The History of Education in Afghanistan: A Case Study of Afghanistan Hazaras minority

Afghanistan, known for its ancient history and as a center of knowledge, has seen the rise of great civilizations such as Arya, Bakhtar, and Khorasan. Education in ancient Afghanistan was influenced by the Vedic religion and later the Avestan civilization until the arrival of Islam. Islam was introduced during the time of Hazrat Uthman (Baiza 2013). Education is widely recognized as a fundamental human right that plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty, addressing inequality, and fostering sustainable development. Unfortunately, the Hazara community, has historically been deprived of this right due to cultural, linguistic, and religious differences with the dominant Pashtun population. Hazaras have faced discrimination, marginalization, and violent persecution throughout Afghan history. They have been systematically denied access to education, employment, and political representation. The rule of Abdul Rahman witnessed mass killings and the seizure of Hazara lands (Chiovenda 2018: 251-70). Despite some progress, the Hazara community continues to face barriers in accessing quality education. Hazara students also face discrimination and harassment from peers and teachers who hold negative stereotypes. Moreover, Hazaras have been subjected to targeted attacks by terrorist groups like the Taliban and ISIS, resulting in loss of life and injuries. A recent terrorist attack at the Kaj educational center in western Kabul caused significant casualties among Hazara students, leading to widespread attention on social media with the hashtag "#StopHazaraGenocide." Notwithstanding challenges, Hazaras demonstrated their goodwill. They actively participated in national processes, such as elections, civil society strengthening, sports, and education, showcasing their commitment to the new system