In Iran, the different ethnic groups, the combination of different ethnicities, is a sign of the identity and prestige of the land of Persia. The land of Iran, with all the beauties of its four season, is a familiar land and belongs to all tribes and ethnics of Iran. The colorful culture, traditions and also the customs of people in Iran, gave more colors to this country. These colorful people with different traditions, culture and language and dialect, are living together under the sky of Iran. In the following, we will introduce you the different ethnics groups and ethnicity in Iran. Iran’s multi ethnic and all in Aryan land. Ethnics such as Turks, Persians, Baluchis, and ….
We will tell you stories about the category of Iranian tribes and ethnic groups living all around this mythical land.
Ethnicities in Iran-Cognition of the People in Iran
According to the nation, you have to say that a nation represents human beings who in some ways have something in common. From these features, you can point to the same language and territory of residence. But it is said that having different hair color, eye color and shape, dark or light skin, or common race in general is also an effective factor.
Then, if the nation has a political character, as well as a function of a certain culture and social relations, the ethnicity makes its roles public. In Iran, you sometimes see ethnicities who welcome non-ethnic through marriage. But it is better to talk about how the Iranian tribes originated.
Tribes and Ethnics of Iran
Here we will tell you about how the diversity of Iranian ethnic groups shaped and originated. About 2000 BC, the Aryan migrated to this land, to Iran. And they were in three groups, Medes, Persians, and Parthians. Then, this land was named Iran, meaning the land of Aryans. But Iran was not unique to Aryan race and it spread to different ethnic groups overtime. In fact, different factors caused the ethnic diversity, it could be wars sometime, or by invasions and conquests.
Even the invasion of Alexander the great, or the invasion of the Arab Muslims could cause some of them. We also can consider the Mongol invasion by Genghis Khan. Indeed, the migrations of the Ghaznavind Turks and others cannot be irrelevant in shaping these ethnicities and ethnic groups in Iran.
A brief Cognition about tribes of Iran
If you want to name the ethnic groups of Iran, you should also mention the Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, Lor and Baluch. The tribes of Iran also continue in the presence of Qashqai, Shahsoon, Mazani, Kermani, Lak and Taleshi. And it is good to know that they will not finish here. You can talk about Arab, Gilak, and Turkman ethnic in colorful arches of the Iranian ethnicities.
Turkish people of Iran
In fact, Turkish people of Iran are considered as one of the largest tribes in Iran. Which is made up of brave, zealous and fanatical people. It is good to know that Turkish people are very famous for their hospitality and their kindness to foreigners and tourists. Also their interest and belonging to Islam is rooted in all their soul. The love for Imam Hossain (AS), between these people, is very popular.
These people also are so patriotic and especially so friendly to others. A clear example of this patriotism can be seen in Sattar Khan, the leader of the Azerbaijani resistance and defender of constitutionalism. There also is a lot to talk about heroism and bravery of Baqir Khan, the national ruler, and his commitment to the constitutional revolution. Also the first government that was composed of Turkic races and ruled Iran was the Ghaznavids. Of course, Turk-speaking tribes are also very sensitive to their language.
Residence of Turks of Iran
The main place of Turk people in Iran, is flexible in provinces if Zanjan, Ardabil, West Azerbaijan, and East Azerbaijan. But it is not limited to these places. They are almost everywhere in Iran. You can find Turk people in other regions such as, Qazvin, Gilan, and Hamedan provinces. You can see them also in Tehran, Qom and other places in Iran.
Kurd tribe in Iran
Kurdish people also are considered as another tribe in Iran, who are a relic of the Medes as their ancestors and origin. The Kurdish people of Iran, is one of the ethnic who are living in the most beautiful and pristine areas of Iran. Areas full of springs, waterfall, high mountains, forests, beautiful and refreshing nature and woods full of oak trees. Kurd people are known for their gentle hospitality.
They are from the group of happy people who are famous for their beautiful Kurdish dance, music and celebrations. Also Kurdish people of Iran are really brave, courageous and noble people. It is good to know that Kurdish people of Iran follow Islam and mostly they are Sunni. in addition to all these things, the colorful and adorable clothes of Kurd women is so famous.
