Nooristan (or Nuristan; Nurestan) means “land of the light” or “the enlightened”. Better known historically as the Kafirs of what was once known as Kafiristan (land of pagans), they were forcibly converted to Islam during the rule of Amir Abdur Rahman and renamed. The ethnically distinctive people number about 60,000 and inhabit isolated villages in deep, narrow mountain valleys. This remote and beautiful region of Afghanistan lies on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush mountains. Nooristanis represent the fourth independent branch of the Aryan peoples and speak a variety of languages, including Dardic dialects belonging to a distinct branch of the Indo-European language. Nooristan was the scene of some of the heaviest guerrilla warfare during the 1979-89 invasion and occupation of Afghanistan by Soviet forces. It has also been the scene of heavy fighting between the U.S. and Taliban insurgents in 2009.
Nooristanis grow wheat, barley, millet, peas, wine grapes, and other fruit and raise livestock. Nooristani artisans are renowned for their exquisite woodcarving that adorns furniture and home decor. They are also talented in pottery making, weaving, and metalwork.
Many historians trace the ancestry of the Nooristanis to the ancient Greeks from the time that Alexander the Great's army arrived in what is present day Afghanistan. Similarities in customs, dress, language, and physical appearance can be seen between the people in both areas.
The Nooristan Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1999 by Dr. Nadir Atash, son of the late General Issa Khan Nooristani, a 3-star general and prominent Nooristani figure. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide support for charitable and educational projects in rural areas of Afghanistan. After beginning its activities in Nooristan Province, the Foundation has expanded and has provided assistance in other areas of Afghanistan, including Bamiyan, Takhar, Laghman and Kabul. Nooristan Foundation believes that supporting development of rural areas of Afghanistan is a key to the country’s stability and global security.
Nooristan Foundation Board Members:
Dr. Nadir Atash, Founder
Mrs. Marie Kux, President
Mrs. Mariam A. Nawabi, Vice-President
Ms. Lindsey Holaday, Vice-President
Ambassador Dennis Kux, Vice-President
Ms. Melanie Smith, Secretary
Ms. Alina Atash, Treasurer
Mrs. Samira Atash Nassry, Media & Outreach
