Talesh
Talesh, or Talysh, refers to an Iranian ethnic group and to the region they traditionally inhabit along the western Caspian Sea. The Talesh people live across parts of Iran and Azerbaijan, with communities in Iran's Gilan and Ardabil Provinces and in Azerbaijan's southern districts around Lankaran and Astara. The landscape includes the Talesh Mountains, which run parallel to the Caspian coast.
Language is a key marker of Talesh identity. The Talysh language is an Iranian language of the
Historically, the Talesh have long occupied the Caspian littoral. In the Caucasus, they formed political entities
Culture and society in Talesh-speaking areas reflect Caspian influences, with traditional music, dance, weaving, and crafts
Demographics are imprecise, and censuses often classify people by broader categories. Today, Talysh communities remain a