Bakhtiari in Iran

Introduction / History

The Bakhtiari live in the Zagros Mountains of Iran. They are one of the Luri tribes. Their lifestyle is changing as more of them move from being nomadic herders to working in urban environment.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In rural areas the tribe and clan are central to the Bakhtiari. Their women have more freedom than do most Muslim women. Women are involved in all aspects of life; they even fight in skirmishes. About a third of them remain nomads. They do not have access to adequate medical care or education. Wildfires often damage their need for healthy oak trees and grasslands for their goats and sheep. On the side they weave carpets for their own needs and to sell. Some settle down and farm which makes life easier.

Many are shepherds, carpet weavers, farmers or small businessmen. Oil has helped them have some contact with the outside and some live in urban centers. Those who live in urban areas have become athletes, academics and professional actors.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These former Zoroastrians are Shia Muslim like the Iranian majority.

What Are Their Needs?

There are many reasons why the Bakhtiari have not responded to the gospel. They are geographically isolated by rugged terrain. Clan divisions keep them socially isolated, so gospel efforts might need to be done on a clan-by-clan basis. There are many gospel tools in a language the Bakhtiari people can understand. There are radio and TV broadcasts, gospel recordings, Scripture portions and the JESUS Film.

Prayer Points

Pray that the church would intercede for these people and would plan to reach them via oil workers and women's commercial enterprises, clan by clan.
Pray that women would become believers who teach the gospel to their children.
Pray for Bakhtiari disciples who will make more Jesus-focused disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project