Noorzai

Nūrzai or Noorzai (Pashto: نورزی ‎) are among the most widespread and influential Pashtun tribes in Afghanistan with one of the largest populations of all the Pashtun tribes. In 1984, their population was estimated at approximately 4.5 million in Afghanistan. The Nurzai are members of the Panjpai sub-branch of Durrani - Boor Tareen. Their existence in Afghanistan was officially recorded for the first time during the reign of Ahmad Shah Durrani. The true origins of all the various sub-tribes of the Tareen tribe are believed by many to be in Urūzgān Province in Tareen Kowt town (Tarin Kowt), the name meaning fortress of the Tareen. A portion of Nurzai tribesmen are sedentary and practice an agriculture based lifestyle. However, many other Nurzai clans have been traditionally nomadic (kuchi) throughout history, especially during the time of the Durrani Empire and more recently during the Taliban era. Today the Nurzai are spread throughout large portions of Afghanistan excluding the Hazarajat (traditional Hazara territory) and traditional Tajik territories in the Afghan North. The Nurzai are primarily concentrated in Loy Kandahar (Kandahar Province, Helmand Province, Farah Province, Urūzgān Province, Zabul Province) where they enjoy regional power and influence. The Loy Kandahar region is home to many Nurzai tribal villages (villages under direct control of the tribe).