Arabs

Arabs are an ethnic group living mainly in the Arab world. This area includes parts of West Asia and North Africa. Arabs also live in communities all around the world. The word "Arab" started with people from the Arabian Peninsula and the Syrian Desert. Now it means anyone who speaks Arabic and shares a common culture and history.

Arabs have a long history going back thousands of years. They were important in ancient trade routes and created many early civilizations. Well-known groups include the Nabataeans, who built the famous city of Petra. Many tribes are mentioned in religious texts such as the Bible and Quran.

During the Middle Ages, the rise of Islam helped Arabs form large empires. These empires reached from southern France to western China. They were known for progress in science, technology, and culture. Today, Arabs still influence the world in areas like art, music, literature, and medicine. Most Arabs are Muslims, but there are also Christian, Druze, and Baháʼí communities.

Etymology

Further information: Etymology of Arab

The word "Arab" was first seen in old records from the 9th century BCE. These records, called the Kurkh Monoliths, talk about Bedouins from the Arabian Peninsula. They fought against the Assyrian conquest of Aram.

Later, the word "Arab" was used for many groups of people in West Asia and North Africa. Some stories say the name comes from a person named Ya'rub. Others think it means "westerners" or is linked to desert life. The word has many meanings in old languages, showing how it changed over time.

Origins

Further information: Pre-Islamic Arabia, Proto-Arabic language, and Old Arabic

See also: Generations of Noah, Ishmaelites, and Qahtanite

Arabic is part of the Afroasiatic language family. Most experts think the Arabian Peninsula was where the Semitic languages began. These languages spread from there to other places. Ancient people who spoke Semitic languages lived in the Levant, Mesopotamia, and the Arabian Peninsula long ago.

Arabs believe Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, is the father of the Arab people. He is also seen as an ancestor of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The Quran tells how Ishmael and his father built the Kaaba in Mecca.

History

Main article: History of the Arabs

The history of the Arabs starts in the Arabian Peninsula and nearby areas. Early mentions of Arabs are in Assyrian records from around 853 BCE. Over time, Arabs moved across the Middle East and North Africa. Neighbors like the Assyrians and Babylonians wrote about them.

Important ancient Arab groups were the Minaeans, Midianites, and the ‘Ad tribe. These groups were good at trading. Some, like the Sabaeans, built big dams and cities. Arab history also includes the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the spread of Islam. This led to large empires such as the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid Caliphates. These empires helped advance science, medicine, and culture, having an impact on the world for many years.

Identity

Arab identity is different from religious identity and existed before the spread of Islam. There were Arab Christian kingdoms and Arab Jewish tribes in the past. Today, most Arabs are Muslim, but some follow other religions such as Christianity, Druze, and Baháʼí.

Arab identity is shaped by ancestry, history, language, customs, and traditions. It has been influenced by the rise and fall of empires, colonization, and political changes. Arab communities are proud of their shared culture. Arab identity continues to grow and change as these communities face new situations. It remains an important part of the cultural and historical fabric of the Arab world and is celebrated by communities around the world.

Subgroups

Further information: Tribes of Arabia, Arab migrations to the Maghreb, and Arab migrations to the Levant

Arab tribes live in many places. They are found in the Arabian Peninsula, Mesopotamia, the Levant, Egypt, the Maghreb, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa. In the Levant, Arabs are often divided into Qays and Yaman tribes. These groups have different backgrounds and live in different areas. Some of these tribes include Banu Kalb, Kinda, Ghassanids, and Lakhmids.

Some big Arab tribes are Bakr, Kinanah, Hawazin, Tamim, Azd, Ghatafan, Madhhaj, Abd al-Qays, Al Qays, and Quda'a. These tribes have spread to many regions. They live in Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Libya, Algeria, and parts of Iran.

Geographic distribution

Arab homeland

Further information: Demographics of the Arab world and List of Arab League countries by population

About 366 million Arabs live in Arab countries. If you count Arabs living outside these countries, the total is close to 384 million. The Arab world covers a very large area—about 13 million square kilometers—from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean in the southeast.

