Gilakis
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (3 to 4 million (2006)) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan in Iran | |
| Languages | |
| Gilaki | |
| Religion | |
| Mostly Shi'a Muslim, Bahá'í | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Iranian peoples, Peoples of the Caucasus |
The Gilaki people or Gilaks (Gilaki:گیلک) are an Iranian people native to the northern Iran province of Gilan and are one of the main ethnic groups residing in the northern parts of Iran. Gilaks, along with the closely related Mazandarani people, comprise part of the , who inhabit the southern and southwestern coastal regions of the Caspian Sea.
They speak the Gilaki language, which is closely related to Mazandarani. The Mazandarani people once called their language Geleki or Gilaki, but now call it Mazani or Mazandarani, from the name of their province.
Gilaki people live both alongside the Alborz mountains, and in the surrounding plains. Consequentially, those living along the northern side of the Alborz mountains tend to raise livestock, while those living in the plains farm. Gilaks play an important role in provincial and national economy, supplying a large portion of the region's agricultural staples, such as rice, grains, tobacco, and tea. Other major industries include fishing and caviar exports, and the production of silk. In addition to agricultural activities, Gilaks also control other principal sectors of commerce of the province of Gilan such as tourism, and share administrative and government positions with civil servants from other regions of Iran.
The population of Gilaki people is estimated to be between 3 to 4 million (2006 estimation). They mainly live along the southwest coasts of the Caspian Sea and are one of the main ethnic groups that reside in the northern parts of Iran. The Gilaki are closely related to the neighboring Mazandarani, and other groups of Caucasus descent, such as Georgians, Armenians, and Azeris.
The Gilaki language, is a member of the Northwestern branch of the Iranian languages. It is the main language spoken amongst the Gilaki people, although various regional and local dialects of the Gilaki language are common. Gilak people are fluent in both the Gilaki language and standard Persian.Persian is the official language of education in Iran, and since teachers are discouraged from using regional dialects and accents in class, the Gilaki language is taught to children at home.
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