TurcoAfghan

TurcoAfghan is a term that refers to a people of mixed Turkish and Afghan descent, who were created during the First Anglo-Afghan War in the 19th century. They were also known as "Turco-Afihn" or "Afghan-Turkish hybrids".

In the 1830s and 1840s, British forces, who were largely composed of British, Indian, and Turkish soldiers, invaded Afghanistan. During these years of conflict, some British soldiers deserted their units and remained in Afghanistan, intermarrying with local women and having children.

Over time, these mixed-ancestry individuals created their own distinctive culture, blending elements of Turkish and Afghan customs, language, and traditions. They often adopted a mix of Turkish and Pashto names and sometimes identified themselves as a distinct ethnic group.

Despite their mixed ancestry, the TurcoAfghan people have historically maintained strong connections to both the Turkish and Afghan cultures. They were influenced by both the Ottoman Empire and the Durrani Empire, which had previously imperialized over parts of this region.

The number of people classified as TurcoAfghan is difficult to estimate with accuracy, but it is believed to be relatively small, concentrated mainly in the cities of Kabul and Jalalabad.

Most TurcoAfghans speak a form of Turkish and/or Pashto, and are Muslims, following either the Sunni or Shia branches of the faith. Today, there is the appearance of a dying breed, as younger generations may be increasingly identifying themselves with solely with their Turkish or Afghan heritage.

Studies of the mixed ancestry individuals in Afghanistan are fragmented and many issues remain concerning demographics, genetics, and cultural profiles, occurring from interaction, adaptation, and fluid identities within multi-ethnic societies. As such, much more comprehensive assessment is needed on such ill-documented description.