‘Southern Turkestan’ Idea Revived, Sparking New Debate in Northern Afghanistan

DID Press: The concept of a potential “Southern Turkestan” in northern Afghanistan has resurfaced following remarks by several ethnic Uzbek political figures, reigniting debates over identity and political structure in the country.

In recent days, statements by some northern Afghan political actors suggesting the possibility of forming a geographical entity under the name “Southern Turkestan” have brought questions of ethnic identity and territorial organization back into public and political focus.

Former governor of Faryab province, Naqibullah Faiq, referenced Afghanistan’s ethnic diversity in his remarks, stating that just as ideas such as Khorasan, Hazaristan and Pashtunistan are discussed within the country, “Southern Turkestan” could also be considered as a conceptual framework.

His comments have sparked mixed reactions across Afghanistan’s political and social landscape.

Following this, several figures associated with Uzbek political circles expressed support for the idea. Among them, former parliamentarian Bashir Ahmad Tahyanj has also spoken in favor of discussing such identity-based political concepts.

The renewed debate highlights ongoing sensitivities around ethnic representation, national identity and decentralization in Afghanistan’s evolving political discourse.