Ethnic Groups Arab People

1. Ethnic GroupsArab People There are MANY variations in types and lifestyles of Arab people. This information is a generalized summary from a number of sources.

2. History • The Iraqi Arabs descended from a people group cluster called the Levant Arabs. • The Levant Arabs originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa.

3. History • They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. • "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Iraqi, Jordanian, Palestinian, Arabic Jewish, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs.

4. History • Most scholars consider Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula to be the original Arabs. • The Arabian culture was developed by tribes of nomads and villagers who lived in the Arabian Desert for many centuries. • It was also from there that Arab migrations began, eventually leading to the expansion of the Arab world.

5. Religious Beliefs • Most Arab people follow Islam • As Muslims, they follow the teachings of the prophet Mohammedin their holy book, the Koran • The majority are Shia muslims

6. Arab Society • The various tribes are ruled by sheiks • Sheiks are Arab chiefs that are considered to be experts in Islam and in relating to the outside world

7. Arab Society • To preserve their people, they are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. • Inheritances are passed down through the males. In this system, men inherit more than women. • Since children are considered a family's greatest asset, females are valued mostly for their ability to bear children. • Women wear veils, or burka, both in town and at home.

8. Arab Society • Although Arabs have settled in towns or villages, they have held on to their tribal affiliations. • Their fortress-like villages can be easily defended. • Each house has windows on all sides and is built facing the outside of the village. • All goods and persons passing through town are strictly controlled.