‘Mokh’ as an Identity Marker in the Cultural Fabric of Bafgh

Kakavand, Samaneh

doi:10.22034/chs.2025.531116.1113

‘Mokh’ as an Identity Marker in the Cultural Fabric of Bafgh

Document Type : Original Article

Author

samaneh kakavand

Associate professor, Faculty of Applied Arts, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/chs.2025.531116.1113

Abstract

In cultural studies, indigenous vocabulary holds significant importance in local dialects because words have been repeated over centuries within a linguistic context. Although they may gradually distance themselves from their original etymologies and reasons for naming, transmitting merely as lexical shells or suspended letters, just like signs they retain the capacity for contextual decoding. The naming of the date palm as ‘Mokh’ in Bafgh is one such cultural sign, and analyzing the rationale behind this nomenclature is the primary objective of the present study. The research question is formulated as follows: Based on written historical sources, what hypotheses underlie the naming of the date palm as "Mogh," and based on what basis can the discussion be concluded? It appears that the reasons for naming it ‘Mokh’ may relate to factors such as its utility and generosity. Additionally, changing the final letter of the word (i.e., ‘gh’) to "kh," transforming it into ‘Mokh,’ may refer to the palm's head (terminal bud) and its importance. The present study is a type of qualitative research. In terms of purpose, it is fundamental, and in terms of methodology, it is theoretical-fundamental. However, based on its nature and method, it is considered historical research, concerned with analyzing the etymology of naming the date palm ‘Mokh’ in Bafgh. With this aim, an attempt was made to base the study on reliable written sources. Furthermore, the research approach combines descriptive-analytical and historical methods, as it examines a specific word within the linguistic context and traditions of Bafgh. Data collection in the historical dimension was library-based, while the descriptive aspect utilized observation and field interviews. The research finding indicates that, among various hypotheses such as high utility and benefit, generosity, munificence, and "Mokh" or ‘Mokh’ meaning 'brain,' these factors point to the reason for naming the date palm frond in Bafgh as ‘Mokh.’ This also supports the claim that, in a way, it has been interpreted in connection with human attributes and characteristics like generosity and possessing a brain (intellect).

Keywords

Cultural ecology, Plant sanctification, Sacredness of the date palm, Ethnography of Bafgh, Mogh in Bafgh Folk Culture

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