Hamid Asadpour

The Shoul tribe, as one of the tribes living in the Iranian plateau, has had a long and detailed history. During this history, which began in the pre-Islamic era, the Shouls have been dispersed in the southwestern regions of Iran through numerous migrations and displacements. These displacements, which have occurred over time and under the influence of numerous and complex factors, have led to the formation of settlement patterns on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf to the Shoulestan (Mamsani) region. The present study, with an analytical-historical approach and using qualitative research methods, examines the historical course of the displacements and dispersion of the Shoul tribe on the northern coast and hinterland of the Persian Gulf. In this regard, the factors affecting these movements, including environmental factors (such as drought and climate change), socio-political factors (such as wars, government pressures, and inter-ethnic relations), and economic factors (such as the search for livelihood and commercial opportunities), have been examined and analyzed. Also, to the extent possible, the consequences of these movements on the linguistic, cultural characteristics, social structure, and relations of the Shoul people with other ethnic groups in the region have been explored.