Pamir Tajiks

The Tajik people who live in the Xinjiang Province are related but not close relations to those Tajiks of Tajikistan. They are sometimes called Pamir Tajiks, after the Pamir Mountains, where their homes are located. Ethnically and in many ways culturally, they are similar to those in Tajikistan, but one of the main differences is that they have their own language. This distinct language is unwritten, so while they use it to communicate at home, most know either Uyghur or Mandarin Chinese (or both) to speak with others.

Their physical appearance is nothing like that of others in Eastern Asia. They have dark complexions like other Central Asian peoples, but their facial features remind me more of Caucasians in structure. Many have lighter brown hair and some even have dark blue or green eyes. One other interesting fact is that they admire big noses.

Religiously they are considered Muslims, but they have mixed that belief system with older beliefs from their culture. So, they have a very convoluted faith that mixes Islam with mystic traditions. The simple truth is they need the Light of the Gospel to penetrate thru their spiritual darkness.

The government does make it hard to live in this area, but last time I checked God said in His Word, that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Sure, it won’t be easy to live and minister in that corner of the world, but did God promise us a bed of roses when we choose to serve Him? No, but He does promise to be there with you every step of the way.