1. Ethnic Groups of the Middle East

2. Ethnicity vs. Religious Group
What is the difference between an ethnic group and a religious group?
An ethnic group (or ethnicity) is a group of people whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, consisting of a common language, a common culture and a tradition of common ancestry (what you are born into).

3. Religious Group
Shares a belief system in a god or gods, with a specific set of rituals and literature (you have a choice)

5. Arabs Largest ethnic group in Southwest Asia Most Arabs practice Islam
Speak Arabic
Have a long history and rich traditions

7. Bedouin
Speak Arabic
Most now live in cities in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq.
Ruled by tribal leaders called sheikhs
Most practice Islam.
Well known for their dress & music

9. Kurds Live in mountainous areas of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran
Most Kurds are Muslims.
Speak Kurdish language, a branch of the Iranian language
Kurdish women enjoy greater freedoms; they do not cover their faces and they do not wear the full-cover garments

11. Persians
Ethnic group that lived in Iran before arrival of Islam; today make up about half of Iran’s population
Speak Persian or Farsi
Most practice Shi’i Islam
Persian women have faced many challenges as a result of strict religious practices.
Persian rugs are among the finest in the world.

12. Literacy & Development
Education is free in many countries in the Middle East.
Students required to attend school through high school.
Literacy rates are 77% in Syria; 79% in Israel; and 79% in Saudi Arabia
More men tend to be able to read & write
Women’s education not valued as much as men’s
Literacy rates indicate a country’s development
Increase in literacy rate leads to a better economy