The Afgan tribes are included because of the near war of 1885. They were fiercely independent and fought rival clans on a regular basis. They would unite against a common invading enemy. Their army organization was tribal based that resulted in units varying greatly in size depending on available tribal manpower.

There was a small regular army that protected the capital and controlled most of the country’s artillery. One bodyguard unit was noted for dressing in Scotish style kilts. The Afgan ruler had issued breech-loading rifles mainly to his guard. Most of the Afgan tribal warriors were equipped with flintlock rifles and wore local tribal dress. They were often distinguishable by their style and color of headdress.

Russian Enemies of Central Asia

Afghanistan
Bokhara Khanate
Khiva Khanate (a.k.a. Khwarizm or Khorezm)
Khokan Khanate
Turcoman Tribes
Russians