Tajiks ( TÄ jÄ `` k ) are an originally Persian-speaking peoples of Iranian origin , spread in present-day in Afghanistan , Tajikistan , southern Uzbekistan . Tajik ( TÄ jÄ `` k ; ) is a general designation for a wide range of Persian-speaking people of Ariana origin , with traditional homelands in present-day Afghanistan , Tajikistan , and southern Uzbekistan .