Kafiristan (historical region name)

Kafiristan is a historical region located in the Hindu Kush mountains of what is now northeastern Afghanistan. Its name means "Land of the Infidels," as it was inhabited by a group of indigenous people who practiced their own unique form of polytheism, distinct from the surrounding Muslim communities. In the late 19th century, the region was conquered by Afghan forces, and its inhabitants, known as the Kafirs, were either converted to Islam or fled. Today, the region’s rich cultural heritage and history have significantly diminished, but it remains a symbol of resistance to external influence during its time.