every Hazara growing up in Australia.” — Fatima H., Melbourne
Testimony
“Being part of One Hazara Australia has been life-changing. I finally see a platform that represents us with dignity, strength, and pride. It brings our stories to light and gives our people a real voice. I’m proud to support this cause and call it my own.” — Zabiullah S., Adelaide
🔥 Stand With Us. Rise With Us.
Be part of something greater — a united voice, a proud heritage, and a powerful future.
Join the movement. Support the cause.
One People. One Purpose. One Hazara Australia.
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History of Hazaras and Afghanistan
Before it was known as Afghanistan, the region had various names throughout history, depending on the ruling empires and kingdoms. Some of the notable historical names include:
Aryana (Ariana) – Used in ancient times, particularly by the Greeks, to refer to a large region that included parts of present-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia.
Khorasan – A name used during the Islamic and Persianate periods, meaning “Land of the Rising Sun.” It was a key province of the Persian and later Islamic empires.
Bactria – The northern part of Afghanistan was known as Bactria, home to the famous Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
Gandhara – The eastern part of Afghanistan (including present-day Pakistan) was historically part of the Gandhara civilization.
Zabulistan and Kabulistan – Regional names used in medieval times for different parts of Afghanistan.
The modern name “Afghanistan” became widely used in the 18th century with the rise of the Durrani Empire under Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Before the 18th century, Afghanistan was ruled by various empires and dynasties. Here’s a timeline of some of the major rulers and empires that controlled the region:
Ancient and Early Medieval Periods
Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE) – Afghanistan was part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire under rulers like Cyrus the Great and Darius I.
Alexander the Great (330–323 BCE) – After defeating the Achaemenids, Alexander conquered the region and founded cities like Alexandria in Arachosia (Kandahar).
Maurya Empire (c. 305–185 BCE) – The Indian Maurya Empire under Emperor Ashoka controlled parts of Afghanistan, spreading Buddhism.
Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (c. 250–125 BCE) – After Alexander’s empire fragmented, Greek rulers established a kingdom in Bactria (northern Afghanistan).
Kushan Empire (c. 30–375 CE) – A powerful empire that promoted trade and Buddhism, ruling from present-day Afghanistan to India.
Sassanian Empire (224–651 CE) – The Persian Sassanian rulers controlled parts of Afghanistan, often competing with the Hephthalites (White Huns).
Hephthalite (White Huns) Empire (5th–6th century CE) – A nomadic group that ruled parts of Afghanistan before being defeated by the Sasanians and the Göktürks.
Islamic and Medieval Periods
Arab Caliphates (7th–9th century CE) – The Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid Caliphates introduced Islam to Afghanistan.
Samanid Empire (9th–10th century CE) – A Persianate empire that ruled over large parts of Central Asia, including Afghanistan.
Ghaznavid Empire (977–1186 CE) – A powerful Persianate dynasty based in Ghazni (modern Afghanistan), expanding into India under rulers like Mahmud of Ghazni.
Ghurid Empire (1149–1215 CE) – The Ghurids, originating from central Afghanistan, defeated the Ghaznavids and expanded into India.
Mongol and Post-Mongol Rule
Mongol Empire (1219–1221 CE) – Genghis Khan invaded and devastated Afghanistan, incorporating it into the Mongol Empire.
Ilkhanate & Chagatai Khanate (13th–14th century CE) – After the Mongol Empire fractured, Afghanistan was ruled by the Chagatai Khanate and the Persian Ilkhanate.
Timurid Empire (1370–1506 CE) – Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants ruled the region, making Herat a major cultural center.
Early Modern Period
Mughal Empire (16th–18th century CE) – Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, was originally from Afghanistan. The Mughals controlled parts of the region, particularly Kabul and Kandahar.
Safavid Empire (16th–18th century CE) – The Persian Safavid rulers frequently fought with the Mughals over Afghanistan, particularly the regions of Herat and Kandahar.
Hotak Dynasty (1709–1738 CE) – Afghan Pashtun tribes rebelled against the Safavids and established their own rule, led by Mirwais Hotak.
Nader Shah of Persia (1738–1747 CE) – The Persian conqueror Nader Shah defeated the Hotaks and briefly controlled Afghanistan before his assassination.
After Nader Shah’s death in 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani (a former general) founded the Durrani Empire, marking the beginning of modern Afghanistan.
The Hazaras have historically been an important ethnic group in Afghanistan, but they did not establish a ruling dynasty over the entire region before the modern state of Afghanistan was formed. Instead, they were primarily a tribal and regional power.
Historical Context of the Hazaras
The Hazaras are believed to be descendants of Mongol and Turkic forces that settled in Afghanistan during the Mongol Empire (13th century CE), particularly under Genghis Khan. Some theories suggest they may have even predated the Mongol era but were significantly influenced by it.
