Discovering Bakhtiari, Qashqai and Mamasani Nomads - 10 Days

Mamasani is the only Iranian tribe that has retained its name since the Achaemenid period. The name Mamasani is a factor of common identity between different tribes of the same lineage that live in different countries, and over the centuries, linguistic, religious and cultural differences have been created between them.

A study of all the national ethnographic oral traditions of the Mamasanis, which have been written in the last two centuries and whose accuracy is consistent with the writings of the Safavid historian Shamloo, points to the Parthian-Scythian roots of the Mamasanis.

Tracing the historical background of this tribe requires identifying people who have the title of Mamasani or any of its tribes with them and their names and emblems can be seen in the history pages.

Mamasani family in Fars province

Mamasani tribe living in Mamasani city in the northwest of Fars province speaks Lori language. This tribe currently consists of four tribes: Baksh, Javid, Enemy Ziari and Rostam. According to reports from Europeans who crossed the Mamasani during the Qajar period, the Mamasani were proud of their Sistani descent and dependence on Rostam. The names of Mamasani Khans of the Safavid period are: Imam Qoli Khan, Mohammad Khan, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Baqir Khan, Qayed Hussam al-Din, Khajeh Mohammad Hussein Hezar Espi, Moghim Bey, Baba Khalil and King Mohammad.

Bakhsh tribe

In the Achaemenid period, Bakhsh was the name of a house around present-day Mamasani.  Miri Khan Mamasani from the Alivand Baksh clan in 1196 helped Karim Khan Zand to conquer Shiraz. Wali Khan, the son of Khobyar Khan, overthrew Miri Khan in the early reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, and the position of khan of the Baksh tribe was transferred to him from the Miri Khan family.

Doshman Ziar tribe

The existence of the Doshman Ziar probably dates back to the time of the formation of the Al buyeh government. Ali Buyeh Deilami with the help of the Lors defeated Yaqut Sardar Khalifa Abbasi in Kohkiluyeh around 320 AH and with the financial and military help of Aboutaleb Zaid Nobandaghani, the current ruler of Mamasani, conquered Shiraz and established the government of Al Buyeh.

The Javid tribe

Javid tribe is one of the old Mamasani tribe

Rostam tribe

Rostam tribe, whose land was separated from Mamasani city in 2008 and became Rostam city, is a symbol of Mamasani historical identity and their dependence on Rostam family in Sistan land. It is said that Ki Khosrow, after resigning from the kingdom and when he was going to Dena Mountain for seclusion, stopped in the present Mamasani and gave this area to him due to Rostam’s services to Iran and said that he would give a plain full of gold to I will leave you.

Mamasani nomads have a deep connection with their natural environment and have originally created their lives in accordance with nature. Traditions, handicrafts, customs and their specific lifestyles are fundamentally different from urban and rural settlers.

Nomadic life and living with nomads is an indescribable experience. An experience that will be invaluable and unforgettable for any tourist. The diverse natural environment, in the tribal territory that includes the nomadic ecosystems (summer, winter and intermediate), can be seen in different seasons, that  is the most beautiful tourist attractions of the nomads. Beginning, ending and moving in the tribal territory is one of the things that is very attractive, interesting and spectacular for the tribal territory from summer to winter and vice versa.

Collecting temporary nomadic dwellings in the form of tents, pavilions and raising them from the living limits throughout the year, packing the necessities and tools of life using the nomads’ own products and carrying them by cattle, the movement of women, men, children with the tribe. Horseback riding is always exciting for tourists. Nomads are kind, warm-blooded, brave, intelligent, skilled riders, skilful shooters, and outstanding and hard-working mountaineers. Their belief in customs, social traditions, weddings in various dialects are among the sights.

Nomadic activities include raising livestock, milking, porcelain wool and converting milk to other dairy products, various forms of housing including permanent, temporary, pavilions, tents and various handicrafts including carpets, rugs, kilims, jajim, gabbeh, which are often Native raw materials are spectacular for the viewers

Local languages ​​and dialects; Due to ethnic and racial diversity, the diversity of language and dialect among nomads is very significant. Persian nomads are divided into major groups based on language and dialects:, Arabic, Lor and Turk. Each of these languages ​​and dialects is divided into smaller dialects. For example, Lori dialect includes Lori Bakhtiari, Mamasani, Boyerahmadi and Lorestani.

Due to the nomadic lifestyle, nomads always use black tents or other portable housing, which is a kind of handicraft. Each of the tribes and clans of Persia have different dwellings according to the geographical situation of the region. Qashqai black tents, Behun Bakhtiari, each has its own style that is compatible with the climatic conditions of its region.

Clothing and apparel; The costume of nomadic tribes as one of the symbols of Iranian tribes has been considered by many anthropologists and even museum owners. The design of local nomadic clothes, the variety of colors and embroidery done on them and other delicacies have attracted the attention of many enthusiasts. For example: Qashqai clothes in Persia are extremely beautiful and spectacular.

Customs of celebrations and rituals; One of the areas that is attractive and interesting for most people and has received a lot of attention is rituals and ceremonies in the nomadic community. Wedding and wedding customs, mourning, feasts and other local celebrations that take place on different occasions. Like Nowruz celebration, Sedeh celebration (autumn migration), is one of the capabilities and attractions of nomadic areas. According to some experts, Bakhtiari nomadic celebration during autumn migration is the remnant of Sedeh or Mehregan celebration. Nomadic celebrations and dances are often performed in groups with the participation of everyone, men and women, young and old, young and old. The purity, intimacy, joy and cheerfulness that tribal musicians create in celebrations and feasts is indescribable. These ceremonies have a high status in the tribes.

Handicrafts; Persian nomads have long been engaged in the production of handicrafts. Depending on their lifestyle, they have had to produce their own livelihood. Among their most important handicrafts, we should mention carpets, kilims, gabbehs, backpacks, jajim, mufflers, etc., some of which are world-famous. Such as Turkmen back, Gabbeh Qashqai and

Local music and songs; Folk and folk music and songs are one of the main means of transmitting the culture of past generations to new generations. These arts have special functions in nomadic society. One of the functions of local music and group songs in nomadic life is to organize the production organization, from musk-making to rice-beating, are clear examples of this claim. In addition to helping to do the work, the local poems and songs with the tribe keep them strong and energetic to continue working vigorously and actively.

We can refer to these pages to get acquainted with the Qashqai and Bakhtiari tribes

In this trip, we intend to accompany the Qashqai, Mamasani and Bakhtiari tribes. Get to know the people of these tribes. Travel with them to experience their beautiful life. Talk to them at night in the tent and enjoy their funny stories. Let’s try the special and delicious foods of this tribe. This trip is planned focusing on the Qashqai, Mamasani and Bakhtiari tribes, along with historical and beautiful monuments of Iran.