Achomi people

They are considered Persian or Perside/Persoid (Southwestern Iranic) in origin. with Utians on the right In the Achemaenid Behistun Inscription of Darius the Great, a land in Southern Persis called "Vautiya" or "Yautiya" is described. Leading scholars to believe that might they be the same as the homeland of the people Herodotus called "Utians". and Utians.|thumb According to later Sassanian sources, Irahistan was inhabited by an ancient Persian tribe known as "Ara" or "Ira" or "Irah" people, which are said to be a large tribe of Persians of Aryan origins. the later Lari-ruled Miladian dynasty which ruled Laristan during the Medieval Ages traced their origins to Gorgin Milad, a descendant of the cycle of the legendary Kay Khosrow of the Kayanian dynasty. Their dance indicates at least a cultural connection to Bakhtiaris. Author Mehran Kokherdi suggests that Achomis/Khodmoonis/Lari people mainly have their roots in Utians with possible Persian, Parthian, Jewish, Scythian, and Indian/Dravidian influences. According to local traditions, some Abbasid Khodmoonis claim an ancestral link to Ibn Abbas. There is an ongoing genetic study project for the Achomi people. ==Etymology==

• Achom/Achum/Acham: In Avesta the holy book of Zoroastrianism, "Achum" () is one of the names of God (Ahuramazda), and it means "self created" and "without cause." Native speakers often refer to their language as "ačomī", Achem () means "I go" in the language. Other explanations for this name are the language's frequent usage of the [tʃ] consonant. Thus it is very plausible that Achum, It is also important to note that Lari can be used to refer to a dialect (e.g. Lari dialect of Achomi/Lari/Khodmooni), the language itself, were an ancient Iranian people who migrated to the region of Persis (corresponding to the modern-day Iranian province of Fars) by the 9th century BCE. The 1939 survey of ethnic groups in Iran, particularly Southern areas such as Laristan indicates the area is inhabited by Persians (Iranis) who work as farmers, whilst the coastal areas are inhabited by Sunni and Shia Arabs. similarly to the modern usage of the word "Persian". This was before the Persian nationalism of the former Pahlavi Dynasty and the concurrent Islamic Republic which have both attempted to erase ethnic diversity in Iran (the Kurds, Azeris, and Baluchs being the most affected), with many non-Persian minorities nowadays identifying as "Persian" now. In the UAE and Qatar they are known as Ajam/Ajamis, and their language is sometimes referred to as "Holi," While Shia Achum/Achams are known as Ajam. In Kuwait, they fall under the name 'Ayam which is what Kuwaitis of Iranian origin are called; the Shia Achum/Acham are known as "Tarakma". The most notable Sunni family is Al-Kandari (). == Language ==

The Achum/Achomi people speak the Achomi language, sometimes referred to as Lari, or Larestani language. and is mostly unintelligible with modern Persian (Farsi), The UNESCO website indicates that it has around a million speakers, and classifies it as an endangered language, They additionally speak Farsi as the official language in Iran. In Gulf GCC countries they speak Gulf Arabic (Bahraini, Kuwaiti, Emirati, etc...) along with Achomi, some of them also speak English fluently. Some Achomis in Bahrain speak a local "Bushehri derived" dialect of Farsi; which was formed by socializing with Bushehris (Lurs/Ajams, and minority Arabs, etc...). Mainly in part due to the fact that the migration from Bushehr, Bander Abbas, Bander Lingah, happened around the same time. further affirmed by the Islamic Republic, which in Bahrain was a gradual process initiated by the British protectorate, With no effort being made by either side to preserve this language beside the national language. Despite this, the language is still spoken widely even in the Gulf countries to some extent. == Religion ==

