Kulobi people

The Kulobi people, also spelt Kulyabi or Kulabi, are the inhabitants of the southwest area of Tajikistan.

The Kulobis are ethnic Eurasians and speak Tajik. The current government in Tajikistan is perceived to be dominated by Kulobis.

History
The term Kulobi comes from the Kulob Oblast that existed during the Soviet period and was merged with Qurghonteppa Oblast in 1992 to create Khatlon Province.

During the Civil War in Tajikistan the Kulyabis fought on the side of the government against Gharmis and Pamiris. Emomalii Rahmon, from Dangara in Kulob oblast, became president of Tajikistan in November 1992 when Kulobi militiamen took control of the capital Dushanbe from opposition forces.