Ethnic or Cultural Groups North Africa and Southwest Asia
What is an ethnic group? An ethnicity, or ethnic group, is a group of people sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion and language.
ARAB the primary ethnic group of SWA & NA Religion: mostly Muslim Language: Arabic Family is very important
Bedouins Bedouins are nomads in the deserts of NA & SWA. They are known for rich oral poetic tradition, their herding lifestyle, emphasis on community and their traditional code of honor. Religion: mostly Muslim Language: Arabic
Persians Persians are a non-Arab ethnic group Persians primarily live in Iran (and some of Afghanistan) Persians are primarily Shia (Shi’ite) Muslim Language – Farsi Created Zoroastrianism Known for their rugs and art
Kurds Kurds are a non-Arab ethnic group Kurds want their own homeland – Kurdistan Stateless Nation Their religion is primarily Sunni Muslim Language Kurdish (related to Farsi) Culture Kurdish folklore is about respect for elders (particularly women), hospitality, courage, bravery, and the love of freedom Kurds love music, poetry and dancing Primarily farmers & herders
Turks Turks are a non-Arab ethnic group Turks primarily live in Turkey The religion is primarily Sunni Muslim They speak Turkish
Berbers Berbers are a non-Arab ethnic group Berbers primarily live in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt Religion: Sunni Muslim Language: Tamazight Culture Disappearing because they are assimilating with Arabs Live in clay huts or goat hair tents in rural areas Primarily herders
Jews Jews are a religious group living mostly in Jerusalem (southeast corner), Israel, and part of the Golan Heights. Jews claim Palestine (modern- day Israel) as their rightful homeland Religion – Judaism Jews speak Hebrew