Iran Nomads A Journey Through Tradition and Culture Iran Nomads are one of the main Iran's authentic highlights for specialist travelers. Iran is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. Among these, the nomadic tribes of Iran stand out as some of the most fascinating and resilient communities. These nomads, who have roamed the lands for centuries, offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. This post delves into the lives of Iran's nomads, exploring their traditions, lifestyle, and the incredible landscapes they call home. Introduction to Iranian Nomads Nomadism in Iran dates back thousands of years. The country's diverse geography, ranging from mountains and deserts to lush valleys, has fostered a rich tradition of pastoralism. The nomadic tribes of Iran, including the Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shahsavan, and Kurds, are known for their seasonal migrations, which are driven by the search for fresh pastures for their livestock. The Bakhtiari Tribe The Bakhtiari tribe, one of the most well-known nomadic groups in Iran, is renowned for their twice-yearly migrations, known as "KOOCH." These migrations can span hundreds of kilometers, as the Bakhtiari move their flocks from the Zagros Mountains to the lowland plains and back. The journey is arduous and requires incredible endurance, but it is also a testament to the tribe's deep connection with nature. The Qashqai Tribe The Qashqai tribe, primarily found in the Fars Province, is another prominent nomadic group. Known for their vibrant woven carpets and intricate needlework, the Qashqai are skilled artisans. Their lifestyle revolves around the cycles of nature, and they are celebrated for their hospitality and strong community bonds. The Qashqai's seasonal migrations take them from the high pastures of the Zagros Mountains to the warmer
Iran Nomads A Journey Through Tradition and Culture Iran Nomads are one of the main Iran’s authentic highlights for specialist travelers. Iran is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. Among these, the nomadic tribes of Iran stand out as some of the most fascinating and
Iran Bakhtiari Nomads From ancient times, the human being has always sought different ways to adapt himself to natural and climatic situations and geographical limitations. Iran, as one of the vast oldest cradles of civilization, embraces a wide range of climatic conditions settled by various ethnic groups. The diversity is so amazing that it is no wonder if you can still witness one of the oldest kinds of lifestyle, the nomadic life. Living and migrating in the two main Iran mountain ranges, Alborz and Zagros (the longest), has taught the nomadic tribes how to adjust themselves to the harsh mountainous conditions and consume sustainably the environmental resources. Among different Iran nomadic tribes, Bakhtiari nomads form the largest surviving nomadic tribe in the Zagros Mountains. Lush forests, rough rivers, fertile pastures as well as harsh climatic conditions through different times of the year have pushed Bakhtiari nomads to practice a nomadic lifestyle that is proper to this geographical area. Here, you will find all the information you need to know if you are planning to travel to Iran for an authentic experience of living among the Bakhtiari nomadic tribe. Short History of Iran Bakhtiari Nomads Among numerous groups of ethnicities and nomadic tribes in vast Iran, Bakhtiari (also Bakhtiyari) Lur tribe is the largest group that still migrates seasonally to overcome the harsh conditions in the Zagros ranges. There are different theories about who Bakhtiaris are. According to Zoroastrian mythology and Shahnameh (the epic poem of the kings and heroic tales of ancient Persia), the Lurs (meaning nomadic) are the descendants of the people who could escape from the demon Zahhak. They took refuge in Zardkuh (Zardkooh) and Kuhrang and named themselves Bakhtiar (meaning fortunate bearer) because they could survive. Today, many historians arguably agree Bakhtiari people are originally
Iran Bakhtiari Nomads From ancient times, the human being has always sought different ways to adapt himself to natural and climatic situations and geographical limitations. Iran, as one of the vast oldest cradles of civilization, embraces a wide range of climatic conditions settled by various ethnic groups. The diversity is so amazing that it is
Nomadic Tribes in Iran Iran is a multi-ethnic country, made up of different ethnic groups who live in every corner of the land. There are also umpteen types of nomadic tribes living in the various regions of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges in Iran. They consist of Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shah Savan (Ilsavan nomads), Mamiand, Boier Ahmadi, Khamseh, Behmaiee, Mamasani, Kord, Taiebi, Jalali, Zalaki, Baluchi, and Afshar. Their customs, language, culture, and food are dissimilar to each other. They are supported by the Nomads Affairs Organization of Iran, a government organization responsible for supplying services to mountain climbers by managing the migration and relocation of nomads. It regulates the essential guidelines and schemes in coordination with the superior organizations such as parliament, government, and the Nomads supreme council. The nomads with their families and herds generally move from lower altitudes to higher mountains during the hot season, moving again to lower altitudes during the cold season. The majority start moving from early spring “depending on the region” till mid-autumn with their families and sheep. The biggest and best-known nomads are the Bakhtiari who live mainly in the provinces of Esfahan, Khuzestan, and Chaharmahal with the remaining ones (approximately 200,000 people), located in the west. Qashghais with around 120,000 people are the second most populous nomads, who have a seasonal life in Bushehr, Fars, and a small part of Esfahan, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari provinces. Shahsavans are the third most populous nomads in Iran with around 500,000 people. They live in the northwest in the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Gilan, and Ardabil. The lifestyle of the indigenous people is set to be changed. Iranian nomads are also changing with the times. Comparing the first Adventure Iran nomadic trips (in 2000) with current nomadic tours, we can see the dramatic
Nomadic Tribes in Iran Iran is a multi-ethnic country, made up of different ethnic groups who live in every corner of the land. There are also umpteen types of nomadic tribes living in the various regions of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges in Iran. They consist of Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shah Savan (Ilsavan nomads), Mamiand,
