Nawar people

Nawar (Arabic: نوار) is an Arabic term for several nomad communities used primarily in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine.[3] The term, regarded as derogatory, is used by Arabs for several diverse ethnic groups.[3] They have historically been called "Gypsies", though as a whole they only have economic activities and lifestyle in connection with the Romani. The Dom people are especially known as Nawar.[4]

Not to be confused with Newar people.
Nawar
نوار
Regions with significant populations
 Jordan TBA
 Syria 100,000–250,000
 Palestine 15,000[1]
 Lebanon 3,112 (estimated)[2]
Languages
Domari, Levantine Arabic, Neo-Aramaic, Kurdish, Turkish
Religion
Predominantly Islam
Related ethnic groups
Dom people, Roma people, Kawliya

This numerically small, widely dispersed people have migrated to the region from South Asia, particularly from India. As in other countries, they tend to keep apart from the rest of the population, which regards them as dishonorable yet clever. The Nawar have traditionally provided musical entertainment at weddings and celebrations. The participation of Nawar women in such activities is lucrative, yet at the same time it reinforces the group's low status. Nawar also appear at festivals to work their trade as fortune-tellers, sorcerers, and animal trainers. In Syria today, one may still encounter Nawar encampments in rural areas.

Population

Nawar is an Arabic term for several sedentary communities used primarily in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine.[3]

Syria
Main article: Gypsies in Syria

The Nawar in Syria number 100,000 to 250,000 people according to estimations.[5] The vast majority is sedentary.[5]


Palestine

The Nawar in Palestine are also known as Ghajars (gypsies) .[4] A small community in east Jerusalem lives in Bab Huta neighborhood, in the Old City of Jerusalem.[6][7][8][9]

Jordan

Jordan's Dom community numbers around 70,000 according to estimates in 2015.[10]

Languages

Domari
Main article: Domari language

The Dom language (Domari) in the Middle East is known as Nawari.[4] Domari shows Turkic, Kurdish and Arabic influence.[4]

Notable people

See also
  • Ghorbati, community in Iran and Afghanistan

Notes
  1. "The social exclusion of the Domari society of Gypsies in Jerusalem". Identities Journal. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
  2. Lebanon: "Acute social marginalization" of Dom community (Report). IRIN. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  3. Berland & Rao 2004, p. 71.
  4. Law 2014, pp. 138–139.
  5. Berland & Rao 2004, p. 73.
  6. Selig, Abe. Jerusalem’s Herod’s Gate receives face-lift. 06/29/2010. Jerusalem Post
  7. A People Apart: The Romani community seeks recognition. By Eetta Prince-Gibson. Dom Research Center. 2001
  8. Danny Rubinstein. People / Steve Sabella: Blurring the lines. Haaretz. 2005
  9. Joseph B. Glass and Rassem Khamaisi. Report on the Socio-Economic Conditions in the Old City of Jerusalem. Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto. p.4
  10. Mohammad Al-Fdeilat (8 August 2013). "Jordan's Gypsies Maintain Identity Amid Stigmatization". Almonitor. Retrieved 10 April 2020.

References
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