Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
2 Associate Professor, Dept. of Range Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources I. R. Iran
Abstract
Iran is a country with an ancient culture. During a long time, its inhabitants have created various classifications, nominalizations and technologies on the basis of preference and innovation in different fields in order to adapt with the events happening around. These rich sources of knowledge are being eroded with an unimaginable speed that is in fact a part of the process of local indigenous culture destruction. Accordingly, their data collection and protection are of importance. This study aimed to record the knowledge of nomads of Boirahmad tribe about time and place recognition, playing an important role in forming their various activities in rangeland. The research was done in Dilegan Rangeland that is the summer quarter residence of nomads and located in cold weather regions of Kohgiloie and Boirahmad province. Participatory observation was used for data collection. Regarding the knowledge of experienced sheepherds about temporal and spatial components, interviews were divided in two parts, interview with sheepherds and others. By applying free interviewing and participatory observation, the required data for local calender and rangeland identification were recorded. Finally the interview notes were analyzed via content analysis method. Results show that nomads had local daily and yearly calendar in their knowledge, regulating their activities in accordance with. Daily calendar consists of 12 parts that different parts of a day are named accordingly. Also in their yearly calendar different times of the year are classified in 13 various time units which nomads' annual activities (such as migration, harvesting edible and medicinal plants,…) are set based on this calendar. As it was previously mentioned, it is recommended that the classification and naming patterns of time and place in rural and tribal traditional system be more investigated by rangeland management authorities and researchers of habitat prediction. Thus, it will give the possibility of more realistic analysis of the following research and also offered more practical solutions to advance the goals.
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