Ethnic Groups of the Middle East

ArabsWhere 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.

BedouinWhere 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

PersiansWhere 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

Persian Rugs

KurdishWhere 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

Kurdistan

Turks

Language Where they live

Religion Customs/

Tradition

Turkish Turkey

Iran

Islam -Not strict about Islamic practices

-Kurds and Turks fight over issues like education

-Known for architecture, especially mosques

Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Compare/Contrast

What is the difference between and ethnic

group and a religious group? How are they

similar?