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