Mohammadzai

Mohammadzai (Pashto: محمد زی‎) (meaning sons of Mohammad in Pashto language) is a tribe of Durrani . Primarily centered on Kandahar, Kabul and Ghazni in Afghanistan and Charsadda Pakistan. The Mohammadzai ruled Afghanistan from 1826 to 1973 when the monarchy finally ended under Mohammad Zahir Shah. The Mohammadzai ruling house was established by Dost Mohammad Khan after the Durrani dynasty of Ahmad Shah Durrani was removed from power.

Distribution

Mohammadzai were the most prominent and powerful branch of the Durrani confederacy, and are primarily centered on Kandahar. They can also be found in other provinces throughout Afghanistan as well as across the border in Pakistan and in Iran.

The Tarzi family is a branch of the Mohammadzai of Afghanistan. Although a smaller branch of the Barakzai ruling dynasty, the Tarzi family has produced some of the most famous and affluent members. The founder of Tarzi family was Ghulam Muhammad Tarzi.

Language

Barakzai Mohammadzai's usually have the southern dialect of Pashto, however there are many Mohammadzai's who speak Dari as a first (or second language), especially those whom live around Persian speaking non-Pashtun Afghans. In Pakistan & Iran Mohammadzai speak Persian and Balochi.