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Khamseh facts for kids

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The Khamseh is a group of five different tribes that joined together. They live in a region called Fars Province in southwestern Iran. This group was formed in 1861 by a ruler named Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. He wanted to balance the power of another strong group, the Qashqai. The Khamseh tribes are made up of people from different backgrounds, including Persians, Turks, and Arabs.

Khamseh migration map
Khamseh Tribes migration map

The Khamseh Tribes

The word "Khamseh" means "five" in Arabic. This name was chosen because the confederation is made up of five main tribes. These tribes came together to form a stronger group. They often moved with their animals, following the seasons to find good pastures. This way of life is called nomadism.

Why Was the Khamseh Formed?

The Khamseh confederation was created in 1861. It was put together by the government of Iran at that time, led by Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The main reason was to create a balance of power in the Fars region. Another powerful group, the Qashqai, was becoming very strong. The Shah wanted to make sure no single group had too much control. By bringing these five tribes together, he hoped to create a new strong force.

The Five Tribes of Khamseh

The Khamseh confederation includes five distinct tribes. Each tribe has its own history and culture. They speak different languages, showing their diverse backgrounds.

  • The Basseri: These people speak Persian. They are known for their beautiful rugs and their nomadic lifestyle.
  • The Arab tribe: This tribe speaks Arabic. They have a rich history and traditions linked to their Arab heritage.
  • The Baharlu tribe: These people speak a form of Turkish. They are one of the Turkic-speaking tribes within the Khamseh.
  • The Inalu tribe: This is another tribe that speaks Turkish. They share many cultural similarities with the Baharlu.
  • The Nafar tribe: The Nafar also speak Turkish. They are an important part of the Khamseh confederation.

These tribes, despite their different languages and origins, worked together as part of the Khamseh confederation. They shared common goals and helped each other.

Images for kids

  • Khamseh chicken rug ca. 1880

    Khamseh "chicken" rug ca. 1880

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