Living Heritage of Lahij

This introductory essay is based on my doctoral field research, done while residing in Azerbaijan from 2012-2016, exploring the identity of the Lahij coppersmiths. The Lahij people, living in the remote mountain sanctuary valley of the Girdiman River, have remarkably preserved their ancient southwest Iranian mother tongue, officially called ‘Tat,’ craftsmanship, traditional lifestyle, folk narratives, prayers, festivals, rituals and ethical principles. While the attention of foreign specialists is focused on the status of the state languages in the newly established Post-Soviet Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan, the minorities were mostly overlooked. As the term minority already implies, the speakers of former regional languages are rare. Today, nevertheless, the compound reality of Azerbaijan still includes the presence of these regional languages forming a vital part of the remaining colorful mosaic. Since the history and archeology offers sparse information, an anthropological method adjusted to observant participation becomes a suitable way to discover the identity of the Lahij people living remotely in the Caucasus Mountains. On the one hand, the government recognizes Lahij for its Eastern architectural style and has given it the status of a historical preserve. On the other hand, it is not understood yet how it is possible to explore an ancient Iranian heritage of Azerbaijan through an authentic way of life. Within the overwhelming Azerbaijanization the Lahij people form one of the most striking exceptions to assimilation. Their endangered language, however, could be soon lost and their fragile identity could erode.