More than 90% of the people of Fereydunshahr are Georgian speakers, and most of them are descendants of Georgians who were exiled to Iran by Shah Abbas I from Georgia. We want to familiarize ourselves with the customs and traditions of these people. Stay with Saad News.
The customs and traditions of the Georgians in Fereydunshahr are very beautiful and interesting, with many games and activities taking place among the people, especially on this particular day. This city, located in the west of Isfahan, became home to Georgians during the reign of Shah Abbas. It is considered one of the safest and most beautiful cities in our country. The Georgians of the Fereydun region were transferred by Shah Abbas I from Georgia to Iran between 1025 and 1026 AH. Some of them settled in Fereydunshahr, which served as a geographical gateway for the Bakhitari tribes and nomads. They were sent primarily to prevent continuous attacks by nomads on the villages of Fereydun. From a religious, ceremonial, and belief standpoint, they share similarities with other Iranian tribes, largely because, unlike the Armenians who adopted Iranian culture, the Georgians changed their religion but maintained their language and continued to speak Georgian.
Clothing of the Georgians
Nowruz Traditions of the Georgians in Fereydunshahr: On the night of Nowruz, the young boys of Fereydunshahr celebrate by going in groups, sometimes individually, to the rooftops of their neighbors, where they hang baskets, tin cans, and buckets in the yards to make noise, announcing the arrival of the new year. In return, they receive gifts, usually money, sweets, and chocolates. Most families gather at the homes of grandparents for dinner, where they enjoy dishes like stew and rice.
Moment of the New Year: When the new year arrives, all family members gather around the Haft-Sin table, recite prayers, and chant the famous prayer for the new year. As the seconds of the new year tick away, the elders give gifts to the younger ones, and interestingly, grandfathers and fathers often present new banknotes from the Quran as gifts to the children.
Bringing Food and Gifts to Married Daughters: Another tradition among the Georgians of Fereydunshahr is bringing food and gifts to daughters who have married. This is done to maintain emotional ties within families, as the belief holds that daughters should continue to receive food from their father’s or brother’s household. Gifts such as fabrics, gold, or money are also brought as part of this custom.
Bolaquti Tradition: On the night of Nowruz, young boys would climb onto their neighbors' roofs and hang cans, baskets, or any container to collect gifts, informing the homeowners of the arrival of the new year. In return, they would receive gifts like money, chickpeas, raisins, and fruits. This custom is gradually fading in modern times.
Shab-Alfah: On the eve of Nowruz, the women of Fereydunshahr prepare local sweets like halva and distribute them among relatives and neighbors. They even bring them to the graves of their deceased relatives on the last Thursday of the year to celebrate the new year in remembrance of their loved ones.
Nowruz Table (Haft-Sin): The preparations for the new year in Fereydunshahr include setting the Haft-Sin table with items such as sprouts (sabzeh), sumac, dried fruit, coins, apples, the Quran, a mirror, dyed eggs, sweet breads, nuts, and local sweets. Some people also spend the moment of the new year at the shrines of saints or martyrs and return home after the time of the new year.
Wedding Traditions of the Georgians of Fereydunshahr: Weddings in Fereydunshahr usually take place in the fall and winter, and the celebrations often happen near fireplaces in the houses. Dancing and music with traditional drums, known as "Esteez Naqara," are common. In the middle of the celebrations, young people engage in fun activities, such as sliding down from the roof of the house, competing to see who can do it the fastest. Wedding ceremonies last from three to seven nights. The bride is traditionally escorted to her new home on foot, and a goat is brought to the house as a blessing.
Final Thoughts: Fereydunshahr, once the last settlement from Isfahan, was known as "Akhareh" (meaning the last) among Persian speakers. It was later renamed Fereydunshahr due to historical, geographical, and cultural significance. It is also known as "Gorji Shahr" due to its Georgian inhabitants.
