[1][2] Turkmens were one of the divided peoples in Central Asia nearing the end of the 19th century as a result of British, Iranian, and Afghan counteraction, as well as the halt of the Russian expansion into Turkistan and Transoxiana.

[citation needed] The original Turkmen groups arrived from the east of the Caspian Sea into northwestern Afghanistan at various periods, particularly after the end of the 19th century when the Russians moved into their territory.

[4] Turkmen tribes, of which there are twelve major groups in Afghanistan, base their structure on genealogies traced through the male line.

[citation needed] Formerly a nomadic and fierce warriors feared for their lightning raids on caravans, Turkmens in Afghanistan today are farmer-herdsmen and important contributors to the economy.

[9] The great majority of Turkmens readily identify themselves as Muslims and acknowledge Islam as an integral part of their cultural heritage.