The Ghilzai, also known as the Ghiljī or Khilji are a prominent tribe of Pashtuns and largest tribe in Pashtun. Their traditional homeland are the regions of Ghazni, Kandahar and Qalat in Afghanistan and are also settled in other regions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan tribal area and communicate in all dialects of Pashto.
They are one of the largest branches of Pashtuns made up of many tribes from within such as the following:
The Ghilzai were a largely powerful group of Pashtuns who led resistance and conquered many powers. The Khilji Dynasty of India defeated the Mongols and prevented them from entering India. The Hotaki tribe from Kandahār founded the Hotaki dynasty which ruled over Persia under its leader Mirwais Hotak.
The Ghilzais are thought to be Turkic, as DNA evidence shows proof & a speculation that they were originally the Khalaj people, a Turkic group in Iran.
Many presidents, soldiers and revolutionaries were apart of this tribe including: