1. Ethnic Groups of Southwest Asia

2. ARABS Live in North Africa and Middle East… From Turkey to Yemen,
Europe and America
Religion: Sunni (85%) ,
Shia (10%)
Customs & Language:
Fusha or Local Dialect
Women covered, and
Men’s headcovering.

3. KURDS Live in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Armenia
Sunni & Shia Muslim
Most are Sunni
Customs: Extended Family live together in Family Compound, sharing Farming and Labor

4. JEWISH Live in Israel, Former Soviet Union & America Religion: Judaism
Customs - Language:
Hebrew, One God - holidays, Kosher Diet
Fierce devotion to homeland

5. TURKS Live in Mongolia, Syria, Balkans, and Turkey Tribal People
Religion: Converted to Islam, tolerant of Jews and Christians
Customs: Trading Nation with a mix of Arab and Western Style

6. DRUZE Live in Lebanon, Israel, and Syria
Religion: Interprets all 3 main religions, chosen faith, No ceremonies, No missionizing
Customs: Arabic Language, Arab culture, sided with Israelis in war

7. ARMENIAN Live in Soviet Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Iran
Religion: Christian
Customs: Contributed to the Alphabet, Music, Dance, Carpet Weaving, Food – Khorovats/BBQ

8. PERSIAN Live in Iran & west Afghanistan
Religion: most are Shia Muslims
Cultural Contribution: Language (Farsi), Art, Statues, Music, Architecture, Rugs, and Gardens

9. BERBER
Live in Morocco to Egypt, Mali & Niger since 7AD/CE – conquered by the Arabs.
Religion: Sunni and some pagan rituals
Custom/Contribution: Language, Music, Flour Milling and Tool
making from stone.
Berber language has
300 dialects spoken
but written language
is seldom used

10. BEDOUIN
Live in North Africa to the Sahara, Sinia, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
Religion: Mostly Sunni
Customs: Tribal, Animal Herders,
Contributions: Music and Folk Dance