Iranian Nomads and Their Way of Life

What is the importance of Iranian Nomads?

Iranian nomads are a group of people who move from an area to another by changing the season. In fact, they live in the nature and base their way of life on the nature.

Nomadic life is the oldest human way of life. Actually, nomadic people have adhered to their traditions for years. So, it is fascinating for most of tourists to touch nomadic way of life.

Although this genuine group account for a small percentage of Iran population, they play an important role in the society. Because they satisfy a considerable portion of people’s need such as dairy, meat and agricultural corps.

Nomads earn their living by animal husbandry; besides, they produce handicrafts, as one of the main income sources. In general, the handicrafts produced by nomads has a high historical and cultural importance.

 

How Iranian Nomads Immigrate

Iranian nomads change their living places twice a year, which is called “Kuch”. The main reason for the migration is to access enough fodder for livestock and survive from severe cold and hot climate.

This group move to “Yeylagh”, cooler regions, in the spring and summer. Then they back to “Geshlagh”, warmer regions, in the fall and winter.

“Ill Rah”, which literally means tribe route, refers to the route through which the nomads migrated. The mentioned routes link Yeylagh and Gheshlagh. In addition, every tribe has its own way, based on the nature characteristics.

Where Do the Iranian Nomads Live?

Most of the Iranian nomads reside in tents woven out of goat hair. They are waterproof, light and portable. It is interesting to know that the tents are usually woven by nomadic women.

Iranian Nomadic Groups Divided Based on Geographical Locations

Iranian nomads are divided to seven main groups including Kurd, Lur, Fars, Turk, Turkmen, Arab, Baloch and Brahui. Each group speaks its own language including Turkmenish, Persian, Kurdish, Luri, Arabic and Brahui.

Iranian Nomads of Western and Southwestern Iran

The climate characteristics of west and southwestern Iran has resulted in the presence of various nomads in these regions. This region features rich pastures, oak forests, peanuts, terebinth and lush valleys.

Bakhtiari Tribe, One of the Largest Iranian Nomadic Tribes

In order to meet Bakhtiari Tribes, you can travel to the southwest of Iran. They live in the provinces of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, Northern Khuzestan, Lorestan, Kohgiluyeh va Boyer-Ahmad and Isfahan.
A large number of them spend the winter in the plains of Khuzestan and the summer in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province.

Clothing style and way of life of Bakhtiari Tribes reflect their adherence to the traditions. They also have their special music and beautiful costumes which can be attractive for tourists.

They speak in Bakhtiari Dialect considered as the subgroup of Luri language. In fact, Luri Language, originating from ancient Persian language, is common in the southwest of Iran.

Arab Tribe, the People with Rich Indigenous Culture

Khuzestan Province, lying in the southwest of Iran, is home to Arab Nomads. Today, most of them tend to settle down, but some have retained their migrating lives.

Mazif is the most important symbol of the indigenous and rich culture of Arab Nomads. This beautiful structure which is made out of reed and straw is a place for accommodating the guests. Arab Nomads also welcome the tourists in these structures.

Iranian Nomads of Center and South of Iran

The nomads of the central part of Iran have a different culture due to being near the capital. They include various ethnic groups and disperse in the provinces of Hamedan, Tehran, Semnan and Isfahan.

Qashqai Tribe is the most important nomads of southern Iran; however, some of them disperse in the center of Iran. So, you can see the nomadic tents of this tribe in some regions of Isfahan Province.

Qashqai Tribe, Known for Vibrant and Hospitable People

You can meet Qashqai Tribe in Fars Province and the neighboring provinces. People speak in Qashqai Turkish language in this group.
The people of Qashqai Tribe are so hospitable and vibrant so that they put much value on music and local dance. Besides, the women of the tribe wear colorful costumes. It can be a unique experience to get familiar with them.

The Most Important Iranian Nomads in the Northwestern Regions

The natural characteristics of northwestern Iran has resulted in the prosperity of nomadic life in this region. The nomads of this region move to the slopes of Sabalan in the spring and summer. They also spend the winter in Mughan plain.

Shahsavan Tribe, the Nomads of Azerbaijan

Shahsavan Tribe consists of Turkish-speaking people. The most important structure of their living place is the hemispherical gazebos known as “Ubeh”. They make handicrafts out of wool. Above all, all the kilims that they wave are based on mental models.

Iranian Nomads of Northeastern and Southeastern Iran

Kormanj Nomads

Kormanj Nomads are the most important nomads that reside in the northeast of Iran. This nomadic group belong to the Kurd ethnic group and speak Kurdish. They mainly concentrate in North Khorasan Province. The best time to explore their way of life is summer and spring.

As well as kilim-weaving, Kormanj nomads do traditional dyeing. Believing that the durability of natural dyes is more than industrial dyes, they use wildflowers to dye kilims and fabrics. Furthermore, the motifs produced by natural colors are more vibrant.

Baloch Nomads

Baloch Nomads live in Sistan va Baluchestan Province. They move to the slopes of the Taftan Mountains in the summer. Then they back to the edge of Hamun Lake in the fall and winter. They live in tent and mainly work in the field of animal husbandry.
Needlework is among the most important handicrafts of this nomadic group. Baluchi women are the main artists who produce this globally renowned handicraft.

Nomadic Tourism, an Opportunity to Get Familiar with Nomads and Their Way of Life

Dedicate a part of your time to visit nomads on your trip to Iran. They are nature lovers who still adhere to the traditions of their ancestors. So, it can make a unique and memorable experience for you.

1001 Nights Tours has dedicated some of its tours to nomadic tours. On such trips we travel to the provinces that allow you to know the culture of nomads. Click here to accompany us on such trips. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us regarding special tours via email.