A History of the Tajiks

This book offers a detailed account of the Tajiks, covering their history, culture, and identity from ancient times to the present, including recent developments.

In A History of the Tajiks, Richard Foltz presents an in-depth exploration of the Tajik people, tracing their history from prehistoric proto-Indo-Iranian times to the contemporary post-Soviet era. This work delves into the intricate tapestry of linguistic, cultural, and political developments that have shaped the Persian-speaking Iranian ethnic group residing in modern-day Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. Foltz meticulously examines the revitalization of Persian culture during the Samanid Empire, highlighting its significance in the historical regions of Khorasan and Transoxiana.

The book is structured into eight informative chapters, each focusing on different aspects of Tajik identity and history. Foltz analyzes the evolution of Tajik political identity and the challenges faced by the ethnic Tajik diaspora in today’s world. The revised edition of A History of the Tajiks introduces a new chapter that addresses the current situation of Tajiks in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan since 2018. This chapter notably discusses the implications of the Taliban's resurgence in August 2021 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across these nations.

Moreover, the author does not shy away from examining recent border tensions with Kyrgyzstan, providing a comprehensive overview of the contemporary issues affecting the Tajiks. Foltz's work stands out as an essential resource for understanding the rich and complex history of this significant ethnic group.