There are conflicting beliefs concerning the origins of the Bakhtiari people. Some argue that they are Aryans and present evidence to support this stance, while others claim that they are immigrant tribes who entered Bakhtiari land from the west of Iran (Syria) since the fifth century.
The Bakhtiaris lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, depending on their herds of sheep, cattle, and horses for sustenance. Throughout the year, they participate in two migratory periods known as 'spring migration' and 'autumn migration.' During the spring migration, they move from their winter rangelands, known as "qishlaq," to the summer rangelands, called "yaylak." In the autumn migration, they return from the summer rangelands to the winter rangeland grounds. The duration of migration varies among nomadic tribes.
Like other nomads in Iran, Bakhtiari nomadic tribes have devised indigenous solutions for grazing and pasture management, ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of pastures during migration. However, this ancient way of life is rapidly disappearing, with many Bakhtiari choosing to leave the mountains entirely. Those who remain often rely on trucks or tractors to transport their animals and belongings.
Scholars hold different viewpoints on the etymology of the Bakhtiari language. Some believe it originated from ancient Persian, while others claim its roots lie in the Pahlavi language. It is part of a group of Persian dialects stretching geographically along the mountain tract from Pusht-e-Kuh in the west to the Kuhgiluyeh and Mamasani territories in the east. The language remains mostly unaffected by the influx of Arabic words, bearing a close resemblance to old Persian. The primary religion followed by both the nomadic and sedentary Bakhtiaris is Shia Islam, which they practice devotedly.
Within this community, women play a significant role in preserving customs and maintaining family bonds. Due to their challenging lifestyle, women actively engage in various aspects, including physical work and even participating in fighting, all while fulfilling their roles as mothers and wives.
Marriage and its various ceremonies in the Bakhtiari tribe serve not only as religious traditions to preserve their heritage but also as a means of creating, expanding, and maintaining social connections among families and individuals within the Bakhtiari tribe.
Bakhtiari Land and People