They are predominately Sunni Muslims, and Gerash which is predominantely Shia as well, in addition to a small number of Jewish population, Prior to Islam, the Achum people were on the Zoroastrian Religion. they were described in 1523 as "poor people, native to the same land" by A. Tenreiro, they got wealthier and larger in number in the first half of the 16th century due to the arrival of Sephardic Jews, attracted via Hormuz . With these groups came commercial contacts and this had brought Lar the reputation of a "seat of wealthy merchants." In the course of the 17th century, however, important sections of this community moved to the new Safavid capital, Isfahan. Lar hosted a prosperous Jewish community as early as the 16th century. The French traveler Jean-Baptiste Thévenot reported that when he visited Larestan in 1687, most of Lar's inhabitants were Jewish silk farmers. Additionally, a Spaniard who visited the town in 1607 met a "messenger from Zion" named Judah. However, like other Jewish communities in Persia (except the Georgian Jewish deportees employed as silk worm farmers in Māzanderān), the Jews of Lar suffered under the Safavid rulers during the 17th and early 18th centuries. According to the Judeo-Persian chronicler Bābāi ibn Luṭf, persecutions began before 1613 during the reign of Shāh Abbās I and originated in Lar, where a local rabbi converted to Islam and took the name Abul-Hasan Lāri. This converted rabbi secured a royal edict (farmān) requiring every Jew in Persia to wear discriminatory badges and headgear, which led to the mass expulsion of hundreds of Jews from Isfahan due to their perceived "impurity." The Jews of Lar resided in cities such as Lar, Juyom, Banaruiyeh, and Galehdar but later migrated to Shiraz, Tehran, and Isfahan. Many of them also emigrated—primarily to Israel, and a smaller number to the United States and other Western countries. The Jewish population of Galehdar entirely relocated to Israel at the time of its establishment, while Jews from Juyom, Banaruiyeh, and Lar settled in various locations as mentioned. Some Jewish families in Lar did not emigrate and remain there today . The estimated population of Khodmooni Jews is around 100 families. ==Geographical distribution==

The historical region of Irahistan consisted of several counties in: • Hormozgan province: Parsian, Bastak (Central, Kuhij, Kukherdharang, Jenah, Kukherd), Bander Langeh, Khamir, Bandar Abbas, Hajjiabad, Rudan, Minab, Sirik, parts of Bashagard, and Jask. • Fars: Mohr, Khonj, Lamerd, Gerash, Evaz, Juyom, Zarrin Dasht, Darab, Larestan. • Bushehr province: Asaluyeh, Jam, Deir. • Part of Kerman province. Presently, most Laris/Achomis/Khodmoonis inhabit the historical Larestan region, which encompasses the areas of Lar, Gerash, Evaz, Khonj, Bastak, Lamerd, and surrounding villages and settlements in southern Fars Province and northern Hormozgan Province. However, since the 1940s, due to the combination of harsh natural conditions and political factors has compelled the Garmsiris (Laris/Achomis/Khodmoonis) to emigrate, to earn a better living, avoid the harsh nature, and to avoid the Iranian central government imposed new import and export taxes. often moving northward to Shiraz, but more commonly heading south toward the coast, and further to India and the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and other Arab states of the Persian Gulf). In 1955, the Larestani scholar Ahmad Iqtidari () eloquently captured the plight of his homeland in his book Ancient Larestan (), to which he dedicated his work: == Sub-groups ==

The main Khodmooni branches are as follows: • Lari لاری • Bastaki بستکی • Khonji خنجی • Gerashi گراشی • Evazi اوزی • Eshkanani/Askhanani اشکنانی • Aheli اهیلی • Galedari/GallehDari گله‌داری • Lengeyi لنگیی • Ashnezi اشنیزی • Ruydari رویداری • Abbasi عباسی or Gamberoni گمبرونی; aka Bandari بندری Some ethnic groups are considered to be sub-groups or related to Achomis/Khodmoonis: • The Gallahdaris (known as ) are of mixed Achomi and Luri ancestry and possibly Circassian ancestry, due to historical reasons of migrations that occurred, • The inhabitants of Minab are said to be of mixed Arab, Persian, Baloch, and Sub-Saharan African descent. • Lamerdis are a mixture of Lurs, and Achomis/Khodmoonis, they speak a mixed dialect of Persian, Luri and Achomi. ==History==

