UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO
 |
Marine Corps Intelligence Activity |
(U) Cultural Attitudes
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Toward Themselves
This section describes Lur and Bakhtiari attitudes about themselves.(U) The Bakhtiari believe that they are a noble, independent band with a unique past. Their arduous way of life created in them a strong sense of pride; their warrior past makes them believe they are fierce fighters. Yet the Bakhtiari respect the Persian belief that Iran is a civilization that has always prided itself on being advanced, modern, and sophisticated. Because of this, the Bakhtiari are unsure of how they fit in 21st century Iran and are equally hesitant to call themselves Iranian. On the one hand, some of the Lur and Bakhtiari are increasingly settling into village life and giving up their nomadic roots as they slowly adopt the values of most Persians. On the other hand, many members of these nomadic groups are determined to remain true to their ancestors and continue to live in the mountains, migrating with the seasons. Because of these contrasting views, it is unclear if the Lur and Bakhtiari peoples will completely settle in villages or give up any hope of being civilized and remain nomads.
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Toward Other Ethnic Groups in Iran
This section describes Lur and Bakhtiari attitudes about themselves.
|
(U) The Lur and Bakhtiari, two ethnic groups with Persian ancestry, view the Qashqai as their enemies and historical rivals. They also look down on the Qorbati, artisans who are not members of their groups. The Bakhtiari give the pejorative term shawlar-tang (straight trousers) for anyone not belonging to their group. This term comes from the symbolic significance of their own wide trousers; anyone not wearing this type of pants is viewed with skepticism and distrust.
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Toward Persians and the Government
This section describes Lur and Bakhtiari attitudes about themselves.(U) The Lur and Bakhtiari are wary of urban Persians and view them with considerable skepticism, even though they share ethnic and linguistic heritage. Until recently, Lurs and Bakhtiaris were isolated from increased hustle and bustle of large cities and modern society in Iran. The main interruption of this life was during the Pahlavi dynasty (1921 to 1979). Under the two Pahlavi Shahs, the government increased its intrusion into their life, hoping to create a unified Iranian identity and modernize the country. The persistence of tribalism was seen as an obstacle for both of these goals for two reasons.
|
(U) Persians have a negative view of the Lur and Bakhtiari ethnic groups and view them as ignorant, backward, and unimportant. In the early 20th century, the Persians believed the Bakhtiari were British clients, due to the close relationship between Bakhtiari khans and British companies. During the Pahlavi dynasty, Persians believed these two nomadic groups were out of touch with modern life and looked down on them with disdain. The Persians tried to improve the situation with harsh reforms that, if successful, would create a single, Iranian national identity. Yet these policies would have stripped the Lur and Bakhtiari of their culture as they were to be pulled into mainstream society. The groups’ resistance to these Persian efforts furthered the already bad relationship.
(U) Despite Persians’ overall negative view and treatment of the Bakhtiari, some Persians in Tehran hold sacred the image of the lone nomad, bravely surviving against all odds in difficult, dangerous terrain. Their view of the Bakhtiari is similar to Americans’ view of the cowboy: Most Americans do not desire to be a cowboy but see him as a symbol of freedom, a representative from a time when life was simpler and, perhaps, better. Similarly, Persians see the Bakhtiari as free spirits, representing a period of life no longer attainable by city-dwelling modernists.
(U) Lurs and Bakhtiaris view the government as a necessary evil. In the past, national policy has hindered their lifestyle and forced them to assimilate, but because the government is more powerful than either group, they are forced to comply. The lifestyle and geographic location of the Lur and Bakhtiari protect these ethnic groups from the reaches of the state. Although the Pahlavi dynasty implemented policies that decreased their autonomy within their region and within Iran, these groups always believed that they were beyond effective government control. The interaction between the groups and the government throughout the 20th century was limited to purchasing favors and protection; there was no meaningful exchange of representatives or respect.
(U) Conflict remains between the Lur and Bakhtiari and the central government. During the Pahlavi dynasty, the government sought to unite all ethnic groups under Iranian nationalism. After the 1979 Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini declared that Islam was to be the common thread among all of Iran’s ethnic groups. This could have meant some liberation for the Lur and Bakhtiari, who are Shi’a. However, after the 1979 Revolution, the central authority of the government began to decrease. The Lur and Bakhtiari saw this as an opportunity for greater autonomy from Tehran. The small movements they made towards achieving this autonomy were quickly quelled. They soon realized that the government recognized the small ethnic minorities as foes despite their shared religion. They no longer seek to overthrow the government but remain unsatisfied with the status quo.
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Toward the United States and Americans
This section describes Lur and Bakhtiari attitudes about themselves.(U) The Lur and Bakhtiari have had little contact with U.S. citizens. However, they are traditionally skeptical and resentful of any attempts to reduce their autonomy. In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. government provided Iran with military and other aid which allowed the Iranian government to control the tribes more effectively. Education reforms forced Persian cultural norms onto the tribes. The roads built with American money allowed the new strong military to increase the presence of the state in areas once untouched by national authority. Therefore, there is reason to believe the Lur and Bakhtiari would be skeptical if not hostile to the United States.
| << Religion | Cultural Economy >> |
UNCLASSIFIED//FOUO