07th century AD

“Awghan” (اوغان) is not a derogatory distortion of the word Afghan

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Some Pashtuns of Afghanistan (particularly the diaspora) get offended when Uzbeks, Tajiks and Hazaras refer to them as Awghan (اوغان), thinking it is a derogatory distortion of the word Afghan.  But there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it is Awghan which is original while Afghan might be its Arabic or Persian modification of … Read more

History of Bala Hissar (Peshawar)

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Bala Hissar means high fort in Persian. There are several other forts which are also named Bala Hissar. It is unknown as to when the Bala Hissar of Peshawar was erected. Chinese pilgrim, Hiuen Tsang makes a reference to it in 7th century AD when he uses the term “Kung shing” in the description of … Read more