Marsh Arabs

population group

The Marsh Arabs (Arabic: عرب الأهوار ʻArab al-Ahwār), also called the Ahwaris or Ma’dān, are the people who live in the Mesopotamian Marshes, as well as the Hawizeh Marshes.[1]

Marsh Arabs riding a mashoof

History

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Origin theories

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The origin of the Marsh Arabs is unclear,[source?] yet people have made theories about it. For example, an Iraqi scholar named Ali Al-Wardi claimed that they're descended from the Nabataeans of Iraq and others.[source?]

1950s-2003

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In the '50s, the Mesopotamian Marshes were drained, which made the wetlands look like a desert.[source?] The Ahwaris' population decreased to around 20,000, thanks to Saddam's retaliations.[2]

Culture

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Water buffaloes in the marshes

Agriculture

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The Marsh Arabs' agriculture is split into two groups. The first one raises water buffaloes, while the other group cultivates rice, wheat, and other grains.[3]

Mashoofs

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The Marsh Arabs use a special type of canoe called a mashoof. It is used as a fishing vessel, water taxi, and transport for people and goods.[4]

Movies

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The following movies are about the Ahwaris:

  • Dawn of the World, 2008
  • Iran, southwestern, 2010
  • Silent Companion, 2004
  • Zaman, The Man From The Reeds, 2003
  • The Marshes (Al-Ahwar), 1975

References

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  1. "Bad Shepherds of the Eastern Delta, Humanities Commons".
  2. "IRAQ'S MARSH ARABS, MODERN SUMERIANS, Simply Sharing". Archived from the original on 2011-05-27. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  3. "Iraq: Traditional Agriculture by Marsh Arabs in the Southern Marshes, The Satoyama Initiative".
  4. "Iraqi boat-makers struggle to keep their trade afloat, Al-Monitor".

Other websites

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