Diaspora of Kurdish people in Iran
which areas do you think the Kurdish people live in Iran? Kurd people, considered as the third largest ethnic group in Iran, live in Kurdistan. In the southern regions of West Azerbaijan, and in some parts of western and northwestern Iran. These areas also include provinces such as Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Ilam. You can also find Kurd people in north Khorasan, Hamedan, Abarkooh and Lorestan provinces.
Arab tribes in Iran
Well, it is said that the migration of Arab tribes to Iran, back to the Parthian period, made this ethnic in Iran. However, according to evidences and documents, in the middle of ninth century AH, new nomadic Arabs entered Iran. These Arabs also came to Iran with Sayyad Muhammad Bin Fallah, the leader of Mushashaians. In addition, it is good to know that the Arab people in Khuzestan speak Arabic with several specific dialects.
The clothes of Arab men are very long, up to their ankles and are white. This dress is called dashdash, and of course Arab women also use shawls and long dresses and outfits to cover themselves. Also, the Arab people of Khuzestan ae often followers of the Shiite religion. One of the traditions among Arab ethnic group in the south of Iran, is to drink coffee, Arabic coffee, and serve it from a container called daleh.
Where are the Arab people of Iran living?
You can find Arabs in the southwest of Iran. Of course, the main area is south and among Persian Gulf. Then you can find them in Ramhormoz, Behbahan, and Dezful. Also in other cities such as Hoveyzeh, Khorramshahr, Susangard, shush and areas in the provinces of Fars, Kohkiluye and Boyer-Ahmad you can find Arabs.
Baluch people of Iran
The bravery of Baluch people of Iran is known to all. The Baluch race is undoubtedly Aryan, and one of the best in their honesty, hard work, and love and hospitality. Baluch people speak in Baluch language. This language is a bit similar to Hindi. Baluch tribe in Iran is very prejudiced against their beliefs and adhere to them.
Sunni-Baluch people are caring for each other, especially when young people want to get married. They help each other a lot. Evidences show that the antiquity of this tribe belongs to before the advent of Islam. They are so loyal in friendship. Also against the enemy, they are seen with great resistance and strength.
Where are Baluch people in Iran?
Baluch people and ethnicity, often found in the mountainous province of Baluchistan. It is located in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan. So they stay and live in Zahedan, Iranshahr, Khash, Saravan, as well as Nikshahr and the port of Chabahar. It also is good to know that the cities of Sarakhs and Torbat-e-Jam in the northeast of Khorasan province, and Gorgan also are places you can find Baluch people.
Turkmen ethnic group in Iran
Turkmen people are Muslim and follow the Hanafi religion. This Iranian ethnicity is very religious and the perspective of religion is reflected in all their ceremonies. But it is interesting to know that there is a festival called “Aq Quyun” or white sheep, among the Turkmen tribes.
This event is held when men reaches at the age of sixty-three. This is in honor of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at this age. The language of Turkmen people is a branch Oghuz Turki and Turkmen. Turkmen horses also are very special and known to the world. These people also have a special skills and mastery. Also Turkmen people are so good in handicraft art and handmade stuff and artworks. You can see the carpets done by Turkmen people and enjoy the design and the art.
Where are the Turkmen people living and staying in Iran?
Turkmen people are living in the southeast of the Caspian Sea and Turkmen Sahara in the Northeastern part of Iran. You also can find Turkmen people in the northern side of Golestan Province, and also in Bojnourd located in North Khorasan. The main cities where Turkmen people stay and live, are Gonbad-e-Kavus, Aqqala, Bandar-e-Turkmen and Maraveh Tappeh. And you can name these cities the land of colors.
Lor people of Iran
Lor tribe belongs to the 4th century AH. The place these people stay and live in Iran is known as Lorestan. The Lor tribes are divided into two main groups, the big Lor and the small Lor. The Lor people speak in Lori language, and also Laki. Some linguistics believe that Lori is dialect between Persian and Kurdish.
From eighth century AH, the people of Lorestan and Lor tribes accepted the religion of Islam and Shiism. One of the common thing of these people is that they keep weapons and horses. Well, not all of them and in the city, but those who still live in tribes and villages and gardens, or it is better to say that they have a place to keep horses and all, will do so.
Where are the Lor people in Iran living?
You can find the large amount of Lor people in western part of the country. You can see the Lor people in regions and provinces such as Lorestan, Chahamahal and Bakhtiari, and also Khuzestan. It is good to know that Kohkiluye and Boyer Ahmad also is from Lor region.
