Marsh Arabs

Marsh Arabs riding a mashoof

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.

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.

Culture

Water buffaloes in the marshes

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.

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.

References

  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".

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