Turi (Pashtun tribe)

The Turis came into prominence by the end of the 15th century. They used to wander in nomadic fashion between Aryob Valley of Paktia and Kurram Valley. They would migrate in the winter, cross the Kurram Valley which was then inhabited by the Bangash, and travel as far as the Indus River. The Turis appear to have migrated annually during the hot weather back to the Kurram Valley. They then took parts of North Kurram of the Bangash tribe by force and now inhabit Upper Kurram. Today the Bangash tribe can still be found living there in upper Kurram to the subjection of Turis, the Bangash in central and south Kurram are self governed. The Mughal Emperor Babur mentions the Turis in Kurram in his diary of 1506. In the 18th century, the Turi and their cousin tribe Zazai came into conflict with the Bangash of the Kurram Valley which was then part of Durrani Empire (Kurram came under the British Raj after the Second Anglo-Afghan War of 1879–80). The Turis succeeded in capturing the Paywar Pass, Shalozan and Malana, pushed the Bangash of the area southeastwards towards central and lower Kurram, and eventually the Turis settled in the upper Kurram Valley. British Indian annexation of Kohat After the annexation of Kohat to British India, the Turis, in league with other clans, repeatedly harassed the Miranzai border, attacking the Bangash and Khattak villages in Kohat. In 1854 they made a treaty, but their raids continued, though punitive measures were not resorted to, as the tribe was held to be under the control of the Amir of Afghanistan. Attempts to pacify the tribe were unsuccessful for a time, but the Turis at last agreed to send a Jirga (Tribal council) to Kabul and pay a benefaction of 25,000 rupees, while Shahbaz Khan was recalled by the Amir. == Conflict with jihadists and neighboring tribes==

The Turi have had a long history of conflict with jihadists both from neighbouring Pashtun tribes of the Sunni sect and those of other tribes and ethnic origins who were part of Taliban. These feuds and fights usually last in heavy bloodshed and violence that continues to date One of the earliest recorded tribal feuds took place during 1884, Turis were constantly fighting amongst themselves as well as other tribes. In 1892, the Turis had requested the British government of the British Raj to take over administration of the Kurram valley, which the Sunni tribes did not appreciate. Kurram has always been at constant conflict and high tensions to this day. During the Soviet–Afghan War, Sunni Mujahideen attacked the Turis. Kurram was the launching pad for Mujahideen attacks into Afghanistan and the Shias were uncooperative, preventing the Mujahideen from passing through their areas in order to fight in Afghanistan. More recently, the conflict with the Turi has extended to the Taliban and Al Qaeda and Haqqani network supporters in the area. As well as a religious aspect (the Taliban follow the Sunni sect, scornful of Shi'as), the Turi territory is strategically important to cross-border trade and raids into Afghanistan — added to which are Pashtun intertribal tensions. Major battles were fought in 2007 and fighting continues to date. == Turi sub-tribes==

The Turis have clans just like other Pashtun tribes. The 5 principal clans are Hamza Khel, Mastu Khel, Ghondi Khel, Alizai and Duparzai. These are grouped into two main group or clans. The Hamza Khel and Mastu Khel are known as Sargullai, whereas the remaining three are called "Chardari". Detail of each division and the area occupied by them are given below: • Hamza Khel: They are also known as "Kuchis" because they mostly used to be nomadic. They used to migrate to Zarak-i-Kamal and Shobak during the winters. The Hamza Khel has Spinkai, Mallal, Tarakki, Jana Khel, Pari Khel, Sati Khel, Dreplari, Badi Khel, Jaji and Khashki Khel sub-divisions. The Spinkais have Jamal Khel and Adam Khel sections, whereas Tarakkis have Bailkai, Shakar Khel, Saragullai and Aka Khel sections. The Hamza Khel own lands in karman, Shalkhana, Matudai, Mianji (Currently Mali Khel), Taida, Kotkai, Malana and Gorakmor, Nasardin (Mali Khel), Kot Ragha, Serai Mela, Joeri and Tseri hills of the Jajis. • Mastu Khel: The Mastu Khel are sub-divided into Pirzai Khel, Zakaria Khel, Hussain Khel, Haji Khel, Turka Khel, Biga Khel and Mina Khel. They live in Tezana, Maidanak, Menozai, Badshah, Ahmadzai, Hakim Qala, Karim Qala, Sadara, Tari Kot, Shakar Kot, Baliamin and Jalami.The tribal leader for the sect Mastukhel is Malak Hussain Jan Turi • Ghondi Khel: The main sub-divisions of the Gondi Khel are Ali Khel, Muhammad Khel, Adin Khel, Kamil Khel and Alam Khel. Hussain ali khan khel. The sub-sections of Muhammad Khel are Shamshai Tanai Khel and Nandar Khel. They have occupied the left bank of the Kurram river from Amalkot to Ibrahimzai in the villages of Gharbina, Pewar, Agra, Amalkot, Ramak, Wali Muhammad Qala, Walidad, Sameer, Yakubi, Topaki Charsianukalley and Ibrahimzai. Their Kurram right bank villages are Rana and Maura. • Alizai: Their three sub-divisions are Mir Hassan, Ahmad Khel and Malik Khel. The Mir Hassan sub-sections are Muhammad Khel and Chago Khel. The main villages of the Alizais are Alizai Lower kurram, Piewar, Habib Qala, Kunj Alizai, Gambir, and Agra. • Dapparzai: The two sub-divisions of Duparzais are known as Saro Khel and Mirdad Khel. The Saro Khel sub-sections are Daolat Khel, Jafar Khel, Sultan Khel, Shubalan Khel, Baghdadiwar and Megak. The Mirdad Khel sub-sections are Kami Khel, Dreplara, Tar Khel, Lamikot Khel and Kachikana. The Duparzais live in the villages of Paiwar, Jallander,Gosar,Shublan, Bughdi, Alam Sher Qala, Dangila, Shaikh Nur Qala Mathzai, Gidara, Shingak, Burki, Kharlachi and Tangi. It may be worth nothing here that these Turi villages and sub-sections existed in the early years of this century. With the increase of population, many changes have taken place in the people themselves and their settlements. ==Sadaat Families: Turi Perspectives and Relationships==

The Sadaat families within the Turi Tribe are highly regarded for their descent from the Prophet Muhammad, often playing essential roles in guiding the community with wisdom and spiritual leadership. The bond between the Sadaat and the broader Turi community is characterized by deep mutual respect and support. ==Views on Women’s Freedom==

The Turi community holds progressive views on women’s rights, advocating for education and participation in social and economic activities. ==Leadership and Settlement in Kurram==

Traditional leadership roles within the Turi Tribe, such as Chardai and Sargalah, are crucial for decision-making and maintaining social and religious order. The Turi’s permanent settlement in the Kurram Valley is a testament to their adaptation to the land and agricultural development. ==Notable Turis==

• Arif Hussain Hussaini • Sajid Hussain Turi • Hameed Hussain • Tehran Turi, former leader of the Zainabiyoun Brigade ==See also==