What is afshars?

Afshar is an Iranian ethnic group that predominantly resides in the southeastern region of Iran, particularly in the provinces of Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Hormozgan. They are mainly Sunni Muslims and speak the Afshari dialect of the Azerbaijani language.

The Afshars were originally a nomadic tribe that migrated from Central Asia to Iran in the 16th century. They were known for their horsemanship and became renowned among the Iranian military elite for their skills in cavalry warfare.

Historically, the Afshars played a significant role in the political and military affairs of Iran. In the 18th century, they rose to prominence under the leadership of Nadir Shah, who was an Afshar himself. He established the Afsharid dynasty and became the ruler of Iran from 1736 until his assassination in 1747.

Today, the Afshars are primarily engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and carpet weaving. They have contributed significantly to Iran's cultural heritage, including the production of rugs with intricate designs and patterns.

The Afshars have faced discrimination and marginalization in Iran, particularly in relation to their Sunni faith. However, they continue to maintain their distinct identity and traditional way of life.