Ayloq – the summer pasture tradition in Wakhan in Tajikistan

Part I: An ethnolinguistic sketch in Wakhi, with English translations and comments

Abstract

This is the first of two articles addressing a Wakhi text that deals with the practice of pastoralism and seasonal migration as observed in the Wakhan region of Tajikistan. The Wakhi text was written by a Wakhi speaker from Tajikistan based on her and her relatives’ personal experience and observations. The aim of this article is not only to describe the traditions, practices and rituals related to the seasonal migration to summer pastures (ayloq) in Wakhan, but also to explain and discuss the Wakhi vocabulary related to this phenomenon. The sections of Wakhi text are followed by English translations with additional explanatory comments and relevant references.