Situated in the Pakistani mountains, bordering the Taliban-controlled region of Afghanistan, is a most unusual tribe of white, European-looking people known as the Kalash. Many of the Kalash have blond hair and blue eyes, an appearance which stands in stark contrast to their darker-skinned neighbors.Not only do the Kalash differ in physical appearance, they have a vastly different culture from the Muslims who surround them. They are polytheistic, have a unique folklore, lots of annual festivals involving lots of dancing, produce wine (which is forbidden in Muslim culture), wear brightly colored clothing, and give much more freedom to women.
No one knows for sure how this light-skinned tribe came to exist in remote Pakistan, but the Kalash claim they are long-lost descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. DNA evidence shows they had an infusion of European blood during the time of Alexander’s conquests, so it’s possible their tales are correct. Throughout the years, surrounding Muslims have persecuted the Kalash and forced many to convert to Islam. Today, there are only about 4,000–6,000 Kalash left, who subsist largely on pastoral farming.
from Stowe Boyd http://stoweboyd.com/post/137506035437