The Bakhtiari (Persian: بختیاری) are a southwestern Persian tribe. They speak theBakhtiari dialect, a southwestern Iranian dialect, belonging to the Luri language..
A small percentage of Bakhtiari are still nomadic pastoralists, migrating between summer quarters (sardsīr or yaylāq) and winter quarters (garmsīr or qishlāq). Numerical estimates of their total population widely vary. Bakhtiaris primarily inhabit in Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari and parts of the provinces of Lorestan, Khuzestan, and Isfahan. In Khuzestan, Bakhtiari tribes are primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the province.
Bakhtiari carpets are based on a cotton foundation (warp) with a wool weft usually taken from the herds of the producing tribe. This leads to unique carpets that differ depending on the characteristics of each tribe’s wool. The wool can range from dull to extreme glossy and the resultant pile is clipped medium to high. The best carpets with the highest knot density are often known as Bibibaff. Prices range considerably with the highest knot density rugs generally being the most expensive, but criteria such as dyes and pattern factor in. Chapel Shotur and Saman pieces are rated slightly beneath Bibibaff productions, but are still considered to be excellent. Horicarpets are of inferior quality and as such, are generally widely affordable.
Patterns are usually floral or garden inspired. The Khesti, an established garden motif is perhaps the most well-known rug design. The carpet is divided into individual squares with animals and plants acting as symbols. Another influential design features a decorated field with lattice designs and floral ornaments.