Thread by @ShahanshahCyrus

Iran (or Persia) is one of the few multi-ethnic ancient nations. This vast country features an array of peoples that each contributed militarily or culturally to one of the oldest nation states.

Here's each ethnic group which constitute part of the national Iranian identity:
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The Persians, who constitute the largest group, have been central to Iran’s identity.

Their first empires laid the foundation of Iranian identity along with their philosophy, art, and the Persian language (Farsi) which became a foundation for communication in the region.

Azeris, Iran’s second largest ethnic group is Turkic-speaking and they were instrumental during the Safavid and Qajar era.

The militaries of these dynasties spoke Turkish and hence to be part of the military ranks, many indigenous Iranians like the Azeris were "Turkified".

Kurds, primarily in western Iran, were known for their semi-nomadic lifestyles in the Zagros. Serving in Iranian armies, their strong tribal structures also influenced regional politics.

Kurdish poets and musicians have also contributed to Iranian culture.

Mazandaranis, residing along the Caspian Sea, speak a language closely related to Persian.

Known for their love of wrestling and environmental stewardship, they also played roles in defending northern Iran during invasions, leveraging their knowledge of the region's terrain.

Gilaks, native to Gilan province, were also pivotal in defending Iran’s northern frontiers.

Their expertise in rice cultivation and silk weaving has also made Gilan a vital region for Iran’s economy and cultural heritage.

The Baloch in southeastern Iran are known for their intricate needlework and pottery. Their language, Balochi, preserves ancient Iranian linguistic features.

Baloch musicians have enriched Iran's musical landscape with instruments like the sorud and tanburag.

Turkmen, found in northeastern Iran, are celebrated for their horse breeding and military skills, often serving in cavalry units.

Their vibrant carpet weaving and Turkic language traditions add a unique thread to Iran’s ethnographic fabric.

Mandaeans, primarily in Khuzestan, are custodians of ancient Gnostic beliefs with rituals centered on water.

Their expertise in silvercraft and jewelry, alongside their continuous practice of an ancient religion, enriches the religious and cultural landscape of Iran.

The Talysh, residing in the northern regions, particularly Gilan, speak Talysh, a language rich in folklore.

Talysh produced notable people who contributed to various dynasties in Iran including Turkic ones despite never becoming Turkified themselves.

Tats, an Iranian-speaking group primarily in the northwest, have contributed to local governance and defense, especially in mountainous regions.

Today in Iran there are only about an estimated 300'000 Tat left in Iran.

The Qashqai, a Turkic-speaking nomadic group.

Their seasonal migrations and pastoral lifestyle have deeply influenced Iran’s art, particularly through their intricate carpets.

Lurs, also have a history of military involvement.

The Bakhtiari, a subgroup of Lurs, were key players in the Constitutional Revolution, shaping Iran’s modern political landscape while maintaining their distinct culture.

Arab-Iranians, mostly in Khuzestan, have roots stretching back to the pre-Islamic Sassanid era.

Iraqi Arab dictator, Saddam Hussein, thought he could win over Iranian Arabs by invading the oil rich region, but was met with strong resistance.

Jewish-Iranians, with a history spanning 2,500 years, have also played a part in Iran’s intellectual and cultural life.

Notable Jewish Iranians have served as physicians, scholars, and advisors to Persian kings, influencing Iran's scientific and cultural advancements.

Assyrian-Iranians, among the world’s oldest Christian communities, have preserved their language and religious traditions in Iran for millennia.

Armenian-Iranians, settled primarily in Tehran and Isfahan, were vital as diplomats for some Iranian dynasties.

Their churches and cultural institutions remain vibrant, and their craftsmanship in architecture and trade has significantly influenced Iranian society.

Circassians, brought to Iran during the Safavid era, were elite soldiers and administrators.

Known for their loyalty and skill, they were integral to the royal guard. Only traces of their distinct traditions, such as dance and music remain in Iran today.

Iranian Georgians provided crucial military support during the Safavid era and their expertise in defense and cavalry tactics bolstered Iranian campaigns.

The most prominent Georgian speaking city in Iran is Fereydunshahr whose descendants are from the re-settled Georgians.

Afro-Iranians are descendants of Africans that settled in parts of Southern Iran like Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchestan.

Their culture and clothing blends African and Persian traditions.

The Lak people, mainly in Lorestan and Kermanshah, speak Laki. They founded the Zand dynasty, with Karim Khan Zand as the leader of 18th century Iran.

Known for rich oral traditions, unique music, and carpet weaving, they played a vital role in Iran's history and culture.