1. Ethnic Groups of the Middle East

2. Non-Muslim Arabs are Christian
Where they live
Language
Religion
Customs/
Tradition
-Middle East
-North Africa -U.S.
-Canada
-South America
-Europe
-Belgium
-France
-Germany -Netherlands
-U.K.
-Arabic .
90% Muslim
-Mainly Sunni
-Some Shi’a
-Few Druze
Most
Non-Muslim Arabs are Christian
Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, hence the name Arab
Share a common history and culture
They are the largest ethnic group in the Middle East.
Most important is their language and social values
The Arabic language was spread by Muslim conquests
Arabs have made significant contributions to advancements in art, architecture, literature, mathematics and science during the Golden Age of Islam that lasted from 750 to 1258 CE.

4. Bedouin Saudi Arabia Syria Jordan North Africa Sinai Peninsula
Where they live
Language
Religion
Customs/
Tradition
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Jordan
North Africa
Sinai Peninsula
Their own form of Arabic language, which has different dialects
-Islam and other religions
-Bedouin means inhabitant of the desert
-Tribal leaders are called sheikhs
-Originally a nomadic people, but few still live a nomadic way of life.
-Well known for dress and music
-Music is performed at traditional Bedouin ceremonies

6. Persians Iran – it used to be called Persia – hence the name Persians
Where they live
Language
Religion
Customs/
Tradition
Iran – it used to be called Persia – hence the name Persians
AKA: Tajiks
Farsi wans
~Afghanistan
~Tajikistan
~Uzbekistan
Farsi, or Persian
-Mostly Shi’a Islam
-Few Sunni in East
-Non-Arabic
-They make up more than 50% of Iran’s population.
-Nomadic life has always been part of Persian culture and still makes up more than 10%
-Women face challenges due to the strict cultural and religious practices
-In the past 40 years, women have increased their freedoms
-Well know for art and architecture
-Known for Rugs

7. Persian Rugs

8. Kurdish Turkey Syria Iraq Iran Armenia A language related to Persian
Where they live
Language
Religion
Customs/
Tradition
Turkey
Syria
Iraq
Iran
Armenia
A language related to Persian
-Sunni Muslims
-Traditionally a nomadic people whose life revolved around herding sheep and goats.
-After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, new states were made, but not for the Kurds. They were no longer free to roam
-Respect for elders, hospitality, bravery, and the love of freedom.
-Showed devotion to pirs, or holy places with offerings
-Less strict about Islamic practices, especially for women

9. Kurdistan

10. Turks Turkish Language Where they live Religion Customs/ Tradition
Turkey
Iran
Islam
-Not strict about Islamic practices
-Kurds and Turks fight over issues like education
-Known for architecture, especially mosques

11. Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

12. Compare/Contrast
What is the difference between and ethnic group and a religious group? How are they similar?