Volume 13, Issue 62 (2025)
CFL 2025, 13(62): 219-251 |
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jafarloo Y, shiri G. Analysis of the Reflection of Qashqai Nomadic Folk Culture in the Novel Zolmat. CFL 2025; 13 (62) :219-251
URL: http://cfl.modares.ac.ir/article-11-76517-en.html
URL: http://cfl.modares.ac.ir/article-11-76517-en.html
1- Bu Ali Sina University
2- Professor of Language and Literature Department of Bou Ali Sina University ,gh.shiri@basu.ac.ir
2- Professor of Language and Literature Department of Bou Ali Sina University ,
Abstract: (56 Views)
The Qashqai tribe is one of the major tribes of Iran. Iranian nomads possess a rich folklore valuable for anthropological and folk culture studies, entirely inspired by their nomadic lifestyle. One of the novels that portrays aspects of the folk culture of the Qashqai nomads is Zolmat, written by Davoud Hassan-Aghaei Keshkooli. The method in this research is analytical-descriptive, utilizing library studies to categorize the folk culture reflected in the novel Zolmat. The findings indicate that both the tangible and intangible aspects of Qashqai folklore are influenced by factors such as life experiences in their nomadic and pastoral lifestyle, as well as their mythological and religious beliefs. This research demonstrates that the novel Zolmat is a rich and valuable source for studying the folk culture of the Qashqai nomads.
Research nackground
Several studies have been conducted on the literature and folk culture of the Qashqai tribe; however, our investigation revealed that no research has been done specifically on the novel Zolmat, nor has there been any analysis focusing on the folk culture of the Qashqai tribe within this novel. There are some studies that delve more deeply into the subject of Qashqai folk culture.
The book Customs and Traditions in the Tribes of Fars by Beigi (2009) explores the beliefs, customs, and practices of the Fars tribes (Qashqai, Khamseh, Kohgiluyeh, and Mamasani) from the perspectives of civil law, criminal law, procedural law, administrative and political rights, and social aspects.
Black Tents by Kiani (2009) investigates the life and culture of the Qashqai tribe. It includes nineteen chapters detailing the history and lifestyle of the Qashqai nomads, with some chapters referring to their customs and folk culture.
Objectives, questions, and hypotheses
The present research aims to examine the connections between the nomadic lifestyle of the Qashqai nomads and the popular culture that arises from it, through the analysis of the novel Zolmat (Darkness). The study seeks to answer the following questions: What is the position of the novel Zolmat among other stories written about the culture of the Qashqai nomads? What factors have influenced the formation of the material and immaterial elements of popular culture in this novel? To what extent has Zolmat managed to reflect the folklore of the Qashqai nomads?
The assumption is that, since Zolmat is the first novel written about the life and culture of the Qashqai nomads, it contains valuable and rare information that has influenced Qashqai storytelling thereafter. The ecological, biological, and social characteristics of the daily lives of Qashqai nomads have a direct impact on the formation of their material and immaterial cultural elements. Although more than four decades have passed since the writing of Zolmat, it remains the most comprehensive novel addressing the popular culture of the Qashqai nomads.
Main discussion
Culture is a collection of values and material and spiritual achievements that have been created, evolved, and passed down by humans throughout human history. Thus, it is essential to recognize two aspects of culture: the material and the spiritual (Bayhaqi, 1986, p. 20). Hassan-Aghaei vividly portrays the popular culture of the Qashqai nomads in the novel Zolmat through the lens of material and spiritual elements. Each aspect of the popular culture can be subdivided as follows: 1. Material elements: tools, housing, food, clothing, occupations and professions, economy and livelihood, etc. 2. Spiritual elements: customs and traditions, national and religious rituals, ethnic arts, entertainments, folk literature, vernacular language, mystical life, education and upbringing, beliefs and convictions, etc. (Zolfaqari, 2019, p. 10).
Analyzing the material and spiritual culture in the novel Zolmat reveals that the material aspect of Qashqai nomadic culture is significantly influenced by their pastoral and nomadic lifestyle. The primary dwelling of the Qashqai nomads is the black tent, made from goat hair, which is suitable for migration in all four seasons. Their diet primarily consists of sheep meat or dairy products. Furthermore, their distance from towns and villages has created a limited economic cycle for the nomads, which, despite its simplicity, can adequately address the livelihood issues of the tribe. "Nomadic households consume a portion of their own production. Most of them are not in pursuit of wealth accumulation and are content with a simple life" (Emanollah-Baharvand, 2005, p. 55).
The spiritual dimension of Qashqai culture in Zolmat indicates that their customs and folk beliefs are influenced by their tribal lifestyle, as well as their religious and mythical beliefs. Some of the music and oral literature mentioned in the novel are shaped by their life experiences and way of living in nature, while others are influenced by the literature of the Turks of Iran and the world, transmitted orally through Ashiqs.
Conclusion
In the novel Zolmat, Hassan-Aghaei presents a realistic portrayal of the Qashqai nomadic society by addressing the challenges and hardships of their lifestyle, alongside cultural, social, and economic issues. The material aspect of popular culture in Zolmat reflects the behaviors of the Qashqai community in meeting their basic needs and striving for survival in their nomadic way of life. In Qashqai society, women play a crucial role alongside men in shaping folkloric elements. Some customs and folk beliefs, such as "Al," Chelleh Boroun, and the "Hali" dance, have roots in mythological beliefs and ancient rituals, such as Shamanism and Mithraism, which are ingrained in the collective unconscious of the Qashqai people. Belief in religion and divine assistance, along with the illiteracy and simplicity of the nomads, has significantly contributed to the development of their superstitious beliefs.