During the Timurid period (14th–16th century CE), Hazaras lived in the central highlands (now known as the Hazarajat) and played a role as local rulers, but they did not control all of Afghanistan.
Under Mughal rule (16th–18th century CE), many Hazaras served as soldiers in the Mughal army but did not hold supreme power.
Hazaras Under Afghan Rule
When Ahmad Shah Durrani founded the Durrani Empire (1747)—which became the foundation of modern Afghanistan—Hazara territories remained semi-autonomous but were eventually brought under Durrani rule.
During the late 19th century, the Hazara people suffered severe persecution under Abdur Rahman Khan (r. 1880–1901), who launched military campaigns against them, resulting in mass killings, enslavement, and displacement.
Conclusion
While Hazaras had influence in parts of Afghanistan, particularly in Hazarajat, they never ruled all of Afghanistan as an empire or a centralized kingdom before modern times. Instead, they were part of various larger empires such as the Mongols, Timurids, and Durranis.
The Hazara people have faced severe persecution in Afghanistan, particularly under the rule of Abdur Rahman Khan (1880–1901), who led a brutal campaign against them.
Mass Killings and Persecution of Hazaras
Abdur Rahman Khan’s Campaign (1890s)
In the late 19th century, Abdur Rahman Khan sought to consolidate power over Afghanistan. The Hazara people, who lived in Hazarajat (central Afghanistan) and were mainly Shi’a Muslims, resisted his rule.
He launched a military campaign against them, resulting in mass killings, enslavement, and forced displacement.
Some reports estimate that 60% of the Hazara population was either killed, enslaved, or forced to flee.
Their lands were confiscated and given to Pashtun tribes loyal to the government.
20th Century Discrimination
Even after Abdur Rahman’s rule, Hazaras faced systemic discrimination. They were excluded from government positions and treated as second-class citizens.
Many were forced into menial labor and servitude, particularly in Kabul and other cities.
Massacres in the 1990s Civil War
During the Afghan civil war (1990s), the Hazara-majority area of Mazar-i-Sharif saw one of the worst massacres when the Taliban captured the city in 1998. Thousands of Hazara civilians were killed.
Targeted Killings by the Taliban & ISIS (2000s–Present)
The Taliban and ISIS-K have carried out multiple suicide bombings and attacks against Hazara communities, particularly in Kabul, Bamiyan, and Ghazni.
Schools, mosques, and maternity wards have been targeted in these attacks.
Conclusion
Yes, Hazaras have been victims of mass killings, ethnic cleansing, and systemic discrimination throughout Afghan history, particularly under Abdur Rahman Khan, the Taliban, and extremist groups. While there have been periods of relative peace, the persecution of Hazaras remains a tragic part of Afghanistan’s history.
Afghans and Hazaras are not the same, though Hazaras are one of the ethnic groups living in Afghanistan.
Key Differences Between Afghans and Hazaras
1. Ethnic Identity
“Afghan” historically referred to Pashtuns, but today it is used as a national identity for all citizens of Afghanistan, regardless of ethnicity.
Hazaras are a distinct ethnic group with Mongol and Central Asian ancestry. Their features often resemble those of Mongols and East Asians.
2. Language
Most Afghans (Pashtuns) speak Pashto, while other ethnic groups like Tajiks and Uzbeks speak Dari Persian or Uzbek.
Hazaras primarily speak Hazaragi, a dialect of Dari Persian with Mongolic and Turkic influences.
3. Religion
Most Afghans (Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks, etc.) follow Sunni Islam.
Hazaras are predominantly Shi’a Muslims, which historically led to persecution by Sunni rulers like Abdur Rahman Khan and the Taliban. However, some Hazaras are Sunni or Ismaili Muslims.
4. History and Persecution
Pashtuns have historically dominated Afghanistan’s politics, particularly through the Durrani Empire and later governments.
Hazaras have faced discrimination, massacres, and land confiscations, particularly in the late 19th century and during the Taliban era.
Conclusion
Hazaras are Afghan citizens, but they are ethnically and culturally distinct from Pashtuns, who were historically considered “Afghans.” The term “Afghan” now includes all ethnic groups in Afghanistan, but Hazaras have a unique identity shaped by their Mongol ancestry, Shi’a faith, and historical experiences.
Hazara Massacres
History of the Hazara People & Massacres Against Them
The Hazaras are an ethnic group primarily found in central Afghanistan (Hazarajat) and parts of Pakistan and Iran. They have faced significant persecution, massacres, and discrimination throughout history, mainly due to their ethnicity, Mongol ancestry, and Shia Muslim beliefs in a predominantly Sunni region.
1. Origins of the Hazaras
The exact origin of the Hazaras is debated, but historical and genetic evidence suggests:
They are likely descendants of Mongol and Turkic soldiers who settled in Afghanistan after Genghis Khan’s invasion (13th century CE).
Their East Asian facial features and Hazaragi language (a dialect of Persian with Mongolic influences) support this theory.
