Who are Qashqai's' and Bakhtiyar's'?
The Qashqai and Bakhtiari are two of the largest ethnic groups in Iran. They are both nomadic peoples who have a rich culture and heritage. The Qashqai are known for their beautiful rugs and their distinctive style of dress, while the Bakhtiari are known for their strong sense of tribal identity and their traditional way of life.
The Qashqai
The Qashqai are a Turkic-speaking people who live in the Zagros Mountains of southwestern Persia. They are the largest nomadic tribe in the world, with a population of over 2 million people. The Qashqai are known for their beautiful rugs, which are made from wool and are often decorated with intricate patterns. They are also known for their distinctive style of dress, which includes long, flowing robes and turbans.
The Qashqai have a strong sense of tribal identity. They are divided into a number of clans, each of which is led by a chief. The Qashqai have a traditional way of life, which is based on herding and agriculture. They live in tents and move their herds seasonally, following the availability of pastures.
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The Bakhtiari
The Bakhtiari are a Persian-speaking people who live in the Zagros Mountains of southwestern and central Persia. They are the second-largest nomadic tribe in the area, with a population of over 1 million people. The Bakhtiari are known for their strong sense of tribal identity and their traditional way of life.
The Bakhtiari have a long and rich history. They are descended from the Medes, an ancient Persian people. The Bakhtiari have a strong sense of tribal identity which you clearly see in their rugs. They are divided into a number of clans, each of which is led by a chief. The Bakhtiari have a traditional way of life, which is based on herding and agriculture. They live in tents and move their herds seasonally, following the availability of pastures.
The Bakhtiari are also known for their handicrafts, including rugs, jewellery, and metalwork. They are also known for their music and dance.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the Qashqai and Bakhtiari:
| Feature | Qashqai | Bakhtiari |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Turkic | Persians |
| Location | Zagros Mountains of southwestern Iran | Zagros Mountains of southwestern and central Iran |
| Traditional dress | Long, flowing robes and turbans | Long, flowing robes and headdresses |
| Rugs | Known for their beautiful rugs | Well-known for their bold design rugs |
| Tribal identity | Strong sense of tribal identity | Strong sense of tribal identity |
| Traditional way of life | Nomadic | Nomadic |
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In addition to these differences, there are also some cultural differences between the Qashqai and Bakhtiari. For example, the Qashqai are more likely to be Sunni Muslims, while the Bakhtiari are more likely to be Shi'a Muslims.
Despite their differences, the Qashqai and Bakhtiari are both proud peoples with a rich culture and heritage. They have both made significant contributions to Persian society, and their cultures continue to thrive today.
We are proud to offer a limited collection of rugs and kilims from both of these tribes in our store and offering a limited-time only collection from the Qashqai and Bakhtiari tribes. These rugs are handmade by skilled artisans and are a beautiful way to bring a touch of rich culture into your home. Please ask us with any questions.Â