Although more than four decades have passed since the writing of Zolmat, it references rare aspects of Qashqai oral literature and folklore that have not been documented until now. This indicates that Zolmat is a rich and valuable resource for the study of folklore and the anthropology of the popular culture of the Qashqai nomads.
References
Bayhaqi, H. (1986). Research and study of popular culture in Iran. Astan Quds Razavi.
Emanollah-Baharvand, S. (2009). Nomadism in Iran. Agah.
Zolfaqari, H. (2019). Language and popular literature of Iran. Samt.
Research nackground
Several studies have been conducted on the literature and folk culture of the Qashqai tribe; however, our investigation revealed that no research has been done specifically on the novel Zolmat, nor has there been any analysis focusing on the folk culture of the Qashqai tribe within this novel. There are some studies that delve more deeply into the subject of Qashqai folk culture.
The book Customs and Traditions in the Tribes of Fars by Beigi (2009) explores the beliefs, customs, and practices of the Fars tribes (Qashqai, Khamseh, Kohgiluyeh, and Mamasani) from the perspectives of civil law, criminal law, procedural law, administrative and political rights, and social aspects.
Black Tents by Kiani (2009) investigates the life and culture of the Qashqai tribe. It includes nineteen chapters detailing the history and lifestyle of the Qashqai nomads, with some chapters referring to their customs and folk culture.
Objectives, questions, and hypotheses
The present research aims to examine the connections between the nomadic lifestyle of the Qashqai nomads and the popular culture that arises from it, through the analysis of the novel Zolmat (Darkness). The study seeks to answer the following questions: What is the position of the novel Zolmat among other stories written about the culture of the Qashqai nomads? What factors have influenced the formation of the material and immaterial elements of popular culture in this novel? To what extent has Zolmat managed to reflect the folklore of the Qashqai nomads?
The assumption is that, since Zolmat is the first novel written about the life and culture of the Qashqai nomads, it contains valuable and rare information that has influenced Qashqai storytelling thereafter. The ecological, biological, and social characteristics of the daily lives of Qashqai nomads have a direct impact on the formation of their material and immaterial cultural elements. Although more than four decades have passed since the writing of Zolmat, it remains the most comprehensive novel addressing the popular culture of the Qashqai nomads.
Main discussion
Culture is a collection of values and material and spiritual achievements that have been created, evolved, and passed down by humans throughout human history. Thus, it is essential to recognize two aspects of culture: the material and the spiritual (Bayhaqi, 1986, p. 20). Hassan-Aghaei vividly portrays the popular culture of the Qashqai nomads in the novel Zolmat through the lens of material and spiritual elements. Each aspect of the popular culture can be subdivided as follows: 1. Material elements: tools, housing, food, clothing, occupations and professions, economy and livelihood, etc. 2. Spiritual elements: customs and traditions, national and religious rituals, ethnic arts, entertainments, folk literature, vernacular language, mystical life, education and upbringing, beliefs and convictions, etc. (Zolfaqari, 2019, p. 10).
Analyzing the material and spiritual culture in the novel Zolmat reveals that the material aspect of Qashqai nomadic culture is significantly influenced by their pastoral and nomadic lifestyle. The primary dwelling of the Qashqai nomads is the black tent, made from goat hair, which is suitable for migration in all four seasons. Their diet primarily consists of sheep meat or dairy products. Furthermore, their distance from towns and villages has created a limited economic cycle for the nomads, which, despite its simplicity, can adequately address the livelihood issues of the tribe. "Nomadic households consume a portion of their own production. Most of them are not in pursuit of wealth accumulation and are content with a simple life" (Emanollah-Baharvand, 2005, p. 55).
The spiritual dimension of Qashqai culture in Zolmat indicates that their customs and folk beliefs are influenced by their tribal lifestyle, as well as their religious and mythical beliefs. Some of the music and oral literature mentioned in the novel are shaped by their life experiences and way of living in nature, while others are influenced by the literature of the Turks of Iran and the world, transmitted orally through Ashiqs.
Conclusion
In the novel Zolmat, Hassan-Aghaei presents a realistic portrayal of the Qashqai nomadic society by addressing the challenges and hardships of their lifestyle, alongside cultural, social, and economic issues. The material aspect of popular culture in Zolmat reflects the behaviors of the Qashqai community in meeting their basic needs and striving for survival in their nomadic way of life. In Qashqai society, women play a crucial role alongside men in shaping folkloric elements. Some customs and folk beliefs, such as "Al," Chelleh Boroun, and the "Hali" dance, have roots in mythological beliefs and ancient rituals, such as Shamanism and Mithraism, which are ingrained in the collective unconscious of the Qashqai people. Belief in religion and divine assistance, along with the illiteracy and simplicity of the nomads, has significantly contributed to the development of their superstitious beliefs.
Although more than four decades have passed since the writing of Zolmat, it references rare aspects of Qashqai oral literature and folklore that have not been documented until now. This indicates that Zolmat is a rich and valuable resource for the study of folklore and the anthropology of the popular culture of the Qashqai nomads.
References
Bayhaqi, H. (1986). Research and study of popular culture in Iran. Astan Quds Razavi.
Emanollah-Baharvand, S. (2009). Nomadism in Iran. Agah.
Zolfaqari, H. (2019). Language and popular literature of Iran. Samt.
Article Type: پژوهشی اصیل |
Subject:
Turkish Popular Literature
Received: 2024/08/11 | Accepted: 2024/10/17 | Published: 2025/05/31
Received: 2024/08/11 | Accepted: 2024/10/17 | Published: 2025/05/31
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