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The Beja people
The Beja people are a Cushitic ethnic group indigenous to the northeastern regions of Africa, primarily inhabiting the Eastern Desert, which spans from southeastern Egypt, through eastern Sudan, and into northwestern Eritrea. With a rich history that dates back to around 4000 BC or earlier, the Beja have long been a significant cultural and ethnic presence in the region. Over the centuries, they have maintained a largely nomadic lifestyle, with pastoralism and camel herding as central aspects of their way of life. The Beja language is Cushitic, known as Beja, though many in the community also speak Tigre, a Semitic language, and Arabic. Historically, the Beja did not speak Arabic,…
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The Copts
The Copts are an ethnoreligious group native to Northeast Africa, primarily concentrated in Egypt, with smaller communities in Sudan, Libya, and the diaspora. They are followers of Christianity, specifically adhering to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which traces its origins back to the Apostle Mark and is centered in Alexandria, Egypt. The Copts are the largest Christian group in Egypt and the Middle East, comprising around 5-15% of Egypt’s population. Historically, the term “Copt” referred to all Egyptians, but over time, it became synonymous with Egyptian Christians, particularly after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the 7th century. The Copts’ religious and cultural identity has been shaped by both their ancient…
