Katis

Katis is a small village situated in the Darreh Shahr District of Izeh County, within Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran. It lies approximately 450 metres above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. The village is connected to the surrounding settlements by a network of rural roads that link it to the district centre, where residents obtain goods and services not available locally.

According to the 2016 national census, Katis had a population of 245 individuals, comprising 52 households. The demographic makeup is predominantly Persian-speaking, with a minority speaking a local dialect of Luri. Agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, with residents cultivating wheat, barley, and several fruit varieties suitable for the semi-arid climate. In recent years, some inhabitants have diversified into small-scale livestock farming and craft production, particularly pottery and woven textiles, which are sold in nearby markets.

Historically, Katis has been mentioned in regional gazetteers as far back as the early 20th century, where it was noted for its strategic location on a trade route connecting the central plateau to the oil-rich cities of Khuzestan. The village’s cultural heritage includes traditional music and dance forms that blend Persian and Luri influences, preserved through communal festivals held annually during the harvest season. Studies of the area’s archaeology indicate continuous habitation dating to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by nearby burial mounds and terracotta figurines recovered by exploratory digs.