Bakhtiari tribes in Iran
Bakhtiari tribes are the heroes. The bakhtiari tribes and people are descended from the Aryan Parthians and belong to the big Lor group. The bakhtiari people are Muslim and Shiite. They are divided into two tribes, Chahar Lang and Haft Lang.
The bakhtiari pride is to have a beautiful and suitable horse and a son. They expect their daughters and sons to be truthful and to sit upright on horses and to shoot straight. The proper use of guns. The language they speak is one of the Lori languages in Bakhtiari dialect.
Where do the Bakhtiari people stay in Iran?
Bakhtiari ethnic group stay in Chahamahal and bakhtiari. Bakhtiari land consists of Summer and Winter. The summer area of Haft Lang is composed of the salt water region, the yellow mountain, a paradise we can say. There also is Koohrang city, where you find boiling springs and medicinal plant. The winter areas of this people are mostly in the city of Indika and Masjed Soleyman.
The Chahar Lang Bakhtiari tribe has the summer areas in Faridon and Dorud cities. And the Winter areas of this people are the cities of Dezful, Izeh and Ramhormoz. You also can find bakhtiari people in the north, northwest of Khuzestan. Some also are staying in Southwest of Isfahan, north of Kohkiluye and Boyer Ahmad and east Lorestan.
Shahsevan Ethnic group in Iran
The shahsevan group and ethnic in Iran, honest and pure, far from claiming. These people mostly are Arab and Turkish people emigrated to Iran. Then after migrating with the native tribes of Azerbaijan, they formed a new tribe called shahsevan. It is good to know that these people are Turkic-speaking and live by nomadism.
The shahsevan tribe is considered as animal husbandry as their main occupation. The shahsevan tribe also is a Muslim tribe. And they are following the Shiite religion. This Iranian tribe and Ethnic have special skills in hunting are very famous in shooting. In fact, these people are living in hemispherical tents woven with mastery, skill and elegance. These tents are called Komeh, which is a tent smaller than pavilion and less durable.
Where are Shahsevan tribe living in Iran?
Shahsevan people live in Azerbaijan. You can see them mostly in Ardabil province. The Shahsevan tribe also steeled in some parts of Fars province.
Qashqai people in Iran
The Qashqai people and tribes, including Turks, Arabs, Kurds and Lors. These brave and hardworking tribes call their language Turkish, but in fact, have the Turkish language of the western Oghuz. These people also have the religion of Islam and following the Shiite.
Qashqai tribes are considered as a happy group that show the great interest in dance and celebration. The most interest of the Qashqai people is drinking chai and smoking hookah. In addition to the mentioned things, these Qashqai people also are active in producing the livestock products and also engage in agriculture and horticulture.
Where do the Qashqai people live in Iran?
Fars province can be considered as the main place of residence of Qashqai tribes. But you can find Qashqai people in Kohgiluye and Boyer Ahmad province. Also in Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province you can see Qashqai people and tribes.
In some areas and parts of Shahreza, Semirom, Faridan and farmers of Isfahan province you will find Qashqai tribes as well.
Talesh people in Iran
Undoubtedly, the Talesh tribes could be considered as a rooted and noble people. According to history, they are considered to be the remnants of the kadus tribes. There is even a belief in the presence of the talesh people before the arrival of the Aryans in Iran. Talesh tribes are in Ardabil, Rezvanshahr, Hashtpar and Asalem provinces and cities.
They have Sunni religion. The main occupation of the Taleshi tribes is animal husbandry. You can find Taleshi people planting rice as well. And fishing, organic honey manufacturing and etc. one of the traditions of Talesh people and Talesh tribe is the Nowruz recitation ceremony, which gives the good news of spring.
Where do Talesh tribes and people live in Iran?
Talesh tribes live from Astara to Rudbar with its gardens and green trees full of olives. They also are in Manjil, a city reminiscent of its wind turbines. On the other hand, we have Talesh tribes and groups living between Talesh mountains and shores of Caspian Sea. The city of Talesh, Rezvanshahr, Masal, Soomehsara, Fooman and Masoule are also the place where Taleshi people live. A few of Taleshi people also are living in Shaft, Asalem and Hashtpar in Gilan province as well.
