Qashqa'i in Iran

The Qashqai nomads of Iran are Turkic-speaking shepherds. They live in the harsh deserts of the Zagros mountains of Fars province in southwestern Iran. This people group has been extremely isolated with their twice annual migration 200-350 miles from summer to winter pastures. The city of Shiraz has become the center of Qashqai political and economic affairs, as most Qashqai migrate past this city twice annually.

The Qashqai language is unwritten. Most of the Qashqai can communicate in Farsi which is the national language of Iran. The Qashqai call their language "Turki." The Qashqa'i nomadic way of life is supported primarily by the raising of sheep and goats. The wool from the sheep is sold annually and the extra cheese, curds and dairy products also provide a source of income. Camels and donkeys are being replaced more and more by trucks to carry the tents and other gear during migration. Crops such as barley and wheat are raised to provide additional food for the people and the herds.

The women are talented weavers and produce distinctive rugs both fortheir own use and to sell. These carpets are used to decorate therectangular black Qashqa'i tents. The women wear long floral-printdresses and cover their heads with colorful scarves that let some hairshow.

In Iranian cities, the Qashqa'i women dress like other women but showtheir bright dresses a few inches below the black chador. Qashqa'imarriages, which link the camps and herding groups together, arearranged by the women. Qashqa'i men make the decisions regardingmigration and business transactions. Some of the men still wear thetraditional Qashqa'i gray felt two-eared hats.

The men are good horsemen and marksmen. Qashqa'i children are taught in Farsi by teachers who live and travel with the families. Almost all Qashqa'i are Shia Muslims. Islam is the state religion of Iran. In national political struggles, the leaders have been allies of the Muslim clergy in Shiraz, Tehran and Iraq. They do follow Muslim traditions during the rites of marriage, death and sacrifice animals on occasion. Very few Qashqa'i observe daily prayers, however, and do not fast during Ramadan, the month of fasting by Muslims.