The Yashkun People or Yashkuns (Shina: یشکن) are a sub-group of the Shina, a Dardic-speaking ethnic group, most of whom reside in the Gilgit division of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and Kohistan districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. They speak a Dardic language called Shina and are scattered throughout northern Pakistan. Most researchers assert that the Yashkun were immigrants to northern Pakistan from Central Asia. However, other authorities maintain that the Yashkuns were indigenous to northern Pakistan.

History

McCrindle claims Yashkuns descend from the ancient tribe of Aśvakan/Aśvakas (Kambojas). Some Yashkuns live in the Hindu Kush region where the Kambojas once ruled. As Dardic Shina they are related to other indigenous groups such as the Pashai and Nuristânis (Kafiristanis). The Yashkun share etymological connections with the Askunu of Nuristan and the Asawan caste found in Indian kamboj.

Demography

The Yashkuns form the majority of the population in Gor (Goharabad), Chilas, Tangir, Darel valley, the Indus Valley below Sazin, the upper Gilgit Valley, Gupis, Yasin, Punial, Astore Valley, Chitral, Nagar, Hunza, Kohistan, Hodur, Khinar, Astore, Gurez, Dras, Talil and Soro.