Hospitality Hospitality or Diyafa is the highest
Bedouin virtue. Any stranger, even an enemy, can approach
a tent and be sure of three days board, lodging and
protection after which he may leave in peace. A complex
code of manners regulates this and all other relationships.
Bedouin will offer their guest a rich meal, even if
they have to slaughter their last sheep or borrow
from the neighbors to do it. Their honor is bound
by their hospitality and lavish generosity.
Women have to work hard
as they tend the flocks, do the housework, cook, take
care of the small children, draw water, spin and weave.
They are also responsible for dismantling the tent
and setting it up again. They are protected by a strict
code of honour and they can move about relatively
free and talk to other men.
Occupation Historically the Bedouin regarded themselves
as free shepherds and raiders. They scorned other
labor in agriculture, trade and crafts which were
performed by slaves or by the settled population.
Bedouin life flowed in a slow rhythm dictated by the
great heat and the scarcity of food and water.
Today Bedouin men have adapted to modern life and
many have farm or city jobs. They are good at handling
tractors and cars and many work as drivers and mechanics.
Some are moving into higher education and the professions.
They are also recruited into the armed forces of their
countries where they are especially valued as scouts
and trackers.
The camel
breeders are regarded as the noblest tribes. They
occupy huge territories, travel great distances and
are organized in large tribes and tribal confederations.
Lower in rank are the sheep and goat breeders who
stay mainly near the cultivated regions. Sheep and
goat provide milk, wool and meat for the Bedouin’s
own consumption.
The camel enables the Bedouin to move far away
from water sources. Bedouins can survive for months
on its milk and if necessary slaughter it for meat.
It also provides hair for tent cloth and clothes,
fuel (dung), transportation and power for drawing
water and for plowing. They are obviously the Bedouin’s
best investment and trading commodity. They are
called “God’s gift”, and the Bedouin
will cater to their need before taking care of their
own.
