Kafiristan (historical region)

Kafiristan was a historical region located in what is now northeastern Afghanistan. It was inhabited by the Kafir people, who practiced a unique form of polytheism and maintained distinct cultural practices, separate from the surrounding Muslim communities. The region was known for its rugged terrain and isolated villages. In the late 19th century, the Afghan state, under colonial pressure, invaded Kafiristan. The area was subsequently converted to Islam, and the name was changed to Nuristan, meaning "Land of Light." The Kafir people's way of life and beliefs were largely eradicated through this process.