Some sources also suggest that they existed before the Mongols but were heavily influenced by them.
For centuries, the Hazaras lived in Hazarajat, a mountainous region in central Afghanistan, and maintained relative autonomy.
2. Early Persecution (16th–18th Century)
During the Safavid (Persian) and Mughal Empires, Hazaras were often caught in conflicts between Persia and Afghanistan. While some Hazaras served in the Mughal army, they were also targeted at times.
However, large-scale massacres and oppression started with the rise of Pashtun dominance in Afghanistan.
3. Massacres Under Abdur Rahman Khan (Late 19th Century) – Genocide of Hazaras
One of the worst periods for the Hazaras occurred under Emir Abdur Rahman Khan (r. 1880–1901), known as the “Iron Emir”.
In the 1890s, Abdur Rahman launched a brutal campaign to conquer Hazarajat and crush Hazara autonomy.
The campaign led to:
Mass killings – Estimates suggest that 60% of the Hazara population was either killed or displaced.
Enslavement – Thousands of Hazara women and children were sold into slavery in Kabul and Kandahar.
Land Confiscation – Hazara lands were seized and given to Pashtun settlers.
Religious persecution – As mostly Shi’a Muslims, Hazaras faced forced conversions or execution.
After this genocide, Hazaras became second-class citizens in Afghanistan.
4. 20th Century Discrimination (1901–1978)
Even after Abdur Rahman Khan, discrimination against Hazaras continued:
Excluded from government positions
Forbidden from owning land in some areas
Used as servants and laborers in major cities
During the reign of King Zahir Shah (1933–1973), some modernization efforts improved conditions slightly, but Hazaras were still marginalized.
5. Hazara Massacres During the Afghan Civil War (1990s)
During the Afghan Civil War (1992–1996), Hazaras were targeted in several massacres:
a) Afshar Massacre (1993, Kabul)
Perpetrators: Forces of Ahmad Shah Massoud and Abdul Rashid Dostum
Hazara Casualties: 700–1,500 civilians
What Happened? Hazara neighborhoods were attacked, with mass killings, rapes, and destruction of homes.
b) Mazar-i-Sharif Massacre (1998)
Perpetrators: The Taliban
Hazara Casualties: Estimated 5,000–10,000 civilians
What Happened? When the Taliban captured Mazar-i-Sharif, they executed thousands of Hazara men, women, and children, dumping bodies in wells and streets.
Reason: The Taliban viewed Hazaras as both ethnic and religious enemies due to their Shi’a faith.
6. 21st Century – Taliban & ISIS Attacks on Hazaras (2000s–Present)
Even after the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Hazaras continued to face violence, especially from:
The Taliban (2000s–present)
ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province) (2015–present)
Notable Attacks on Hazaras
2016 Kabul Bombing – ISIS-K bombed a Hazara protest, killing 80+ people.
2020 Maternity Ward Attack (Dasht-e-Barchi, Kabul) – Gunmen attacked a Hazara hospital, killing newborn babies and mothers.
2021 School Bombing – A girls’ school in Hazara-majority Dasht-e-Barchi was bombed, killing 85 students.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, attacks on Hazaras have continued, and they face targeted assassinations and displacement.
7. Hazaras in Pakistan & Iran
Pakistan (Quetta) – Hazaras who fled to Quetta, Pakistan, have faced sectarian violence, especially from terror groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and the Taliban. Hundreds have been killed in suicide bombings and targeted assassinations.
Iran – Many Hazaras migrated to Iran, but they face discrimination and are often recruited into militias like Fatimiyoun Brigade to fight in Syria.
Conclusion
The Hazaras have suffered centuries of massacres, ethnic cleansing, and discrimination, particularly:
The Genocide by Abdur Rahman Khan (1890s)
Massacres during the Afghan Civil War (1990s)
Taliban & ISIS Attacks (2000s–Present)
Despite these challenges, Hazaras have remained resilient, contributing to Afghanistan’s education, economy, and politics, but they still face systemic oppression and targeted violence.
The modern name for Hazarajat is still Hazarajat, but it is often referred to as “Central Afghanistan” in official and geographic contexts.
Key Regions of Modern Hazarajat:
Hazarajat mainly covers the central highlands of Afghanistan, including:
Bamyan Province (considered the heart of Hazarajat)
Daykundi Province
Ghor Province (parts of it)
Uruzgan Province (some areas)
Wardak Province (especially Behsud district)
Ghazni Province (especially Jaghori, Malistan, and Nawur districts)
Hazarajat Today
It is home to the majority of Hazaras in Afghanistan.
It remains underdeveloped due to historical discrimination and lack of government investment.
After the Taliban’s return in 2021, Hazarajat has faced increasing security threats and persecution.
While Hazarajat is not an official province, it remains a significant cultural and historical region in Afghanistan.