Tajikistan - The Pamiris (Ismailis)

The Pamiris barely survive in the high altitude valleys between the imposing peaks. Most have a hard time communicating with each other. The people are poor and in many cases destitute. Ninety percent of food is supplied by aid organizations and all fuel is brought in. Seems like just the place for a former playboy who was born in Switzerland and jet sets around the world to be a religious leader. The Pamiris are Ismailists who believe in a sect of Shia Islam, a religion that has no house of worship, icons, holy men or even holidays. Their leader is the Aga Khan, a direct descendant of Mohammed who keeps the Pamiris alive by the generosity of his Swiss based charity foundation. He is considered a living deity and his photograph is hung in every home. There are some 210,000 people with 45,000 arable acres, but little hope of any future improvement.

Aga Khan Foundation

1-3 Avenue de la Paix

P.O. Box 2369

1211 Geneva 2

Tel.: +41 22 909 7200

Fax: +41 22 909 7291

E-Mail: akfgva@atge.automail.com

Aga Khan Foundation, USA

1901 L Street, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

Tel.: (202) 293-2537

Fax: (202) 785-1752;

E-mail: 71075.1561@compuserve.com

http://www.geneva.ch/AKF.htm