A unique tribal journey to discover another face of Iran

So far away, behind the great mountain ranges of Iran, there are people called nomads (Kouch Neshinan) with a unique lifestyle synchronized to the symphony of nature.      

As a country populated by different tribes each dividing into different groups, Iran is home to two of the most prominent tribes named Qashqai and Bakhtiari who follow a nomadic and tribal lifestyle with their economy being based on herding.      

Since herding cattle is the nomad’s main source of income, they travel and move from one place to another along with their family and all their belongings. They move to Yeylagh (cooler countryside) in summer where the grass is plentiful for their flocks of sheep and goats; and back to Gheshlagh (warmer areas) in winter as their well-fed cattle getting stronger and ready to withstand the winter. 

Visiting Iran’s nomads and getting to know about the very special and ancient culture which is still present in the 21st century can be a very invaluable experience that allows you to learn about how to live first-hand.

Indigenous cuisine, folk music, local rituals such as celebrations and wedding ceremonies, milking the cows, buttering and sleeping under the stars in their famous Siah-Chador (nomadic black tent) are among some of the activities that have always spurred many to experience life among the tribes.

At the first sight, Iranian nomads astonish visitors with the decency in their rough and overworked hands and dignity in their warmhearted eyes.   

Staying with nomads and following them in their seasonal migration across Zagros fields would be a novel trip which is really worth trying.

MM/FM