Alexander and the Mujahideen

[susan]

I've heard from my son in Egypt: Apparently, during the Soviet-Afghan war, the Mujahideen from the Shebar Pass and Wakhan used to wear amulets and coins depicting the two-horned Alexander for luck. I wonder if Alexander remains a Mujahideen icon ?
I think he'd be pretty proud that his memory had lived on for so long there.RegardsSusan

[Ruxpin]

I believe that Alexander was the last person to successfuly invade Afghanistan.

[ruthaki]

That's certainly a very interesting bit of Alexander info. Is it really true or legend?

[susan]

It's from the aide to the Afghan ambassador in Egypt - they are Tajiks and so probably were followers of Ahmed Shah Masood -so it would have been Northern Alliance mujahideen who wore the amulets. There are other legends of their ancestors having killed Alexander in battle in this area - possibly a distant memory of the battles near Samarkand. When James returns I'll find out more.RegardsSusan

[ruthaki]

Well considering he married Roxana and Soghdiana was in that northern area, it could be true. Please let me know what you find out. Alexander left Roxana's father in charge of his old satrapy after their marriage so no doubt they claimed some kinship which probably has been carried down through the ages. Interesting speculation.