Iran nomads culture is a fascinating subject rich in history and tradition. Do you consider Iran a country rich in culture or history? To give you a hint of what I want to highlight: all the monarchs of Iran, from the Parthian Empire to the Qajar dynasty, come from nomad tribes!
So, who do we define as a nomad? A nomad is someone who does not live in one fixed place. Both modern and traditional nomads exist worldwide. Modern nomads often choose their living spots based on work opportunities, while traditional nomads select locations for good pastures.
In this article, we will focus on traditional nomads — the tribes that Iranian kings originate from. Traditional nomads live with flocks of sheep and goats, along with their donkeys, horses, and dogs. They migrate seasonally to find fresh grasslands for their animals, which is central to Iran nomads culture.
Iran Nomads Culture: Origins and Motivation
Nomadism began in Iran around 8,000 years ago. In arid regions where weather conditions made farming difficult, early nomads migrated to hunt and find grasses for their animals. Over time, their herds grew larger, and they gradually transitioned from farming to shepherding.
Main Nomad Tribes in Iran and Their Culture
Iran is home to three main nomad tribes: Shahsevan, Bakhtiari, and Qashqai. Over the last century, many have been forced to settle in villages to gain access to amenities like electricity or to monitor their activities more closely. Despite this, they deeply cherish their lifestyle and rich cultural heritage behind every tradition.
The population of nomads now accounts for only 1-2% of Iran’s total population. For instance, Shahsevan tribes near the northwest have all settled down, while Qashqai near Shiraz still conduct limited semi-annual migrations. In contrast, the Bakhtiari tribe continues to migrate in the central Zagros Mountains around Isfahan province.
To explore more about Iran’s rich heritage, check out our Iran History and Traditional Cultures of Iran pages.
Who Are the Bakhtiaris? Understanding Iran Nomads Culture
If you’re a history enthusiast, you might know Queen Soraya. Or maybe you’ve heard of David Bakhtiari, the Iranian-American football player. Beyond these famous individuals, Bakhtiari tribe members are known for their generosity and high values.
The Bakhtiari have a structured social system. Each tribe consists of smaller communities called Tayefe (Clan), Tire (Lineage), Olad (Sons), and Khanevar (Household). A leader known as Kalantar governs each tribe.
Bakhtiari Culture and Its Role in Iran Nomads Culture
Nature plays a vital role in Bakhtiari culture. Their diet mainly consists of dairy products from their animals, which is ideal for long migrations due to its high calorie content and light weight.
The traditional clothing of Bakhtiari men is called Chokha, made from sheepskin wool by skilled nomad women in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. The black and white striped pattern of the Chokha has remained unchanged for over 130 years.
Some believe the black and white symbolize the battle between good and evil, showing how goodness eventually triumphs. Others interpret the ram horn patterns as symbols of power, leadership, and courage—qualities attributed to nomadic men. The garment is woven similarly to Jajim but with a more delicate pattern. In winter, it’s waterproof and protects against rain; in summer, it keeps wearers cool.
Where Do Bakhtiari Live? A Key Part of Iran Nomads Culture
Bakhtiari people reside in the central Zagros Mountains, including northern and northeastern parts of Khuzestan Province and western parts of Isfahan Province, especially the Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari region. There are around 10,000 migrating Bakhtiari families.
Each year, every family teams up with another to begin a migration called Kooch.
Kooch Migration: The Heart of Iran Nomads Culture
In late March 2019, the Ahmad Solami tribe prepared for migration. They travel from Khuzestan province, moving upward and eastward from the Monar range to the Zardeh range in the Zagros Mountains. This journey, which lasts up to 30 days, is known as Kooch.
Families pack their livestock onto donkeys and mules and camp under a black tent when it rains. On clear nights, they sleep beneath the beautiful sky.
Historically, nomads migrated every 10 days, but over time, this changed to twice a year for 30–35 days per migration. Kooch is a central feature of their lifestyle, and nomads find joy in the annual search for fresh pastures, drinking tea after a day’s migration, and watching their sheep breed.
For me, escaping the busy city life to spend time in the silent mountains, surrounded only by the sounds of newborn sheep, is a moment of epiphany. Ahmad Solami often sits on a rock watching his family pass through the Monar range, pondering his future. He worries about what would happen if he abandons his nomadic lifestyle for city life. “No,” he says, “I have lived here freely. This life fuels my creativity. Otherwise, I’d become nothing in the city.”
In nomad tours, we aim to help nomads maintain their lifestyle by providing complementary income through tourism. We accompany nomads during a 3-day migration segment, but our tours usually last seven days. Our Kooch tours are designed with enough flexibility to reschedule if needed, such as during bad weather. For more information, visit www.nomad.tours.
