The History and Social-political structure of Arasbaran tribe (Qaradagh)

Abstract

The especial geographical position, the presence of grass lands and good weather in Iran has been a factor from many thousand years ago that various tribes move to this country, in particular to East Azerbaijan located in the North West of Iran. Meanwhile, Turk tribes come to rule at 11thcentury AD (5th century AH). In Safavid period (10th century AH) Shahsavantribe was the largest tribe in Iran that later during Qajar period (12thcentury AH) it was divided into two tribes of Shahsavanand Arasbaran (Qaradagh). Ethnic group (IL) is constituted of some tribes; a tribe is constituted of some clans; a clan is constituted of some smaller groups called Oba which is constituted of some families. Considering this specific organization, families, Oba and Gobak (lineage) are social communities whereas tribe and ethnic group are political-social entities which influence the military and political divisions and destination. In such a social-political organization, superintendence is the responsibility of the most enlightened and wisest person. This person is called whitebeard.