When reasons to dance are taken away A review of the effect of systematic persecution of the Hazaras on their traditional dance

Abstract

This thesis examines the status of traditional Hazara dances in Afghanistan, which are gradually disappearing as an artistic genre. Anthropological studies highlight that dancing is an essential aspect of human behaviour, serving as a tool for storytelling, self-expression, and forming connections within communities. Dance has several purposes, including celebrating events, conveying emotions, and strengthening social bonds. However, since the Hazaras have been systematically persecuted in Afghanistan, this study aims to explore the impact of persecution on their traditional dances and its consequences. Through ten semi-structured qualitative interviews and using dehumanization, human dignity, and cultural rights perspectives, this study reveals that Hazara traditional dances have been marginalized and disappeared due to state-sponsored dehumanization that violates their human dignity and cultural rights. The findings indicate that the Hazaras' traditional dances were gradually replaced by collective religious mourning ceremonies after the community became the target of mass killings and ethnic cleansing policies between 1891-1893 to preserve their social cohesions.