Ethnic Groups of the Middle East

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Ethnic Groups of the Middle East
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Arabs
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 Shia -Few Druze Most Non-Muslim Arabs are Christian 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.
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Bedouin
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
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Persians
Where they live Language Religion Customs/ Tradition
Iran AKATajiks Farsi wans Afghanistan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Farsi, or Persian -Mostly Shia Islam -Few Sunni in East -Non-Arabic -They make up more than 50 of Irans 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
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Persian Rugs
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Kurdish
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
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Kurdistan
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Turkish
Ethinc Group Where they live Religion Customs/ Tradition
Turks Turkey Iran Islam -Not strict about Islamic practices -Kurds and Turks fight over issues like education -Known for architecture, especially mosques
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Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
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Compare/Contrast

• What is the difference between and ethnic group
  and a religious group? How are they similar?