Cultural-Historical Commonalities of the Baluchis with Other Iranians

Relying on some authentic sources about Baluchistan, the present article tries to show that the Baluchis did not live in that territory before the advent of Islam. On the basis of some documents, the Baluchis are the Arians who had earlier settled in northern Iran – probably on the Alborz Mountain steppes. They had played outstanding roles in the ancient Iranian Army. However they had to migrate to the mountains of Kerman during the reign of Khosrow Anushiravan. Relying on the works of Arabic-writing geographers, the present article maintains that the Baluchis were the followers of Shiism when they settled in the mountains of Kerman.
Relying on the language, poetry and music of the Baluchis as well as a study of their beliefs, attempts have been made to show their cultural commonalities with the main motherland. Over the past 50 to 60 years, under the influence of the campaign of the elite and those educated outside Iran, the Baluchis have become alienated with their traditions, values and probably their old superstitions.