Sarikoli

Sarikoli is a term that can refer to several things, primarily related to the Sarikol mountains and the people indigenous to that region. The Sarikol mountain range is located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan, forming part of the Pamir Mountains. These mountains are known for their high altitudes and rugged terrain, bordering Afghanistan to the south and east.

The Sarikoli people, also known as Sarikolis, are an ethnic group primarily residing in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and historically in the Wakhan Corridor. They speak the Sarikoli language, a Pamir language belonging to the Eastern Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family. The Sarikoli language is distinct from Tajik, the official language of Tajikistan. Traditionally, the Sarikoli people have been known for their pastoralist lifestyle, herding sheep, goats, and yaks in the mountainous pastures. Their culture is rich with unique traditions, music, and folklore, shaped by their remote and challenging environment.

In some contexts, "Sarikoli" might also refer to the Sarikoli language itself, or to specific cultural practices or historical events associated with the Sarikoli people and their homeland. The region has been a historical crossroads for trade and migration, influencing the Sarikoli people's interactions with neighboring ethnic groups and their cultural development. Their historical presence in the Pamirs connects them to the ancient Silk Road routes.