1979 Hazara Uprising

1979 Hazara Uprising
Date1979–1981
Location
Result

DRA Victory

  • Democratic Republic of Afghanistan took over all Hazarajat
  • Massacre of local Hazaras
Belligerents
Shura-e-ittifaqi Democratic Republic of Afghanistan
 Soviet Union
Commanders and leaders
Abdul Ali Mazari
Sayyid Ali Beheshti
Sayyid Muhammad Hasan

Nur Muhammad Taraki
(1978–1979)
Hafizullah Amin
(1979)
Babrak Karmal
(1979–1986)

Sultan Ali Keshtmand

In late 1979, some Hazara-led parties gathered in Hazarajat to established the Shura-e-ittifaqi under the leadership of Sayyid Ali Beheshti. The uprising began and succeeded, all of Hazarajat was liberated and the Afghan government was expelled. The success of the new Hazarajat government was due to its support of the Hazara culture and values. After the uprising, Shura-e-ittifaqi ruled the Hazarajat from 1979 to 1982 followed by Sazman-i Nasr then Hezbe Wahdat that ruled Hazarajat until 1997. During this time, Hazarajat was more peaceful than other parts of Afghanistan. This was the most organized and successful Hazara uprising after several failed uprisings in the 20th century, providing the Hazaras with an organized government for the first time.