The Irahistan/Laristan region was nearly always an obscure region, never becoming involved in the politics and conflicts of mainstream Persia. 7th-14th Century The first Lari prince to convert to Islam was Jalal al-Din Iradj, who converted around 100 A.H, (718–19). From the early 12th century, Laristan was being ruled by the local Miladian dynasty. In the thirteenth century, Lar briefly became a centre of trade and commerce in southern Persia. Marco Polo's travelogue Marco Polo described the Hormuz Plain and the Minab River as a lush, fruitful region, diverse in its offerings. Hormuz, an ancient area, was a place of trade between the Persian Gulf merchants and Kish. Marco Polo noted the significance of the port of Hormuz and its trade with Indian merchants, with large ships carrying spices and pearls. This region was popularly known as "Daqyanus City" among the locals, and its ruins are believed to be located in the northern part of Jiroft today. Marco Polo also commented on the shipbuilding industry in Iran at the time, criticizing the lack of tar on the ships, which he believed led to many of them sinking. Another interesting detail he mentioned was the intense, often deadly seasonal winds in the area, known as Teshbada. 15th-17th Century During Safavid Iran According to an anecdotal account shared on a blog (Sons of Sunnah), when the Safavid dynasty under Ismail I initiated efforts to convert Iran's population to Shia Islam in 1501, some Sunni Persians allegedly fled to the Zagros Mountains to escape persecution. Following the Battle of Chaldiran, these Sunni Persians reportedly descended to settle in a region they named 'Bastak,' said to signify a 'barrier' against Shia Safavid influences. Shah Abbas I ruled from til 1629 CE (1038 AH). After the fall of Isfahan to Mahmud Khan of Afghanistan in 1722 CE (1135 AH), the Afghan rule lasted until the rise of Nader Shah, who re-established Persian control in 1736 CE (1149 AH). During this time, Bastak became the center of the region. Under Afsharid Iran Jangiriyeh under Sheikh Ahmad Madani: The Afghan period and the early years of Nader Shah's reign, likely between 1720s to 1740s CE. Hassan Khan Delar ruled during the mid-18th century, particularly after Nader Shah's death in 1747 CE (1160 AH). 18th–19th Century Zand Dynasty The Bani Abbas family ruled the region during the late 18th century and early 19th century, likely under the Zand dynasty (from the late 1700s until the early 1800s). The rule of the Bani Abbas continued until the land reform era in early 20th century. Qajar Iran Larestan In the second half of the 13th century AH (late 19th century CE), the governance of Larestan was entrusted to the Dehbashi family, one of the prominent families of Gerash. This family ruled Larestan for approximately a century, beginning in 1262 AH (1846 CE) under Karbala'i Alireza Dehbashi. During the tenure of his son, Fath Ali Khan Biglarbeigi, Larestan experienced its most prosperous period in both military and economic aspects. Fath Ali Khan established strong ties with the influential Qavam family in Shiraz and maintained favourable relations with the Qajar dynasty in Tehran, which helped him expand and solidify his authority. The political and security stability achieved during Fath Ali Khan Gerashi's rule brought significant advancements in the scientific and literary domains. Early in his reign, Shaykh 'Ali Rashti, a mujtahid from Najaf, was sent to Gerash by Mirza Shirazi to establish a seminary. This period saw cultural enrichment, including the production of religious and mystical writings by Haj Asadullah, the brother of Fath Ali Khan, and Shaykh 'Ali Rashti. Additionally, Rostam Khan Gerashi, the son of Fath Ali Khan and father of Mohammad Jafar Khan (Sheyda Gerashi), compiled a poetic collection titled Baghestan. Mohammad Jafar Khan later contributed his own collection of poetry, further cementing the literary heritage of the period. After the death of Habibullah Khan in 1334/1935 and the accession of his son Ibrahim Khan to the government of Fars province, Muhammad Ja'far Khan was released and returned to Gerash. However, the beginning of his second reign has been mentioned in various books from 1332 or 1333 AH. After him, and during the period between the two periods of Muhammad Ja'far Khan's rule, the government of Larestan was in the hands of Ali Muhammad Khan Iqtadar al-Sultan. After the establishment of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution (early 20th century CE), the Dehbashi family retained their hold on Larestan, navigating alliances with constitutionalists to maintain their rule. However, the dynasty's governance came to an end in 1929 CE (1348 AH) when Reza Shah's army attacked Gerash Castle, marking the conclusion of their reign. Mohammad Taqi Khan died at the age of 74 in 1346 AH (1927 CE), coinciding with the second year of the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, in his personal garden in Makhdan Bastak and was buried in Bastak Cemetery. The introduction of taxes was an effort to reinforce the authority of the Iranian state and draw revenue from affluent peripheral areas like Bandar Lingeh and Bushehr, which were key economic hubs in the Persian Gulf during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. based on the belief that "Ajam" refers to those with Shia roots, With Northern Iranians Many of the khodemooni express pride in their heritage but noted feeling little connection with "northern" Iranians. This disconnect was not solely due to religious differences. One Dubai merchant explained: == Culture ==

