The Bedouins
Most of the Bedouins of Sinai have originally come from the Arabian Peninsula, others migrated from the deserts of Egypt, Transjordan and Syria; members of one tribe have been brought to Sinai as slaves. ( Gebeliya, brought to build up and protect the St.Katrin-Monastery, 6.Century ).
Of the northern tribes, worth mentioning are the Al Azazma and the Al Tabarin. The latter has split, some of its members having settled at Nuweiba and Tarabin along the Gulf of Aqaba and its environs. Among the southern tribes, worth mentioning are the Gararsha, concentrated around the Firan Oasis, and Nabq, Dahab, Ein Hudra.
Bedouin Society
Bedouin society is comprised of the basic family unit wich includes the head of the family, one or more wives and their unmarried children. The clan is a framework that incorporates several blood-related families, the purpose of wich is to defend the lives and property of its members from outside attack. The Bedouins take pride in their tribe and their tribe's uniqueness. Each tribe has its own symbol wich is branded on the neck of their camels.
Hospitality
A unique lifestyle and social
fabric with values and customs sited to this way of life have evolved
over the years in reponse to the special conditions of life in the
desert. One of these customs is that of hospitality, dictated by the
reality of desert life. The desert traveller can be sure of getting
shelter and food from any Bedouin tent he happens upon. However,
Bedouin law limits this obligation to no more than three days, after
wich the guest must leave, so as not to overburden the resources of
the host.
Grateful thanks to the Bedouinfamily in Assala
and Moustafa, Abd El Baky, our driver and
interpreter.
Pictures by Joanna Habluetzel All
rights reserved.
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