Arab diaspora

Main article: Arab diaspora

Many Arabs have moved to live far from their homeland. These Arabs live in parts of East Africa, South America, Europe, North America, Australia, and some parts of South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and West Africa. About 13 million first-generation Arab migrants live worldwide. Many send money back home to help their families.

Europe

Millions of Arabs live in Europe, with large groups in France. Many Arabs in France come from the Maghreb region. There are also Arab groups in Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Bulgaria, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. Turkey has many Arab residents too.

Americas

Main articles: Arab immigration to the United States, Arab Americans, History of Middle Eastern people in Metro Detroit, Arab Canadians, Arab Brazilians, Arab Mexicans, Arab Chileans, Arab Colombians, Arab Uruguayans, Arab Venezuelans, Arab Cubans, Arab Haitians, Arab immigration to Honduras, Arab Argentines, Lebanese Paraguayans, and Arab Uruguayans

See also: Arab American Institute, Arab American National Museum, Arab American Action Network, and Arab American Book Award

Many Arabs have made their homes in the Americas. In the United States, about 2 million people have Arab roots. Most live in just ten states, with many in Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York City. In Canada, the city of Montreal has about 267,000 Arabs. Latin America has the largest Arab population outside the Arab world—with millions of people with Arab backgrounds in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, and Central America.

Caucasus

Long ago, Arab groups lived along the Caspian Sea in what is now Azerbaijan. Over time, many of these Arabs mixed with local people and adopted new languages.

Central, South, East and Southeast Asia

Some groups in Central Asia today see themselves as Arab, even if they now speak other languages. In India and Sri Lanka, there are communities that trace their roots back to Arab traders from many centuries ago. In Indonesia, there are about 118,866 people of Arab descent.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Many Arabs have moved to parts of West Africa, such as Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. There are also Arab communities in Cameroon, Niger, and the Central African Republic.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia, Arab Muslims, Arab Christians, Druze, Arab Jews, and Baháʼí Faith

Most Arabs are Muslims. Many follow Sunni Islam, and some follow Shia Islam. There are also many Arab Christians, mainly in Eastern Churches like the Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches. Smaller groups include the Druze, Baháʼís, and historically, Arab Jews.

Before Islam, many Arabs followed a religion with many gods. Some tribes had already become Christians or Judaism followers. When Islam began, most Arabs chose this new faith, and the old traditions changed. Today, Islam is the main religion for Arabs, but Christian communities still exist in many places.

Culture

Main article: Arab culture

Arab culture has a long and rich history. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Arabian Sea in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean in the southeast. Many religions and empires have shaped Arab culture. Key parts of this culture include language, literature, gastronomy, art, architecture, music, spirituality, philosophy, and mysticism.

Language

Main article: Arabic

Arabic is a Semitic language from the Afro-Asiatic family. It has been used for over 1,000 years. Today, it is spoken by more than 500 million people. It is also a religious language for many Muslims. Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is the language of the Quran.

Arabic has two main forms. Classical Arabic was used in old writings. Modern Standard Arabic is used today in writing and formal speaking. There are also many regional dialects that are different from each other.

Mythology

Main article: Arabian mythology

Arabic mythology includes old stories and beliefs. Before Islam, many Arabs believed in many gods, spirits, and creatures. One important part of this mythology is the Jinn, supernatural beings that can be good or evil. They can interact with people and objects.

Other mythical creatures include Ghouls, which are often linked to graveyards. These stories show the rich imagination of Arab culture before Islam.

Literature

Main article: Arabic literature

The Quran, Islam's holy book, greatly influenced Arabic literature. It was written in the dialect of the Quraysh, the tribe of Muhammad. As Islam spread, the Quran helped standardize the Arabic language.

Arabic literature began with poetry and later included prose. Famous works include Kitab al-Aghani, a collection of songs and stories. Over time, new forms like the maqama emerged, blending poetry and prose.

