Bedouin

Bedouin refers to traditionally nomadic Arab desert-dwelling communities whose historic range includes the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and parts of the Levant and Mesopotamia. The term derives from the Arabic badawī, meaning “desert dweller,” and is used in English to describe various Bedouin groups and their cultural practices. Bedouin life has historically depended on pastoralism, with seasonal migrations that followed grazing for camels, sheep, and goats and movements between oases and settlements.

Social structure in Bedouin society is organized around tribes and clans, with loyalties rooted in kinship. Leadership typically centers on a sheikh or elder council, and customary law governs interpersonal conduct and dispute resolution. The cultural repertoire emphasizes hospitality, generosity, and honor, traditions preserved in oral poetry, music, and storytelling. Traditional dwellings are tents made of goat hair, and clothing is adapted to the desert climate.

Language and religion: Bedouin communities speak varieties of Arabic, with dialects that reflect regional histories. Islam is the predominant religion, especially Sunni branches, though local customs and pre-Islamic traditions have also influenced cultural practices in some regions.

Contemporary status: Since the 20th century, many Bedouin have settled in urban areas or become semi-nomadic, adapting livelihoods to modernization, state policies, and land-use changes. Some maintain pastoral activities and engage in tourism, handicrafts, or agriculture in oases or allotments, while others face pressures from sedentarization and resource management. The Bedouin continue to influence regional culture through poetry, music, and social traditions.