The Bakhtiari are a nomadic Shia Muslim tribe concentrated in the west-central region of Iran, primarily in the provinces of Esfahan and Khuzestan (the area in which archeologists believe agriculture began).[1]  The language of the Bakhtiari is a dialect of Luri.[2]  While the group is traditionally nomadic, with annual migrations between summer and winter pastures, many have decided on settled agriculture and become assimilated into mainstream Iranian culture.[3] 

The Bakhtiari are known for their meat and dairy products, as well as for their seasonal migrations with sheep, cattle, or goat herds from high plateau pastures – where they spend the summer – to lowland plains for winter herd grazing.[4]  This seasonal migration is known as one of the most spectacular among nomadic tribes. 

The basic social and economic unit of the Bakhtiari is the nuclear family, upon which larger units are built, from the extended family level through the tribal level.  The highest level is that of the Bab, or tribe, of which there are eight.  These Babs are led by khans who often come from certain prestigious families.  However, lineage alone does not guarantee the position.  The Babs are also divided into two groups: the Chahar Lang, who live in the North, and the Haft Lang, who live in the South.  Loyalty to the family comes first for most Bakhtiaris, but allegiance diminishes as the group level moves away from the nuclear unit.  Due to this fact, Bakhtiaris tend to be divided into many factions that often quarrel with each other.  Despite these divisions, confederations have existed since at least the 19th century for purposes of defense, resolution of internal disputes and administration within the state system.[5]  It is of note that the Bakhtiari confederacy played an important role in Iran’s constitutional movement during the early 20th century.[6]

In Iranian mythology, the Bakhtiari are considered to be the decedents of Fereydun, a legendary hero from the Persian epic, Shahnameh.[7]

Demography

There are thought to be 1 million Bakhtiari in Iran, though exact numbers are difficult to obtain.[8] 

Geographic Distribution

The majority of Bakhtiaris live in west-central Iran, close to the Zagros Mountains.  While most live in Esfahan and Khuzestan, fewer numbers can also be found in the provinces of Lars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, as well as in southern Lorestan Province.[9]  The Bakhtiari nomads reside in the high plateau pastures, west of Esfahan during the summer months, and in the lowland plains of Khuzestan for winter grazing.[10] 

Historic Hardship

Tension between the Bakhtiari and the Iranian government has been limited due to a lack of mobilization and a dominant Shia population.  Although disagreements among tribes have historically been a source of tension, there is no evidence of significant hardship being solely connected to Bakhtiari ethnic identity. 

Ongoing Hardship

As the Bakhtiari are a rural, predominately nomadic tribe removed from the central politics of Tehran, there is no evidence of conventional or militant Bakhtiari political organizations.  The lack of such political mobilization is the most plausible explanation for the absence of ongoing discrimination by the Iranian government.  Also, as the Bakhtiari are Shia Muslims, no overt repression or discrimination of this group has been documented in recent years.[11]

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