Local Calendar The Achumi calendar is an agricultural calendar; although its oral version has no specific starting point and is primarily used for agricultural purposes, it aligns with the solar calendar. The new year begins in mid-February, and its first month is "Naybahar," with the final month being "Borobar." Music and dance The people of Irahistan are known for their famous handkerchief dance, known as (Dastmal Bazi), also known as "Se Pah" () where mostly the men dance, even in Dubai, and is similar to the Bakhtiari "Se Pah" dance, In an addition to that, the stick dance (Tarka bazi or Chob Bazi) is also common. • Raftum Be Baghe Shalom Darrideh (رفتُم به باغ شالُم دریده) • Esmush Nadunem/Gol Bostanan (اِسمُش نادُنِم/گل بستانن) sung by Arvin Bastaki, Yousif Hadi, Sutlanies, and is/was popular in Bander Abbas too. • Del Naghrah Del Naghrah Yaram Soraghm Naghrah (دل ناگره دل ناگره یارم سراغم ناگره) • Esho Golom Shabran Jan Delom Shabran (اشو گلُم شبرِن جان دِلُم شبرِن) • Ey Vay Delom Vay Delom Delbar Zibai Delom (ای وای دلُم وای دِلُم دِلبَر زیبایی دِلُم) • Delbari Man Che Khoshgelan Vay Vay Umnasha (دلبری من چه خوشگلن وای وای اومناشا) • Dastband Tala Dastat Ghorbun Chesh Mastat (دستبند طلا دستات قربون چش مستات) • Ching Bekenam, Ching Vakonam Chahare Delbar Nakonam (چینگ بکنم، چینگ واکُنِم چهاره دلبر ناکنم) • Dar Mawsam Beharan Del Shadom Ney (در موسم بهارن دل شادُم نی) Cuisine • Mahyawa (Mahuwa) – Fish Sauce: Mahyawa is a famous dish widely consumed in the southern regions of Fars province and Hormozgan (including Bushehr), made from dates or dried dates, flour, and cinnamon powder. In this local sweet, cinnamon and dates combine to create a delicious treat that can last up to a week in the refrigerator. • Noun Regag (, ) also known as () is common in Hormozgan, Laristan, and throughout the southern parts of Iran, as well as in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. • Khanfaroosh, Khan (خان) meaning "House" and Foroosh (فروش) meaning "Selling," which translates to "Selling of the house" and its popular in both Arab states of the Persian Gulf (known as ), and Southern Iran, It has "Achum/Acham" roots in southern Iran (particularly Hormozgan province). • Pishoo () made from rose water (golab) and agar. • Cham-Chamoo () is a sweet naan that is made similar to Qeshm Island version. • Balaleet (, ) – This nutritious dessert of is prepared in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Hormozgan, and Bandar Abbas and other parts of Southern Iran. Balaleet is made from macaroni, sugar or date syrup, cardamom, rose water, saffron, and oil. It is traditionally served as a breakfast dish. This dessert is also popular in some other southern cities of Iran. Khonj cuisine Kashk o Bademjan, Miyeh, Meheh Roghan, Khoresh Gousht, Damikht, Polow Barj, Kideh, Reshk, Omeh, Awpiya, Ilim, Kleh Sar, Khak, Bi Pakh, Cheshgadeh, Doogh, Dowlat, Khazak Bad, Lchavo, Jarjat, Ardeh, Pashmak. and the regular class outfit (presented in Shmd Lawry; شمد لاوری film). The outfits are similar to Arab and Indian outfits in the Bandars (ports), with Bastaki, Khonji, Lamerdi, Galedarie and Bandari variants. which includes music too. From the poetry of Seyed Mohammad Seyed Ibrahim Dehtali, who died in 1344 AH, found in the book Bet va Deirashna (), edited by Seyed Kamel: Local Games • Khonj: Lwetkibelkhtar, Haft Sang, Khorpa, Sk Skala Belandi, Nader Bazi, Leher, Kase Pas Kun, Kab Bazi, Tira Gal, Gut Bazi, Kargam Be Hawa, Azad Bazi, Dar Chulk, Khormasho, Dar O Sop, Darbazi, Khorsho, Kai Kai, Til Ameh, Khat Khat, Panj Sank Ya Rokh, Yer Shesh Duneh, Beshkel Kol, Belm Petsk, Wast Wast, Allah Bedeh Baroon, Khooneh Khoda, Gap, Do Bel Bro, Bel Bel Jonam Bel, Charkhoneh, Shakhani Daraz, Mo Karkam Te Kalleh Aznam, Alla Kalang, Bel Wa Chak, To Zar Mo Zar, Lat Pas Pa, Khorkeh Tart o Shiri, Khor Sooz, Kai Ko, Asiyo Jalmep, Fandak, Mach o Feel. • Qeshm: Kelmcha, Ramaza, Dar, Sawariya, Dartupa, Haft Senka, Charkhabaz Dar Magharahhul Wulat, Tilia, Dibia, Salam Salama, Wastarchomurokhta, Korkomochartak Abafam Hasile Bam. Local Beliefs • Green flags: Some local beliefs in the region include the tradition of raising green flags when someone returns from Hajj or military service. • Wednesday visits: Some people also have a custom of visiting on Wednesdays. • Perfuming toys: There is a belief that it is necessary to perfume children's toys to ward off the evil eye. • Mirrors in the wedding room: In the south, during wedding celebrations, the custom of the "hajlah" (a colorful wedding room decorated with mirrors) is common. This tradition is shared among the Persian Gulf countries, southern Iran, and parts of India. • Baba Nowroz: Among the Achomi people of Khonj County in the Larestan region of Fars Province, there is a traditional figure known as Bā'ā Nowrez (Baba Nowruz). According to local belief, he visits households on the night before the new year while residents are asleep. On this night, families prepare their finest foods and leave them out for Bā'ā Nowrez. If he approves of the offerings, he is believed to bless the household with prosperity for the coming year. In addition, people wear green clothing, apply henna to their hands and heads, and ensure they are clean and perfumed before going to bed. This is intended to please Bā'ā Nowrez, so that their year will be as "green and fragrant" as their appearance. Conversely, failure to observe these customs is thought to anger Bā'ā Nowrez, who may then "twist their year," bringing misfortune, impurity, or scarcity. Qalyoon/Giddu The tobacco-only hookah made of pottery, known as Qalyoon in Persian, and referred to as Giddu or Ga-do (in Gulf Arabic dialects), both terms used simultaneously in the Arab Gulf states depending on the language being spoken, is an inseparable part of classic Persian and Iranian women's identity which has found its way to the Arab Gulf states among Achomi/Khodmooni women, and men. == In popular culture ==

