From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This category is based on linguistics and, in some cases, culture and genetics. In other words, it incorporates people from diverse backgrounds who speak a related group of languages. A core group of Iranian peoples exist, while other groups are either assumed to be putatively descended from them or have some unknown affiliation. Some of these groups, such as the Mountain Jews and the Hazara, are either entirely or predominantly descended from non-Iranian peoples. Their inclusion pertains to their linguistic affiliation. The ancient tribes affiliated with Iranian peoples vary in terms of what is known about their background, while modern groups are defined by their linguistic affiliation.