Although one can trace references to the union of the Bakhtiaris as early as the 14th Century, there is no continuity of details and available facts from that date forward. One thing however is certain and that is the formation of temporary unions or confederations during times of outside threats and danger. Such outside dangers were at times from the central government and at other times, from neighboring tribes. Bakhtiaris would then form such unions for self-preservation and common defense very much like military pacts amongst neighboring countries of today against common enemies.