In the popular Achomi song "Dokht Qatari" (Qatari Girl) the song references buying a chador from Bander Abbas, likely referring to Achomi people of Bander Abbas and Hormozgan in Qatar, the Achomi people of Bandar Abbas use "Khash" instead of "Khoob" (Persian); meaning "good" and "Dokht" instead of "Dokhtar" (Persian) meaning "Girl" as well as "Chuk" (or "Pus") instead of "Pesar" (boy in Persian) as in Sahar's Bander Abbasi song. Emirati actress Huda Al-Khatib who herself is of Achomi ancestry has appeared in the Kuwaiti TV comedy drama serial "Al-Da'la" (الدعلة) where she speaks broken Arabic, and mixes it with Persian/Achomi, she brings up "bringing her giddu (گِدو; old traditional Iranian hookah) to fix her mood she is shown raging out in Achomi and Persian, the show has a full scene in the 24th Episode in which the character she plays is shown learning the Arabic language and sings the Laristani/Achomi/Khudmuni/Bastaki song of Yousif Hadi Bastaki "Ghalyon ma teshn, ghori ma chai, yar nazanin, jaye to khali" (My hookah has no fire, my teapot has no tea, my beloved, your place is empty), likely referencing the Achomi migrants' cultural identity and their challenges in adapting to Arabic-speaking environments, while also highlighting their efforts to preserve their linguistic and musical heritage despite assimilation pressures. == Historical Heritage ==

