Qashqai Nomad

Qashqai Nomad

Nomads (Ashayer in Persian Languages) move from one place to another place with their tribe, family, and goods in Iran. Nomadism or Kooch Neshini in Frsi is the tribal lifestyle, and their economy is on herding. The most essential features of Nomadic life are moving from one area to another and being part of a large group. Nomads move to Yeylagh (Cool Countryside) in summer and return to Gheshlagh (warm areas) in winter throughout their yearly, which means they shift with the seasons. The Nomadic Tribes of Iran tour is an opportunity to visit this great attraction that is still current in the 21st century. Planning a tour of the Nomads of Iran allows you to learn about the culture of Nomads and experience their life along with one of the main tribes called The Tribe of Qashqai.

History

Historians and writers are not sure about the origin of the Qashqai Confederation. Some people probably were from the 11th-century immigration, who were from the Turk tribes in central Asia, while others were from Turk tribes belonging to Genghis Khan that some groups moved southwest into the territory of present-day Turkmenistan and then beyond to Iran. The specific and independent identity of the Qashqai tribe began during the Safavid era, and they united as a confederation of tribes. The first Qashqai chief was from the 18th century. During the Nader Shah period, several groups within the confederation relocated to Khorasan forcibly. However, most of them returned to Fars during the Zand dynasty.  

After the Qajar dynasty defeated the Zand dynasty, the leader of the Qashqai and his family sought refuge in the Zagros Mountains. The leader of the Qajar dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan, took revenge on the Qashqaies. On the other hand, during this period, the population of Qashqai increased because most of the Kurdish and Lor tribes, who came to Fars with Karim Khan Zand, joined the Qashqai tribe. After that, they established a good relationship with Qajar. This nomad had vicissitudes. However, the political power began during the Qajar era.

Life and Culture

The Qashqai nomads live in two vast areas of the Zagros Mountains in the south. In winter and fall (tropical season), they migrate to lower altitudes and southwest. In summer (Hot Season), they migrate north of Fars, Kohgiluyeh, Boyer-Ahmad, and some parts of Isfahan. Every tropical or winter environment has suitable pastures for livestock and herds. Tropical pastures in winter are full of snow, rain, and wind, while winter pastures in summer are hot, humid, salty, and devoid of vegetation.

In a year, nomads migrate twice, each taking six months and lasting three months. On the way to migration, they seek better weather and pastures while using green roads and avoiding tough occasions. Like other Iranian tribes, the Qashqai tribe has its customs and traditions. They are cheerful people who love to celebrate and happiness. Unique weddings and celebrations are crucial customs and traditions of them.

Wedding

Weddings are significant in Qashqai tribes. Because happiness is valuable to the tribe, they try to execute their weddings with great loveliness and uniqueness. Qashqai men and women dance shoulder to shoulder at their weddings. Qashqai dances include the scarf dance (in the Persian language Dastmal-Bazi) of women with Heleh music and the stick dance (in the Persian language Choob-Bazi) of men with Saz-o-Dohol (traditional music), which has fantastic harmony and beauty.

Black Tents

The Qashqai tent, known as the Black tent (in the Persian language Siah Chaador), is made from goat wool. This tent has a rectangular or octagonal shape and various parts. The design of the tent differs between winter and summer. In winter and autumn, the tent is covered with tarpaulin on three sides, while only one side is left open for an entrance and exit, and the roof is cone-shaped. When it rains, water runs off from the edge of the roof to the ground. In summer, poles around the tent make the roof flat. Summer tents typically feature walls only on the side where the equipment and bedding are.

Clothing of the Qashqai Tribe

Qashqai women’s clothing is very diverse and colorful. Women wear multi-layered skirts with short jackets. They also adorn lace scarves over their hats. Their jewelry reflects their status and wealth. Qashqai men are very interested in mustaches. They wear special trousers, corduroy dresses, a long robe with a sturdy shawl, and a warm welt cassock. Men also wear a particular hat, known as a rabbit model.

Language of Qashqai Tribe

The Qashqai tribe speaks Turki and is of Turkish descent. They have inhabited the Fars province and southern Iran since ancient times. The English and Portuguese historically feared the Qashqai name, viewing them as brave warriors. “Qashqa” originates from Turkish, meaning a hero or a courageous individual.

Products of Qashqai Tribe

The Qashqai people engage in agriculture and animal husbandry because of their geographic situation. Therefore, they can produce their required products, which are below:

Dairy products: Women produce diverse dairy products, including butter, yogurt, whey, black Kashk, and kaymak (Sar Shir in Persian Languages). The yogurt (Dough) product is in a container called a Musk attached to a tripod. They shake the container to turn the yogurt into butter and Dough.

Skin industry: Tribal people use sheepskin for dishes and other purposes. The types of sheepskin used include waterskins for holding water, oil, yogurt, and Dough.

Handicraft: The Qashqai people are renowned for handicrafts, including Carpet Weaving, Kilim Weaving, Jajim Weaving, and Gabeh Weaving.

Agriculture products: Their products contain wheat, barley, rice, legumes, herbs, citrus fruits, and dates. Women work with men on all things.

Tent: The tribal tent is named (Black Tent) and made from goat hair drawn from the black goats in the livestock herd.

The Qashqai are one of the largest tribes in Iran and have a modern lifestyle. Planning a tour allows you to learn about the daily lives of the local people, taste their traditional food cooked on a wood stove, observe their animal herding techniques, and understand their customs. While many of them have become citizens and settled in villages, many of their people still live as nomads.