Dashte Barchi

Dashte Barchi (Persian/Dari/Hazaragi دشت برچی) also known as Barchi (برچی) is a settlement located in western Kabul, Afghanistan.^[1] Previously barren and agricultural, Dashte Barchi became populated in the early 2000s by newcomers from the provinces, mostly ethnic Hazaras from Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, and Parwan, also some Kochi Pashtuns. It is mostly informally-developed, with considerable challenges to access to electricity and frequent disruptions.^[2] There are approximately 1.6 million people living in Dashte Barchi, accounting for approximately a quarter of the population of Kabul.^[3] Over 95% of the population of Dashte Barchi are Hazara people.^[4]

Dashte Barchi Dasht-e Barchī دشت برچی
Neighborhood of Kabul
view of Dashte Barchi
Coordinates: 34.49467°N 69.09422°E / 34.49467; 69.09422
Country	Afghanistan
Province	Kabul
City	Kabul
Area
• Total	46 km2 (18 sq mi)
• Water	0 km2 (0 sq mi)  0%
Dimensions
• Length	6.8 km (4.2 mi)
• Width	3.7 km (2.3 mi)

Although Dashte Barchi was once considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Kabul, attacks by extremist groups since around 2016 have rapidly altered its reputation to one of the most dangerous.^[5][6] Due to its majority-Shia population, the district is a constant target for extremist Sunni militias, most notably the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP).^[7]

History

Dashte Barchi literally translates to "desert of the porters". It was named due to its use as a respite for Hazara laborers transporting goods into Kabul.^[8]

Because it was a remote, underpopulated area, there were few government buildings or military installations located in Barchi. For this reason, the neighborhood saw comparatively little violence during the Afghan civil war, and suicide attacks remained rare in the 2000s, even as the rest of Kabul experienced these attacks with relative frequency.^[8]

During and after the First Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Dasht-e Barchi saw a massive influx of Hazara migrants from rural enclaves, most notably Jaghori, Wardak, and Bamiyan. As the Taliban fought to maintain control over Afghanistan, they carried out mass killings and evictions of Hazaras and claimed their villages.^[9] Many survivors fled, fearing further violence; the majority of Hazaras now living in Kabul are internally displaced persons.^[10]

Additionally, some Hazaras who had fled to Iran during the Afghan Civil Wars resettled in Barchi upon their return.^[11] During the post-Islamic Emirate period, the neighborhood was seen by many Hazaras as an area for economic opportunity. The rapid population growth created job opportunities and new schools, and due to the heavily Hazara population, there were fewer concerns about discrimination hampering one's economic prospects.

While discrimination and lack of opportunity in rural enclaves had long meant that Hazaras had lower rates of education and political participation that other ethnic groups, new residents of Dasht-e Barchi sought out education and became more involved in politics. The neighborhood came to be known for political organizing and demonstrations. Prior to the Second Islamic Emirate, Hazaras in Kabul had higher rates of university enrollment and government participation than other ethnic groups.^[11]

After more than a decade of relative safety, Dasht-e Barchi began to experience a rash of attacks starting in 2016.

Geography

Lying at the western edge of Kabul, Dashte Barchi wraps around the mountains framing the city.^[8] Barchi's main paved street, named for the Hazara mujahideen commander Abdul Ali Mazari, runs throughout the length of the neighborhood. Most side streets forking off of the main road are not paved.

Dashte Barchi is connected to Hazarjat, the historic homeland of Hazaras, by the Kabul-Behsud Highway. However, many avoid this highway, which is commonly known as "Death Road" due to the high number of kidnappings, murders, and disappearances of Hazaras traveling on this stretch.^[12]

High-profile attacks

• On August 15, 2016, a suicide attack took place in this neighborhood, targeting an educational center called "The Promised Mehdi". The bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a crowd of 5,000, mostly students of the Hazara ethnic group who were preparing for university. 34 students were killed and 56 injured in the attack.^[2]
• On May 12, 2020, a suicide attack targeting the maternity ward of Dashte Barchi Hospital left 16 mothers and 8 children dead. No group took responsibility for the attack.^[13]
• On March 6, 2020, a mourning ceremony in honor of Abdul Ali Mazari was attacked by ISKP gunmen, leaving 32 dead and more than 50 injured.^[14]
• On October 25, 2020, the Kawsare Danish Center was targeted by a suicide bomber. At least 30 were killed and 70 more were injured in the attack. Most of the victims were students between the age of 15 and 26. ISKP claimed responsibility for the attack, but did not provide evidence.^[15]
• On May 8, 2021, the Kabul school bombing targeted Sayed al-Shuhada girls' school.^[16] No group took responsibility for the attack.^[17]
• On September 30, 2022, the Kaaj Education Center was targeted by suicide bombers. 53 students, mostly young Hazara women sitting for a practice exam, were killed. No group took responsibility for the attack.^[18]

See also

• Stop Hazara Genocide – a social media campaign that aims to raise awareness and demand action against the persecution and violence faced by the Hazara ethnic group.