Bedouin facts for kids
Bedouin wedding procession at the 1904 World's Fair
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|
Quick facts for kids Total population |
|
|---|---|
| 4,000,000–25,000,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Syria |
1,800,000 |
 Saudi Arabia |
635,000 (1978) |
 Jordan |
380,000 (2007) |
 Egypt |
50,000 (2003)–380,000 (2007) |
 Israel |
250,000 (2012) |
 Algeria |
230,000 |
 Iraq |
100,000 |
 Palestine |
30,000 |
| Languages | |
| Arabic dialects (Bedawi • Hassāniyya • Bedouin Hejazi • Bedouin Najdi • Omani) | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Islam Minority Christianity |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Arabs | |
The Bedouins are an Arab group of people. They are known for their history as nomads who lived in the Arabian, Syrian, and Saharan Deserts.
They often call themselves the "people of the tent" because they traditionally traveled a lot, living in tents. Bedouins were skilled at raising and driving camels, sheep, and goats. Some were also merchants, trading goods.
Today, many Bedouins have chosen a modern city life. However, they still keep many of their old traditions alive. This includes their special ʿašāʾir clan structure, unique music, poetry, and dances like saas.
Bedouins who live in cities often hold cultural festivals several times a year. At these events, they gather to celebrate and learn about their heritage. This can include reciting poetry, performing traditional sword dances, playing old instruments, and even learning how to knit traditional tents. Activities like camel riding and camping in the desert are still popular hobbies for Bedouins who live near these areas.
Bedouin Traditions
Raising Animals
For a long time, Bedouins made their living by raising animals. They mainly cared for goats, sheep, and dromedary camels. These animals provided them with meat, dairy products, and wool. These animal products were a big part of the Bedouin diet.
Camels were especially important. They were seen as a "gift from God" and were a main source of food and transportation in the harsh desert. Camels could produce a lot of milk even in tough conditions. Their meat was also eaten sometimes. Camel races were a fun cultural tradition, often held during celebrations like weddings or religious festivals.
Some Bedouin groups live in very dry places. In these areas, rainfall is hard to predict. So, they move their camps often to find green pastures for their animals. In places further south where winter rain is more regular, some Bedouins plant grain along their travel routes. This gives their animals food during the winter. In regions like western Africa, where rain is more predictable, Bedouins practice transhumance. This means they plant crops near their permanent homes in valleys where there is more rain. Then, they move their animals to higher pastures.
Oral Poetry
Oral poetry was a very popular art form among Bedouins. Having a poet in a tribe was a great honor. Poetry was not just art; it was also used to share information and help keep social order within the community.
Related Topics
Images for kids
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Bedouins in Sinai, 1967
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A Bedouin warrior, pictured between 1898 and 1914
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Weaving lengths of fabric for tent making using ground loom. Palestine, c. 1900
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An Arab Christian Bedouin woman from Kerak, Jordan. Braids were often worn by Arab Christian Bedouin women in Jordan.
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A list of Bedouin tribes living West of the River Jordan in 1875.
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A Bedouin man in Riyadh, 1964.
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A Syrian Bedouin family in 1893.
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A Bedouin camp in the Negev Desert.
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Bedouin soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces.
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Three Bedouin leaders, around 1867-1876.
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A young Bedouin lighting a campfire in Wadi Rum, Jordan.
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Bedouins making bread in Egypt.
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Map showing Bedouin tribes in 1908.
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A Bedouin shepherd in the Syrian Desert.
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Bedouin riders in Galilee, 1911.
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Bedouin women smoking together, Galilee, 1935.
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Grinding corn and making bread, 1935.
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Weaving on a ground loom, 1930.
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A Bedouin plowing in the Negev, 1920.
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Bedouins making coffee, 1920.
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Bedouin musicians in Galilee, 1935.
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A Palestinian Bedouin woman, 1930.
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A Bedouin woman in Beit She'an, 1920.
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A Bedouin in Beit She'an, 1920.
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See also
In Spanish: Beduinos para niños