Cuisine

Main article: Arab cuisine

Arab cuisine varies by region but often includes herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and za'atar. Popular dishes include Knafeh, Baklava, and Halva. Arabic coffee is a traditional drink often served with dates.

Art

Main articles: Arabic art, Nabataean art, Arabic miniature, and Arabesque

Arabic art includes many forms such as jewelry, textiles, and architecture. Arabic script is often decorated with beautiful calligraphy. Miniatures, small paintings usually found in books, were popular from around 1000 to 1200 CE.

Arabesque is a style of decoration with scrolling patterns and foliage. It is often used in art and architecture.

Architecture

Further information: Nabataean architecture and Islamic architecture

The Arab world has many important historical buildings. One famous example is Petra in Jordan, a city carved from rose-colored sandstone. Other notable structures include the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Alhambra in Spain.

These buildings show a mix of influences, including Byzantine, Roman, and Persian styles. They often feature beautiful arches, columns, and detailed designs.

Music

Main article: Arabic music

Arabic music has a long history and has influenced many other musical traditions. Early Arab music was used in poetry and storytelling. Over time, it developed into many different styles.

Instruments like the Oud (a string instrument) and naqareh (a type of drum) have been important in Arab music. In the 20th century, Arabic music began to mix with Western styles, creating new forms like Arabic pop.

Spirituality

Arab polytheism was common in ancient Arabia before the rise of Islam. People worshipped many gods and goddesses at places like the Kaaba in Mecca.

With the spread of Islam, these older beliefs changed, but some traditions and ideas still influence Arab culture today.

Philosophy

Main article: Islamic philosophy

Arab philosophy has deep roots in Islamic thought. Early Arab thinkers like al-Kindi helped shape both Islamic and Western philosophy. They combined ideas from Aristotle and Plato with Islamic beliefs.

Important topics in Arab philosophy include the nature of God, the soul, and knowledge. These ideas were later translated into Hebrew and Latin, influencing European thought during the Middle Ages.

Science

Main article: Science in the medieval Islamic world

See also: Islamic world contributions to Medieval Europe

During the Middle Ages, Arab scholars made many important discoveries in science. They advanced fields like mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Centers of learning in cities like Baghdad and Córdoba became hubs for scientific research.

Arab scientists developed new ways to understand the world, from creating better medical tools to improving astronomy. Their work laid the groundwork for many modern scientific fields and influenced learning in Europe.

Theatre

Main article: Experimental theatre in the Arab world

Arab theatre has a long history, with roots in ancient poetry and storytelling. Over time, it evolved into more formal performances. During the Islamic Golden Age, cities like Baghdad became important centers for theatre.

Arab plays often use humor. Today, Arab theatre continues to grow, with new styles and ideas being explored by artists across the Arab world.

Fashion

Main article: Arab Fashion Council

Arab fashion is known for its luxurious fabrics and detailed designs. Traditional clothes like the Abaya and Thobe are made from fine materials such as silk and often feature beautiful embroidery.

In recent years, Arab designers have gained attention worldwide. They often mix traditional patterns and styles with modern fashion, creating unique and beautiful collections.

Wedding and marriage

Main article: Arab wedding

Arabi weddings have many traditions, with different regions having their own special customs. These celebrations often include special clothes, music, dancing, and ceremonies.

Genetics

See also: Genetic studies on Arabs and Genetic history of the Middle East

Arabs have a rich mix of genetic backgrounds. This mix was shaped by historical movements and settlements in the Middle East and North Africa. Studies show that groups like Saudi Arabians and Yemenis have strong ties to ancient peoples who lived in the region long ago. Their ancestry includes links to early groups from Out of Africa migrations, as well as connections to Europeans and other nearby areas.

Research also reveals that some Arabs share genetic ties with Jews and other groups in the region. Over time, different migrations, such as those during the Bronze Age, added to the diverse genetic makeup of Arab populations today.