There are 41,000 Tajiks in China, almost all in Xinjiang.

The Tajiks trace their origins to the tribes that settled the eastern Pamirs plateau more than 2000 years ago, probably from Persia. They’re related to, but still distinct from, the Tajiks of Tajikistan.

The language the Tajiks speak, Sarikoli, is an Indo-European language related to modern Iranian. The language does not have written form. Most Tajiks also speak Uyghur or Mandarin so communicate with people outside of their ethnic group.

The Tajiks practice Islam.

Animal husbandry is their mainstay. A few of Tajik people engage in agriculture.

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