What is a sil?

The term "sil" typically refers to a language in central Iran that is used predominantly by the Qashqai people. The Qashqai are a semi-nomadic ethnic group primarily found in the Fars province of Iran. The language is also known as Kashi or Kashi-Koli.

Sil is classified as a Turkic language and is closely related to Azerbaijani and Turkmen. It is written using the Perso-Arabic script. The language is only spoken by a relatively small number of people, with estimates suggesting that there are around 195,000 speakers as of 2017.

The Qashqai people have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their language, traditional music, and crafts. They are known for their colorful handwoven carpets, distinctive nomadic lifestyle, and strong tribal traditions.

Overall, sil is an important aspect of Qashqai identity and culture, serving as a means of communication and preserving their unique heritage.