Qashqai Ethnicity

Qashqai ethnicity

The Qashqai ethnicity is one of the major ethnicities in Iran in terms of population. In the beginning, they were a part of the Ghabchagh tribe (an area in the north of Caspian Sea). They later moved towards the land between Sistan and India; and finally settling in the Fars province of Iran. Up until today, they have been mainly situated in Fars province; however, they also pass through the lands kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari, Khuzestan, Bushehr, Isfahan, and Qom.

The Qashqai ethnicity share a mixture of different ethnical roots such as Turk, Lur, Kurd, and Arab roots. Yet, most of the Qashqai have Turk roots and almost all of them speak a dialect of western Turkish, which is called Turkish among themselves.

In 2016, the population of the Qashqai was estimated about 959 thousands. Turkish speaking nomads are scattered all over Iran. The establishment of Turk nomads in different parts of the country was the product of Seljuk, Timurid, and Safavid dynasties.

Qashqai wedding

Culture and Costumes of the Qashqai

Celebrating Happiness

The Qashqai ethnicity love celebrations and try to avoid any bit of sadness among them. They dance in a group and move in a big circle. In these dances, each person holds and dances while waving colorful handkerchiefs. The colorful traditional clothes with their beautiful textures helps the dancers create an amazing scenery. There is also another dance which is called ‘’ Darmar’’ which means dancing with wood sticks. In this dance, the men of the tribe come in pairs, dancing with a short and a long stick in their hands. 

Drinking tea & smoking Hookah

Among the Qashqai, tea drinking days start from their childhood and later it develops into a habit and a hobby. Therefore, tea is one of the most important drinks among the them. Aside from drinking tea, the Qashqai enjoy smoking Hookah as well.

Qashqai woman

The Importance of the Khan

 “Khan” is the name given to the head of the tribe who is highly respected. The Qashqai people are very fond of “khan” and obey his wishes; and each time a “khan” passes away, it seems as if all the people have lost someone very close to them. People tend to make a special burial tomb for the “khan” and each time before leaving their nomad tents for the summer (Yeylagh), they pay a visit to their “khan’s” Grave.

Passion for Music

The Qashqai people are very fond of music. Even the “khans” accompany the musicians by playing Setar and violin. Most of the Qashqai songs are joyous; but there are instances like the anniversary of “khans’” death, during which mournful songs are performed.

Qashqai music

The Hardworking Qashqai

Almost all of the ethnicities of Iran are famous for their diligence and how bravely they stand against the ups and downs of life. However, among them, the Qashqai are the example of diligence and hard work and they do not succumb to any problem or hardship.

It is interesting that Nissan, the famous automobile company, has claimed that the name of the car Nissan Qashqai is chosen because of the diligence of these people; as this car is famous for its persistence.

The Qashqai Handicrafts

Some of the most important handicrafts of the Qashqai are Carpet weaving, Kilim Weaving, Jajim Weaving, Gabbeh Weaving. Overall, the weaving of these kinds of rugs and carpets, from the first steps to the last, is done by Women. Other hand-woven handicrafts such as Tanab Bafi (Rope Weaving) and Chiq Bafi are done by the Qashqai themselves.

The Qashqai Carpet

The Qashqai carpet is the most famous handwoven carpet among Iranian nomads. The Qashqai carpets are usually woven from memory. They consist of the repetition of motifs woven without the help of a pattern. In contrast with the villagers’ carpets, the Qashqai carpets are woven on a horizontal loom. The colors of these carpets are varied and are usually chosen based on the preferences of the customer. The most apparent features of the Qashqai carpets is their outmost softness, tenderness, and slimness. 

Qashqai Carpet

Chante

Woven by the women of the tribe, “Chante” or Mirror holder (Ayne Dan), is one of the handicrafts of the Qashqai’s of Fars which is used as a purse to carry around personal things such as money, snacks, bullets, etc. Women and girls learn how to make Chante from the days of their childhood; and by the time of marriage, make excellent Chante for their family. Chante is a 20cm*20cm (8inch*8inch) sack or purse.

Qashqai handicraft

Kilim

Kilims are made as a form of decoration to put on top of the tents, usually consisting of bright and lively colors. The Qashqai are the only ethnicity that makes Kilims out of both cotton and wool (rugs are usually made of wool).

Qashqai handicraft

Jajim Weaving

 The Qashqai use Jajim to cover their bed sheets and home accessories inside their tents. The smaller Jajim are also used as a coverlet. The Jajim is woven in different colors and mostly the lighter ones. Just like Kilim, the base material for Jajim weaving is wool. The only difference is that Jajim is woven on four separate looms and then the parts are attached together.

Qashqai handicraft

Qashqai Gabbeh

Gabbeh is one of the special kinds of rug which is woven based on a different knot technique. Its piles are longer than usual and sometimes they even reach up to 1 centimeter. They are all made only of wool. One of the most famous and favorite patterns on Qashqai Gabbeh is the pattern of lions which has ancient importance. In another way, this patterns indicates the bravery of Qashqai ethnicity.

Qashqai handicraft
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *