Ethnographic Profile of Galesh Community in Northern Iran

Galesh is a pastoral nomadic community residing in Mazandarn Province of Northern Iran. The community is under immense pressure to give up its traditional mode of production because of present day development discourse and aspirations of younger members of the community to adapt to more modern and global lifestyle. The study documents the traditional customs ritual and economic practices including its unique tradition of almanac and the importance of this work are rooted in the fact that slowly these traditions are disappearing. Only some Galesh follow the unique practice of Tabari calendar that was one of the characteristics distinguishing Galesh from other pastoral nomadic communities of Iran. The literate Galesh working in urban areas are not only changing professions but are also distancing itself from their native heritage culture and ethnic identity. One of the significant conclusions of this research work is the urgency of taking proactive steps to safeguard the pastoral mode of production as it is now recognized world over and the fact that its sustenance is quintessential for maintaining ecological balance.

Autorentext

Dr. Vajihollah Bagheri ist seit 23 Jahren Dozent an der Farhangian University of I.R. IRAN. Er promovierte 2014 an der Panjab University, Chandigarh, Indien. Seine Hauptforschungsinteressen sind Stammesgruppenstudien, Hirtennomaden und anthropologische Forschungsmethodik.