Most Talyshs live in northern (Azerbaijani) Talysh, with a minority in the southern (Iranian) part of the region. They occupy a land of sharp contrasts, from the high, forested Talysh mountains to the subtropical coast of the Caspian Sea. They speak the Talysh language, which is part of the Indo-Iranian language group. Although all Talysh groups speak their mother tongue, most are also fluent in Azerbaijani, and some speak Russian or Farsi.
The Talysh have lived in the south-western region of the Caspian Sea for millennia. In the Middle Ages they came under Turkish influence, but in the 17th century they established their own independent khanate, or kingdom.
In the early 19th century, the Talysh living in what is now Azerbaijan came under Russian control, which lasted until 1991, when Azerbaijan withdrew from the disintegrating Soviet Union. The Talysh in Iran were influenced by culturally similar Iranians. Today, the Talysh face the same dilemma as many other Central Asian peoples, trying to decide whether to follow Islamic traditions or embrace Western culture and technology. The Talysh in Azerbaijan have been influenced by Russia in recent decades.
The way of life of the Talysh varies greatly due to differences in their natural environment. However, regardless of the region where they live, most Talyshs are farmers. In some areas, rice is the main crop; in others, wheat and barley are grown. Inhabitants of the lowlands near the Caspian Sea grow tea, citrus fruits, pumpkins, melons, garlic, onions, peas and grapes.
Not all Talyshs are farmers. Some are skilled craftsmen. Their main crafts include making silk, carpets and felt. Some work with tin, make shoes or create jewellery.
The Talysh live in different types of houses depending on the region. In mountainous areas, they usually live in flat-roofed houses made of rough stone. In coastal areas, they live in mud-brick houses with thatch or sedge roofs. Doors in the houses are usually high, reaching to the ceiling, as there is no opening in the roof for the smoke from the hearth to escape.
Talysh women used to wear traditional Muslim clothing - face coverings and long garments that completely covered the body. Today, many Talysh women, especially in Azerbaijan, have abandoned traditional costume and wear Western-style clothing.
Although Islamic law allows a man to have up to four wives, most Talysh men have only one. The groom's family is obliged to pay kebin (kalym), which consists of money and objects such as carpets or utensils. To avoid paying the kebin, a young man sometimes «kidnaps» a prospective bride by taking her as his wife.
The Talysh are Shia Muslims. Shia religious practices are characterised by emotionalism. They recognise human free will and disagree with Sunnis on matters of law and ritual. Unlike the Sunnis, the Shiites believe that Muhammad's successor should be a man of his lineage, namely Ali. Since some of their leaders have accepted martyrdom, Shiites realise that a righteous man can be killed by the unrighteous. Therefore, Christ's death on the Roman cross is not as foreign to them as it is to the Sunnis.
Although the Talysh practise Islam, some elements of their pre-Islamic religion have survived. For example, they show great reverence for trees and groves, which are considered among the most sacred places. They also believe in the existence of good and evil spirits that somehow influence their lives.