Gilaks

Gilaks are an Iranian ethnic group native to the Caspian coastal region of northern Iran, centered in Gilan Province. They share a linguistic and cultural identity tied to the Gilaki language and to the Caspian littoral heritage. The Gilaki language belongs to the Northwestern branch of the Iranian languages and is part of the Caspian language group; it has several dialects spoken in cities and rural areas around Rasht, Lahijan, Anzali and surrounding districts. Most Gilaks are bilingual, using Persian for education and administration, while Gilaki remains widely spoken at home and in local media.

Estimates of Gilaki-speaking populations range in the low millions, with the majority residing in Gilan and smaller communities in nearby provinces such as Tehran, Qazvin and Mazandaran. The religion of Gilaks is predominantly Twelver Shia Islam, with some Sunni minorities and other faiths represented in limited numbers.

Cultural life among Gilaks emphasizes coastal and forest-based traditions, music, dance and crafts, along with a cuisine known for seafood, garlic-rich dishes, rice and herbs. Traditional dress and festivals reflect a blend of local customs and wider Iranian influences.

The Gilak identity forms a core part of Iran's ethnic mosaic, reflecting longstanding ties to the Caspian region and to the broader history of the Gilan littoral.