Laz people

Arkhabi

Maunsell's map, Pre-World War I British Ethnographical Map of eastern Turkey in Asia, Syria and western Persia 01

Central and southern parts of Colchis and part of Iberia

Ethnic Caucasia-en

Lazica in Late Antiquity

Laz people are an indigenous ethnic group originating from the Black Sea coastal regions of Turkey and Georgia. The Laz people are part of the larger South Caucasian ethnic group and primarily speak the Laz language, which belongs to the South Caucasian, or Kartvelian, language family. This language family also includes Georgian, Svan, and Mingrelian. The Laz culture is rich and distinct, with deep roots in the history and traditions of the Black Sea region.

History

The history of the Laz people dates back to ancient times, with their presence in the region being well-documented in classical and medieval historical sources. They are believed to be descendants of ancient Colchians and Hittites, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultures in the area. Over the centuries, the Laz region has been part of various empires and states, including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. These influences have left a mark on the culture, language, and traditions of the Laz people.

Geography

The traditional homeland of the Laz people is the coastal area of the Black Sea, particularly in what is now northeastern Turkey and southwestern Georgia. This region is characterized by its rugged terrain, dense forests, and steep mountains, which have historically isolated Laz communities and helped preserve their unique culture and language.

Language

The Laz language (Lazuri) is a member of the Kartvelian language family and is closely related to Mingrelian, Svan, and Georgian. It is an endangered language, with a decreasing number of speakers, primarily due to assimilation policies in the past and the migration of younger generations to larger cities in search of employment. Efforts are being made to revitalize the language through educational programs and cultural initiatives.

Culture

Laz culture is known for its rich folklore, traditional music, and dances. Music plays a significant role in Laz society, with traditional instruments such as the tulum (a type of bagpipe) and kemençe (a bowed string instrument) being central to Laz musical expression. Dance is also an important aspect of Laz cultural identity, with dances often reflecting the community's connection to the natural landscape of the Black Sea region.

Traditional Laz cuisine is another significant aspect of their culture, featuring dishes that are unique to the region. The diet is heavily based on corn, anchovies (which are abundant in the Black Sea), and hazelnuts, with each dish reflecting the rich biodiversity of the area.

Religion

The majority of Laz people today adhere to Sunni Islam, a conversion that took place primarily during the Ottoman period. However, there are also small communities of Christian Laz, adhering to the Georgian Orthodox Church. The religious practices of the Laz people often incorporate pre-Islamic beliefs and rituals, reflecting the syncretic nature of their faith.

Current Situation

Today, the Laz people face challenges related to cultural preservation and language revitalization. While they are recognized as a minority group in Turkey, policies aimed at assimilation have historically impacted the vitality of the Laz language and culture. In Georgia, the Laz are part of the broader Georgian national identity, with efforts being made to preserve and promote Laz cultural expressions.