Bakhtiari

The Bakhtiari are a Persian-speaking ethnic group in Iran, a major Luri subgroup with a traditional homeland in the Zagros Mountains and in western provinces such as Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Lorestan, Isfahan, and Khuzestan. They have a long-standing history as pastoralists, with seasonal migrations between winter quarters and summer pastures in the highlands.

Linguistically, the Bakhtiari speak the Bakhtiari dialect, a variety of the Luri language within the Southwestern branch of Western Iranian languages. Most are bilingual in Persian, the dominant national language.

Historically, Bakhtiari social organization has centered on tribes and clans led by chieftains known as khans, with councils that handled communal affairs. The culture includes a rich oral tradition, poetry, and crafts; Bakhtiari carpets are particularly renowned for their geometric patterns and bold color schemes.

Economy and lifestyle have traditionally been rooted in nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralism, with herding of sheep and goats and seasonal movements between mountain pastures and lowland settlements. In modern times, many Bakhtiari have settled in villages or towns, though some continue transhumant routes and pastoral livelihoods.

Religion among the Bakhtiari is predominantly Shia Islam, with some minority practices and beliefs reflecting regional diversity. Today, Bakhtiari communities are integrated into Iranian society while maintaining distinctive linguistic and cultural traditions, and they have diaspora communities in major cities across the country.