Yakan

The Yakan are an indigenous ethnolinguistic group of the Philippines, concentrated primarily on Basilan Island with communities in Zamboanga City and nearby areas. They form part of the Moro peoples of Mindanao and speak the Yakan language, an Austronesian language with dialectal variation. Many Yakan are multilingual, using Filipino and English in education and public life.

Historically, the Yakan formed communities along coastal and inland areas and have long interacted with neighboring groups such as the Tausug and Sama-Bajau. Islam is the central religion and shapes daily life, rites, and social practices. Social organization traditionally centers on kinship networks and family ties, with customs and values transmitted through elders and community institutions.

Yakan culture is renowned for its textile arts and craftsmanship. The Yakan weave is a prominent expression, featuring bright colors and geometric motifs used in clothing and everyday textiles. Weaving is often a collective or intergenerational activity, and textiles play roles in ceremonial dress, gifts, and markets. In addition to weaving, the Yakan engage in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trade, with dress and ornament reflecting a blend of traditional and religious influences.

In contemporary times, the Yakan face challenges common to indigenous groups in the region, including displacement from conflict and pressures of modernization. Efforts to preserve language and crafts are pursued through cultural programs, local education, and community initiatives, while many Yakan participate in urban life in Basilan, Zamboanga City, and elsewhere in the Philippines.