Gilak people of Iran
The tribe of Gilak, which took their name from the Gilan province, lived in the present region even before the Aryans came to the land of Persia. The language of this people is Persian Gilaki, which is lexically similar to Kurdish and Lori languages. Also after the Arab invasion, the Gilakis were of Iranian descent who showed great resistance to the Arabs.
Even the Gilak tribes gradually embraced Islam and the Shiite religion. Agriculture is one of the main occupations due to the climate in areas of Gilan province. They have the highest rankings in the production of Rice, Tea and some other products. Gilani people have a spirit of freshness and cheerfulness and very hospitable people.
Where do Gilak people live in Iran?
The Gilak people live on the shores of the southwestern Caspian Sea, in the province of Gilan. In fact, in most parts of Gilan province you will find Gilak people. But mostly they live in western part of Gilan.
Kurmanji people of Iran
These people are known as Northern Kurds, speak Kurdish but with Kurmanji dialect. They are Muslims and follow Shiite. It also seems that the brave people od Kurmanji entered this land during the Safavid period and are from Ottoman Kurdish tribes.
The wedding of the Kurmanji tribe used to last seven days and nights, but now it is only one day and night. They have a very colorful design in their outfits and dresses and also a colorful culture. The colorful clothes of the women are really attractive and beautiful. They consider red as a sign of happiness.
Where do Kurmanji people live in Iran?
You can see these people in North Khorasan and North Khorasan Razavi. It is better to say, that they are seen in the cities of Quchan, Bojnourd, Isfahan, Shirvan, Mashhad, Chenaran and Dargaz with a seven-thousand-year old civilization. Some located in the south of Ardabil province as well.
Mazani People in Iran
In the southern part of the Caspian Sea, you can see the remnants of a generation of Tabari Tribes as Mazandaran tribes and known as Mazani people and tribe. This ethnic too, was there before the arrival of Aryans and speak the Mazandaran language. Mazani people are Muslim. And they are followers of Shiite.
Their main occupation is agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. One of the most important and traditional celebrations in Mazandaran is the day of commemoration of Arash Kamangir, the hero of Mazani people. This ceremony is celebrated every July 13th. Mazani people are very warm-hearted and always in honor of the guests.
Where Mazani people live in Iran?
Mazani people live in Mazandaran province. But this ethnic group lives in other places as well. You can see this people in mountains of Mazandaran. You may even see Mazani people in Golestan and also Semnan.
Lak ethnic people in Iran
Lak tribes and people, are other ethnic in Iran. These people also were here in Iran before Aryans come to this land. They speak in Laki dialect. indeed, the Lak people are Muslim, but some of them follow the religion of Ahl al-Hagh (Parsan). They have a tradition and a ceremony called Nafeh Boran. This is a ceremony when a baby girl’s umbilical cord is cut, she is engaged to a boy so that their marriage ceremony can take place in their youth.
Where are the Lak people live in Iran?
You mostly see these people in western part of Iran. Some can be seen in the east and northwest of Lorestan province and the east of Ilam and Kermanshah province too. In Kermanshah you may see them in different cities but mostly in Harsin, Kangavar and Sahne.
Persian, The largest Ethnic in Iran
Persians are the main and the largest ethnic in Iran and the land of Persia. Persians came to the plateau of Iran in the second millennium BC, and they are from the Elamite and Aryan tribes. They called this land Iran, meaning the Aryan habitat, which later became Persia and then Iran.
The Persian race and people speak Persian and it is known as the official language in Iran. Persian speakers should be considered a combination of different ethnicities in Iran. The major place of the original and with no dialect Persian is Tehran.
Habitat of Persian ethnic and people in Iran
You can see the dispersal of the largest race of Iran, means the Persian, all over this land and the country. From north to south and east to west of Iran, in each and every province and city you can see Persian people. But mostly the Persian population belongs to Tehran and the capital city of Iran.
A window to the ocean of tribes in Iran
The Iranian tribes and different ethnics we mentioned briefly above, as well as other ethnicities, are the shining stars of the sky of Iran. Stars that make the nights of Iran bright and shining with their consecutive blinking. Let us proudly allow all Iranian Ethnicities to spread their perfume in the paradise of Iran. We all are Iranians, no matter from which tribe, ethnic and city or village, we are Iranians.