Khonj The Shrine of Sheikh Afifuddin, The Lighthouse of Daniyal, The Grand Mosque of Kofeh Lake, The Shrine of Haj Sheikh Mohammad Abunajm, The Tomb of Kaka Raldin, Kohpayeh Park, Medina Park, Jahreh Cemetery Hill, Qara Aqaj Canal and the Seljuq era Ibrahim Dam, Nark Strait, Bar Bara o Bala, Al-Miyah Ahara (Alchaksama), Awnar, Bikhuyah Strait, Charkho Khonj, Bar Chel Gazi, Khan Baghi between Kaz Youz and Baghan, Rocks and Historic Khonj Troops from Different Eras, Koluqi Castle, Magellan Castle, Khelvat Castle, Shahnashin Castle, Senk Farsh Road from the Final Era, Talah Tavangran from the Sassanian Era, Mahmal Castle, Chireh Ghar, Bikhuyah Sadeh, Maz Qanats, Adkhama Nal Kuri Talah Shahmakh in the village of Jenkio (Mako Road to Khonj), The Big Talah near the village of Baghan and Haftwan Road. Additionally, the first hotel in Bahrain known as "Bahrain Hotel" was opened by an Khodmooni man named "Abdul Noor Al Bastaki" which began construction in the 1920s and officially opened in 1950 and is set to receive renewal. == Notable people ==

• Jalal al-Din Iradj, considered first Lari prince to convert to Islam. • Fath Ali Khan Gerashi, first ruler of the Dehbashi family which ruled Larestan for a century up until Reza Shah. • Rostam Khan Gerashi, second ruler of the Dehbashi family and son of Fath Ali Khan. • Mohammad Jafar Khan (Sheyda Gerashi), third ruler of Larestan during the Dehbashi family reign. • Mohammad Taqi Khan Bastaki, ruler of Bastak and Jahangiriyeh. • Mohammad Reza Khan Bastaki, (Born: Mohammad Reza Khan ibn Mohammad Taqi Abbasi Hashemi 1880–1904), nicknamed "The Power of the Mamluks" (سُطْوَةُ المَمالِك), was a ruler of Bastak and Jahangirah, the son and successor of Mohammed Taqi Khan. • Mohammad Azam Khan Bastaki, (Born: Mohammad Azam Khan Mohammad Reza Khan Bani Abbasian, 1906 - 1969) was the last Khan or ruler of Bastak and Jahangir after the khanate had lasted for 294 years. • Ahmed Sultan from the Sultanies Band. • Lotf Ali Khonji (born 1988) is an Iranian writer, translator, linguist, and journalist. He was born in 1938 in Bahrain. His father, Mohammad Amin Khonji, was a lover of the promotion of Iranian culture in Bahrain and one of the founders of the Iranian School in Bahrain. He is also a researcher in the Laristani/Achomi language. • Arvin Bastaki (), Iranian-born Emirati-Achomi singer who sings in Achomi. • Ahmed Lari (), Member of National Assembly of Kuwait. • Huda Al-Khatib (), Emirati-Achomi actress. • Musa Al-Ansari (), Secretary General of the Al-Ikha'a Association. • Mohammed Hassan Janahi, member of Bahraini parliament. • Mohamed Yousif Al-Maarafi, member of Bahraini parliament. ==See also==