In the heart of Iran, nomadic life continues to thrive, maintaining a centuries-old tradition that connects people deeply to the land, animals, and seasonal rhythms. Iranian nomads—such as the Qashqai, Bakhtiari, and Shahsevan tribes—are among the most well-known groups who still practice this age-old lifestyle. Twice a year, these nomadic tribes undertake a remarkable journey: the seasonal migration, known as “Kuch”, moving between their winter and summer pastures.
Preparation for migration is a deeply communal and organized effort that begins weeks in advance. As the seasons change, the nomads read the signs of nature—the thawing of mountain passes, the behavior of their livestock, and shifts in wind and temperature. Families begin gathering their belongings, which are minimal yet essential: woven rugs, cooking tools, tents (often made of black goat hair), and animal feed. Everything is packed methodically to ensure easy transport.
The livestock—mainly sheep and goats, but also mules and donkeys—play a central role in the journey. They are both the means of survival and a source of income through meat, wool, and dairy. The animals are shorn, vaccinated, and checked for health before departure. Meanwhile, the elders meet to confirm the safest route, accounting for weather, water availability, and land conditions. These routes have often been used for generations, passed down through oral history and experience.
When the day of migration arrives, the entire tribe moves as a living caravan. Men, women, children, and elders travel together, walking for days—sometimes weeks—to reach higher elevations where summer pastures (known as “Yeylāq”) await. The journey is slow but purposeful. Along the way, they cross rivers, traverse steep mountain paths, and endure unpredictable weather, from scorching sun to sudden spring rains.
Children walk alongside their parents, learning not just the route but the values of endurance, respect for nature, and group cooperation. Women often lead pack animals and care for younger children on the move, while men may scout ahead or manage herds. Despite the physical hardship, the migration is seen as a time of unity and pride.
Once they reach their destination, the nomads set up camp, establishing a temporary village of tents in the green highlands. These areas offer fresh grass for the animals, clean water, and relief from the heat of the lowlands. Life in the pastures is hard but beautiful—deeply tied to the natural environment and marked by a sense of freedom. Crafts such as rug weaving, cheese-making, and storytelling flourish during this stable period.
For Iranian nomads, migration is not simply a means of survival—it is a way of life that preserves cultural identity, ecological wisdom, and a deep sense of belonging to the land. Despite modern pressures and urbanization, many tribes continue this seasonal rhythm, adapting when necessary but holding tightly to their roots
