The Top 5 Cultures of Iran You’ve Never Heard Of

Iran is a country with a rich and fascinating history that has shaped its unique culture. Despite this, many of the lesser-known cultures of Iran are rarely discussed in the western world. From its traditional music and dance to its regional culinary delights, there is much to discover about the culture of this beautiful country. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top 5 cultures of Iran that you’ve probably never heard of. Read on to learn more about these fascinating cultural practices and how they are kept alive today!

1) Bakhtiari (Cultures of Iran )

The Bakhtiari are one of the most well-known and vibrant cultures of Iran. They are an Iranian ethnic group that lives mainly in western and southwestern Iran, with a small presence in Iraq. The population of Bakhtiari is estimated to be about 1.3 million.
The traditional culture of the Bakhtiari is deeply rooted in their nomadic lifestyle. Many of their customs and traditions revolve around migration, or transhumance, as they move with the seasons to the highlands during summer and the lowlands in winter.
The Bakhtiari are known for their colorful costumes and their love of music and dance. Their traditional music includes elements from both Central Asian and Persian styles, while their dance includes lively clapping, foot stomping and hand waving movements.

Another unique aspect of the Bakhtiari culture is their language. Though many members of the community speak Persian, they have developed a distinct dialect called Luri which is used among members of the community.

The Bakhtiari are also known for their delicious food and hospitality. Guests will often be treated to a traditional feast which features fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, breads and various meats. They also have a strong tradition of arts and crafts including carpet weaving, metalwork and pottery.

Whether it’s through their colorful costumes, lively music and dance, or delicious food, the Bakhtiari culture is definitely worth exploring.

2) Gilaki

If you’re looking for a culture that is full of traditional and ancient customs, then Gilaki is the perfect place to start. Located in northern Iran, Gilaki is home to a unique culture with its own language, customs, music, and food. The Gilaki people are known for their hospitality, hard work, and laid back attitude.

Gilaki music is an integral part of the culture, and is highly respected by the community. It often includes traditional instruments such as flutes, drums, and tambourines. The traditional songs often tell stories of past events and local folklore. They are usually accompanied by singing and dancing.

The cuisine of Gilaki is considered to be some of the most delicious in Iran. Popular dishes include a variety of rice dishes, kebabs, pickles, and soups. Some of the dishes even have medicinal benefits, as many of the herbs and spices used are believed to have health benefits.

Gilaki people celebrate a number of festivals throughout the year. One of the most important is Chaharshanbeh Soori, which marks the beginning of spring. During this festival, the people gather around bonfires and jump over them in order to drive away evil spirits. This is followed by fireworks and feasting.

In terms of clothing, men typically wear loose fitting trousers or shirts along with a head scarf. Women typically wear brightly colored dresses or tunics and cover their heads with a scarf or chador. Both men and women often wear colorful jewelry made from beads, coins, and semi-precious stones.

Overall, the culture of Gilaki is one of hospitality, music, delicious cuisine, and vibrant traditions. It is a unique culture that deserves to be explored and appreciated.

3) Khorasani (Cultures of Iran)

The Khorasani culture is one of the lesser-known cultures in Iran, but it is one of the most unique and distinct. Located in the northeastern province of Khorasan, this culture is known for its distinctive cuisine, traditional clothing, and vibrant customs.
Khorasani cuisine is characterized by a wide range of spices and herbs, including saffron, cumin, sumac, turmeric, and fenugreek. Dishes are often cooked with meat and fresh vegetables, giving them a hearty and flavorful taste. Some popular dishes include ghormeh sabzi (stew), joojeh kabab (grilled chicken), and adas polo (rice and lentil).

Khorasani people are also well known for their colorful traditional clothing. Men often wear loose fitting trousers and jackets with intricate embroidery while women opt for long skirts and tunics paired with headscarves. For formal occasions, women may also choose to wear a chador, a long robe made of silk or cotton.

Finally, the culture is alive with vibrant festivals and celebrations. Every year on the 8th of Aban (the fifth month of the Persian calendar), a festival called Shab-e Yalda is celebrated to commemorate the longest night of the year. During this festival, family members come together to share food, stories, and poems. Additionally, Nowruz (the Persian new year) is another major event that involves gift-giving, feasting, and music.

The Khorasani culture is a unique part of Iranian culture that deserves to be appreciated and explored. From its flavorful dishes to its festive celebrations, it’s no wonder why this culture is beloved by many Iranians and travelers alike!

4) Luri

The Luri people are a major ethnic group in Iran and make up around 8 percent of the population. They speak the Luri language, which is a branch of Iranian languages, and have their own culture and traditions.

The Luri people live mostly in western and southwestern Iran, particularly in the Lorestan, Ilam, and Kermanshah provinces. Their primary livelihood is agriculture, with many Luri people also engaged in animal husbandry and carpentry.

When it comes to their culture and traditions, the Luri people are known for their vibrant music and dance, as well as their brightly colored clothing. Their traditional clothing usually consists of a long tunic, a belt and a large headscarf. Music is an important part of the Luri culture, and they play a variety of instruments including drums, flutes, and clarinets.

Another unique aspect of the Luri culture is their rituals surrounding death. After a person passes away, the Luri perform various ceremonies in which they honor the deceased. These ceremonies can include singing, dancing, and even sacrificing animals.
The Luri people are an integral part of Iran’s cultural fabric and are an interesting group to explore for anyone interested in learning about the country’s unique cultures.

5) Mazandarani (Cultures of Iran)

When it comes to the cultures of Iran, the vast majority of us are familiar with the big names such as Persian, Azerbaijani, and Kurdish. However, one culture that is often overlooked but has a unique place in the tapestry of Iranian history is the Mazandarani people.

The Mazandarani people are an ethnic group who have historically lived in the region of Mazandaran in the northern part of Iran. This group is known for their unique dialect, customs, and cuisine, which can all be traced back to ancient Iran. Historically, they have been independent, with some periods of being integrated into the central government.

The Mazandarani language is a dialect of Persian, but it also contains elements of Arabic and Turkish. It is considered to be one of the oldest Persian dialects still spoken in Iran. Furthermore, it contains various loan words from local Turkic languages and dialects.
When it comes to customs and culture, the Mazandarani people are known for their hospitality and respect for the elderly. In fact, elders are held in high esteem and are usually seen as advisors and mentors to the younger generation. They are also traditionally farmers, so their cuisine consists mainly of rice, legumes, and herbs. Popular dishes include mirza ghasemi (a type of eggplant stew) and tah chin (a rice cake with saffron and yogurt).

The culture of the Mazandarani people is an integral part of the Iranian identity and its significance should not be overlooked. So next time you’re looking for something new and exciting to experience in Iran, why not check out this fascinating culture?