Qashqai Turks preserve ancient Turkish tamgas in their culture, architecture

The Qashqai Turks, known for their distinctive traditional attire, intricately woven carpets and rugs, unique cuisine, and embroidered tents, stand as vital bearers of a rich cultural legacy. These semi-nomadic people, primarily residing in Shiraz and other regions such as Bushehr, Markazi, Kerman, and Khuzestan, captivate both local and foreign tourists with their vibrant traditions.

However, their pastoral lifestyle has often led to the misconception that they lack a substantial cultural heritage. This misjudgment overlooks their profound contributions to art, music, and architecture, which bridge the gap between their nomadic past and settled present.

Symbols of identity: Turkish tamgas in Qashqai Turks culture

Connection to ancestral roots

At the heart of Qashqai cultural expression lies the use of ancient Turkish tamgas. These symbols, once representing tribal ties, spiritual beliefs, and state emblems, are intricately woven into Qashqai art, architecture, and crafts. Found on traditional garments, household items, tombstones, and even monumental structures, these tamgas serve as enduring links to their Oghuz lineage.

Among the most notable examples is Karim Khan Castle in Shiraz. The castle’s four towers are adorned with the iconic “mother tamga,” a symbol central to Qashqai’s identity. Inside, the meticulously arranged floor stones bear tamgas from Turkish clans such as Igdir, Eymur, Alayuntlu, and Bayat, showcasing the depth of their historical roots.

Shared history: Parallels with Anatolian culture

Motifs connecting Iran and Anatolia

The motifs and embroidery in Qashqai textiles bear a striking resemblance to those found in Anatolian culture. This shared aesthetic reflects a common history, where symbols and designs passed down through generations serve as visual expressions of a collective memory.

Qashqai music, much like their motifs, echoes the melodies of Anatolian Abdal traditions, further emphasizing the cultural bridge between these two regions.

Protecting legacy: Threat to ancient symbols

Cultural atlas under threat

Iranian researcher Hussein Cedi Bayat highlights the importance of safeguarding Qashqai tamgas in his book Oghuzlar and the Ethnic-Historical Connections of the Qashqai Tribe in Iran. Bayat’s fieldwork revealed numerous Oghuz tamgas and Orkhon script letters across Qashqai regions, many of which are endangered due to looting and neglect.

One of the most significant collections of Turkish tamgas is located at the Teymere Petroglyph site in the Markazi province. These ancient carvings, estimated to be thousands of years old, are under constant threat of destruction, underscoring the urgent need for preservation.

Treasure of symbols: Hidden Wealth of Karim Khan Castle

Bayat describes Karim Khan Castle as an “unknown but accessible treasure trove of tamgas.” Beyond its architectural grandeur, the castle is a historical archive, with its stones bearing a rich tapestry of Turkish clan symbols.

During Qashqai weddings, these tamgas take on a celebratory role, symbolizing creation and abundance. A four-sided tamga, often placed atop wedding tents, is a visual reminder of the tribe’s enduring connection to its ancestral heritage.

As guardians of a centuries-old cultural legacy, the Qashqai Turks exemplify the resilience of tradition in the face of modernization. Their tamgas, motifs, and customs are not only symbols of their identity but also living testaments to the shared history of Turkish tribes across regions.