Objective: The purpose of this study was to design a comprehensive and applicable model for managing the indigenous knowledge of the Qashqai tribe. This model seeks to preserve, systematize, and facilitate the intergenerational transfer of the cultural, social, economic, and ecological heritage embedded in the tribe’s long-standing traditions. Given the increasing risk of knowledge loss due to modernization, urban migration, and demographic changes, the development of such a model is essential for safeguarding the intellectual and cultural assets of this significant Iranian nomadic tribe. The study aimed not only to document key domains of indigenous knowledge but also to provide a structured framework that supports sustainable development, cultural continuity, and informed decision-making at local and regional levels.
Methods: This research employed a qualitative–quantitative (mixed-method) approach, with the qualitative phase forming the core of the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with experienced elders and knowledgeable individuals, field observations during tribal activities, narrative writing, and review of historical and ethnographic documents. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method supported by MAXQDA software, which enabled systematic coding and extraction of key concepts. In the quantitative phase, SPSS26 software was used to analyze the data through a single-sample T-test with an assumed value of 3, allowing the validation of identified components and processes from the perspective of experts in knowledge management and indigenous studies.
Results: Findings from the analysis revealed eleven main domains that constitute the core of Qashqai indigenous knowledge: agriculture and animal husbandry, traditional foods, traditional medicine, handicrafts, language and literature, music and dance, beliefs and religion, traditional clothing, traditional games and sports, migration patterns, and housing forms. Additionally, the study identified seven essential processes for effective indigenous knowledge management in the Qashqai context: identifying knowledge, recognizing and categorizing knowledge, acquiring knowledge, organizing and documenting knowledge, creating and enriching knowledge, disseminating knowledge, and generating value from knowledge through cultural, social, and economic applications. These processes form the backbone of the proposed model.
Conclusion: The final model provides a holistic and operational framework that encompasses all stages—from the discovery of indigenous knowledge to its practical application. This model can serve as a basis for establishing digital repositories, cultural knowledge centers, community training programs, or policymaking initiatives dedicated to preserving Qashqai heritage. The study underscores that systematic management of indigenous knowledge not only protects cultural identity but also strengthens social cohesion, supports sustainable livelihoods, and contributes meaningfully to community empowerment and long-term cultural resilience.