Arab
The Arabs (Arabic: عَرَب, DIN 31635: ʿarab, Arabic pronunciation: [ˈʕɑ.rɑb]), also known as the Arab people (الشَّعْبَ الْعَرَبِيّ), are an ethnic group primarily residing in the Arab world, which spans West Asia and North Africa. A significant Arab diaspora exists in various parts of the globe.
Arabs have inhabited the Fertile Crescent for millennia. As early as the 9th century BCE, Assyrian records made reference to Arabs as residents of the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Arabia. Throughout the Ancient Near East, Arabs established influential civilizations, beginning around 3000 BCE, including Dilmun, Gerrha, and Magan, which played crucial roles in trade between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. Prominent tribes such as the Midianites, ʿĀd, and Thamud are mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran. In the 9th century BCE, the Qedarites formed close ties with neighboring Canaanite and Aramaean states, and their territory spanned from Lower Egypt to the Southern Levant. From 1200 BCE to 110 BCE, powerful kingdoms arose in Arabia, including Saba, Lihyan, Minaean, Qataban, Hadhramaut, Awsan, and Homerite. According to Abrahamic tradition, Arabs are believed to be descendants of Abraham through his son Ishmael.
During classical antiquity, the Nabataeans established their kingdom, with Petra as the capital, in 300 BCE. By 271 CE, the Palmyrene Empire, led by Queen Zenobia, extended across Syria Palaestina, Arabia Petraea, Egypt, and parts of Anatolia. The Itureans, an Arab group, inhabited Lebanon, Syria, and northern Palestine (Galilee) during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Osroene and Hatran kingdoms, located in Upper Mesopotamia, were also Arab states around 200 CE. In 164 CE, the Sasanians recognized the Arabs as "Arbayistan"—meaning "land of the Arabs"—as they were part of the Adiabene region in Upper Mesopotamia. The Arab Emesenes ruled Emesa (modern-day Homs, Syria) by 46 BCE. During late antiquity, Arab tribes such as the Tanukhids, Salihids, Lakhmids, Kinda, and Ghassanids dominated the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Arabia, with many embracing Christianity.
The Middle Ages saw the rise of Islam, which unified Arabs across vast territories. Under the rule of various Arab empires, such as the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Fatimid, Arabs migrated extensively to the Maghreb, the Levant, and neighboring regions, leading to the decline of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. At its height, the Arab Empire stretched from southern France to western China, becoming one of the largest empires in history. The Great Arab Revolt in the early 20th century contributed to the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire, paving the way for the establishment of the Arab League on March 22, 1945, which endorsed the vision of a "unified Arab homeland."
From Morocco to Iraq, Arabs share common bonds of ethnicity, language, culture, history, identity, ancestry, and politics, all of which contribute to a distinct regional identity, setting the Arab world apart from other parts of the Muslim world. Arabs also maintain unique customs, literature, music, dance, media, food, clothing, social structures, sports, architecture, art, and mythology. Their contributions to human progress span many fields, including science, technology, philosophy, ethics, literature, politics, business, art, music, comedy, theater, cinema, architecture, food, medicine, and religion. Before the advent of Islam, most Arabs followed a polytheistic Semitic religion, though some tribes adopted Judaism or Christianity, and a few individuals, known as the hanifs, practiced a form of monotheism. Today, approximately 93% of Arabs are Muslim, with the remainder primarily consisting of Arab Christians, as well as smaller groups such as the Druze and Baháʼís.
Arab traditions are rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of history, culture, and regional influences. These traditions are central to Arab identity and vary across countries and regions, but share common elements that reflect respect for family, hospitality, and connection to religion and history. Daily life in the Arab world is marked by customs that celebrate community, honor, and respect for elders.
Hospitality is one of the most important traditions in the Arab world. In many Arab cultures, hosting a guest is seen as an honor, and offering food and drink is a gesture of generosity. Arabic coffee, often served in small cups, symbolizes warmth and respect. Mint tea, equally popular, is another example of how hospitality is expressed, providing a sense of comfort and belonging to the guest.
Family occupies the center of Arab life. It is considered the foundation of society, and family bonds are strengthened by values such as loyalty, mutual support, and respect. Family celebrations, such as weddings and births, are significant events, often accompanied by lavish parties and religious rituals. Traditional dress also plays a significant role, with garments like the thobe (for men) and abaya (for women) reflecting both Arab culture and respect for social and religious norms.
Music and dance also play a central role in Arab traditions, with forms such as belly dance and dabke, a popular Levantine dance, being widely enjoyed at parties and celebrations. Arab music is rich with traditional instruments like the oud (a type of lute), qanun (a type of zither), and darabuka (a type of drum), producing distinct and exciting sounds, often accompanied by poetic singing that tells stories of love, honor, and bravery.
Another prominent aspect of Arab culture is the use of perfumes, which has a long tradition in the region. Arabic perfumes are known for their complexity and ability to combine natural ingredients such as musk, oud, rose, jasmine, and amber. Oud, in particular, is one of the most iconic ingredients in Arabic perfumery, derived from the wood of the Aquilaria tree, native to Southeast Asia. Its aroma is deep, earthy, and complex, highly valued not only in the Middle East but also around the world. The use of Arabic perfume goes beyond aesthetics; it is considered a form of sensory communication and a reflection of a person’s personality and status. Furthermore, gifting perfume, especially on special occasions, is a common practice, associated with purification and goodwill.
In many Arab countries, traditional markets, known as souks, are vibrant places where exclusive essences and perfumes can be found. Arabic fragrances are often handcrafted, using natural ingredients and distillation methods that date back centuries. The ritual of applying perfume is a tradition of elegance and sophistication, with oud being a predominant choice for weddings and religious celebrations, symbolizing purity, wealth, and well-being.
Additionally, Arab cuisine is a fundamental cultural aspect, with dishes like hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and shawarma being beloved not only in the Arab world but across the globe. Arab food reflects the influences of various regions and focuses on fresh ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, and spices. Meals are often shared in large family-style platters, reinforcing the value of unity and sharing in Arab social life.
These traditions, among others, form the cultural fabric that defines the Arab people. Respect for history, family, and cultural roots, as well as the pursuit of beauty, harmony, and meaning, are essential elements of daily life and continue to be celebrated in various forms to this day.
