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, but with the arrival of Arab tribes such as the Juhaynah, Mudar, and Rabi’a, the region underwent Arabization and Islamization. This migration led to the gradual adoption of Arabic by the Beja people, alongside a cultural shift toward Arab customs and social structures. By the 15th century, Islam became the dominant religion among the Beja, and they integrated many aspects of Arab life, including clothing, kinship organization, and social norms.

Despite the Arab influences, the Beja people have managed to retain many of their distinctive cultural traditions, including their traditional music, dance, and social customs. They are not a homogeneous group but consist of various tribes and subgroups, including the Beni-Amer and Ababda. The latter, although often mistakenly associated with the Beja due to cultural similarities, do not identify as part of the Beja group.

Today, the Beja population is estimated to be between 1.9 million and 2.75 million people. While many still maintain a nomadic lifestyle, others have settled in towns and cities, but the Beja continue to face challenges, particularly in the areas of social integration and development. Nonetheless, they remain an important part of the cultural fabric of northeastern Africa.