The Bedouin
As no region in the desert could support a society for a long time, the Bedouin were perennially on the move in search of water and fodder for their livestock. The Bedouins subsisted on the meat, milk and skin of their camel herds.
In ancient days, their area was limited to the deserts of the middle east. When the Muslims captures North Africa in the 7th century. The Bedouins gained access to more tracts of lands. The Bedouins thus systematically colonized North Africa.
The Bedouins were traditionally nomads. However, the Beouins, influenced by modern civilization have significantly adapted to contemporary lifestyles. Today, only about 5% of the Bedouin are engaged in their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
The Bedouin society is divided into clans. Each clan is headed by a Sheikh. The Sheikhdom is passed from father to the eldest son. Money and personal charisma determine the authority of the Sheikh in Bedouin society.
The Bedouin society is classified into four. The Camel breeders are considered to the highest in the social ladder. They intermarry among themselves and consider the other classes inferior. The Bedouin society is overwhelmingly Muslim. The men of many tribes shave their heads. However, all men have beards.
The Bedouin live in tents made from strips of cloth woven from the hair of camels, goats and other plant fibres. One of the qualities the Bedouin are famous the world over is hospitality. The arrival of a guest is a happy excuse for festivity and celebration. In the haunting silence of the desert, The very sight of another being is an experience worthy of mention. Enhancing the hospitality of the Bedouin, is their famous cardomom flavored coffee which they offer to their visitors.
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