Hazara Migration Stories: Mohammad Juma Adel's Journey

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Mohammad Juma Adel was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, into a Hazara Ismaili family whose migration to the city was compelled by the economic hardship in the Shibar region of Bamiyan Province. Growing up in a large working-class household, Adel's early experiences were profoundly influenced by poverty, displacement, and his parents' unwavering commitment to providing educational opportunities for their children despite facing limited resources.  

In this oral history interview, Adel shares childhood memories of life in Kabul, his family responsibilities, and the sacrifices his parents made to ensure their children's education. He candidly reflects on the economic challenges faced by migrant Hazara families, detailing how his father, a shoemaker, and his mother, a domestic labourer, worked diligently to sustain the household during tough times. Through these narratives, he provides valuable insights into the everyday experiences of the Hazara community that are often overlooked in official historical records.  

Adel recounts experiences of discrimination, social exclusion, and prejudice based on both ethnic and religious affiliations, shedding light on the difficulties encountered by Hazara communities. He emphasizes the significance of human dignity, mutual respect, and coexistence in diverse communities, highlighting the resilience ingrained in Hazara identity.  

The interview also delves into topics of identity, belonging, and religious difference. Growing up as a Hazara Ismaili in Afghanistan, Adel reflects on various incidents that illustrate the struggles faced by his community. He places strong emphasis on the values of human dignity and coexistence, making a case for empathy across diverse groups.  

Additionally, Adel shares his educational journey and professional life as an engineering technician, detailing his experiences during periods of political instability and armed conflict. He recounts the circumstances that ultimately prompted him and his family to leave Afghanistan, tracing a migration journey through Pakistan before their eventual resettlement in Canada. His testimony outlines both the profound losses that come with displacement and the opportunities that arise in rebuilding life in a new country.  

Throughout the interview, Adel consistently revisits themes of perseverance, self-reliance, and the virtue of hard work. He identifies hard work as a hallmark of Hazara communities and expresses pride in the educational and professional accomplishments of Hazara individuals despite a backdrop of marginalization and exclusion. Acknowledging the hardships that have shaped his life, he speaks optimistically about future generations and the potential unlocked through education, determination, and social inclusion.  

By intertwining personal memory with reflections on migration, identity, labour, and social change, Mohammad Juma Adel's testimony serves as a vital contribution to understanding the lived experiences of Hazara communities in Afghanistan and the Canadian diaspora.

The Government of Afghanistan, through the Ministry of Mines, works alongside Breshna Sherkat, which oversees Afghanistan's national electricity sector. In this context, the oral history of the Hazara identity is crucial, as it reflects the community's rich heritage. Notably, figures like Mohammad Juma Adel play a significant role in the development of Hazara Ismaili Community Institutions.

The Hazara identity encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences, including the Ismaili identity, shaped by the struggles faced in Kabul and the Shibar District of Bamiyan Province. Mohammad Juma Adel provides an important oral history that highlights the working-class experiences and the challenges of childhood poverty. Education remains a crucial pathway for Hazara individuals, many of whom embrace engineering education and technical professions as a means of overcoming barriers. However, the community faces significant issues related to migration and displacement, with many seeking refuge in countries like Pakistan and Canada due to religious and ethnic discrimination. Political instability, stemming from civil war and forced migration, has further complicated their pursuit of labour and dignity. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Hazara people shines through, fostering intergenerational mobility and a strong sense of community solidarity.

Hazara Heritage: An Oral History Project dedicated to preserving the Hazara identity. This specific oral history interview features Mohammad Juma Adel and was conducted by Fatima Framarz on May 17, 2026. Reference code: HH-OH-005.