1. Ethnic or Cultural Groups
North Africa and Southwest Asia

2. What is an ethnic group?
An ethnicity, or ethnic group, is a group of people sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion and language.

3. ARAB
the primary ethnic group of SWA & NA Religion: mostly Muslim Language: Arabic Family is very important

5. Bedouins Bedouins are nomads in the deserts of NA & SWA.
They are known for rich oral poetic tradition, their herding lifestyle, emphasis on community and their traditional code of honor.
Religion: mostly Muslim
Language: Arabic

6. Persians Persians are a non-Arab ethnic group
Persians primarily live in Iran (and some of Afghanistan)
Persians are primarily Shia (Shi’ite) Muslim
Language – Farsi
Created Zoroastrianism
Known for their rugs and art

7. Kurds Kurds are a non-Arab ethnic group
Kurds want their own homeland – Kurdistan
Stateless Nation
Their religion is primarily Sunni Muslim
Language Kurdish (related to Farsi)
Culture
Kurdish folklore is about respect for elders (particularly women), hospitality, courage, bravery, and the love of freedom
Kurds love music, poetry and dancing
Primarily farmers & herders

8. Turks Turks are a non-Arab ethnic group Turks primarily live in Turkey
The religion is primarily Sunni Muslim
They speak Turkish

9. Berbers Berbers are a non-Arab ethnic group
Berbers primarily live in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt
Religion: Sunni Muslim
Language: Tamazight
Culture
Disappearing because they are assimilating with Arabs
Live in clay huts or goat hair tents in rural areas
Primarily herders

10. Jews
Jews are a religious group living mostly in Jerusalem (southeast corner), Israel, and part of the Golan Heights.
Jews claim Palestine (modern- day Israel) as their rightful homeland
Religion – Judaism
Jews speak Hebrew