The Middle East is a region with a unique blend and diversity of traditions, foods, religious celebrations, languages, and cultures.
Did you know that five of the seven wonders of the ancient world are found in the Middle East? They are:
- The Great Pyramid of Giza
- The Temple of Artemis
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria
Perhaps you have family roots in the Middle East. If you do, you’ll want to keep reading as we explore the wide and varied heritage of the Middle East.
Religion in the Middle East
The Middle East is considered the birthplace of the world’s three largest monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In order of oldest to youngest, Judaism is the oldest of the Middle Eastern religions, with Christianity next and then Islam. These religions have greatly influenced the culture of the people who live there. One interesting point of religious significance is the reverence each religion has for the ancient city of Jerusalem. All three religions consider Jerusalem a holy city.
Languages in the Middle East
Dozens of languages are spoken throughout the Middle East, but you can fit them into three main language groups:
- Semitic (includes Aramaic, Hebrew, and Arabic)
- Indo-European (includes Kurdish, Armenian, and Persian)
- Turkic (includes Turkish and Azeri)
Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in the Middle East. This language is said to have developed through “oral and poetic tradition.” Persian or Farsi, Hebrew, and Turkish make up the other most common languages in the region.
The Importance of Family in Middle Eastern Culture
There will always be differences from one family to another; however, a few things stay relatively the same for all Middle Eastern families. The father is typically the head of the household and provides for the economic well-being of his family. The mother typically has a greater influence on the children, as she nurtures and cares for them in the home.
In many Middle Eastern families, parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins may live in the same home. Elders in the family are given deep respect and offer a wealth of wisdom to the younger family members. Janice Freij says of her own experience, “Growing up in an Arab household, I was taught from a young age that family was everything . . . and not just the nuclear family. We spent many evenings and weekends with our aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and second cousins. We would share stories, cook, eat lots of food, listen to music, dance and laugh. Also, we were always there to support anyone in the family that was going through a difficult time.”
When sons and daughters marry, their spouse and spouse’s family become part of the main family and that is called a hamula, or great family. You can imagine the tremendous support system an extended family of this magnitude would provide. Elders in the family are given deep respect and offer a wealth of wisdom to the younger family members.
In many Middle Eastern countries, tribal and clan affiliations remain strong. Many Middle Eastern families speak with deep respect of their genealogy. They feel it is important and make it a priority to pass on to the new generations. “Traditions surrounding life milestones like births and marriages often invoke the connection to one’s family,” says Sonya Kassis of her Arab family. “[These] are expressed through folk songs and chants passed down through oral histories.”
Middle Eastern Hospitality
The Bedouin culture had a special influence on Middle Eastern hospitality. Generous and hospitable are two words often used to describe people of the Middle East. You will likely be given a warm welcome when visiting an Arab home, and you may be asked to share in a meal. Food is an important part of the culture. Depending on what country you are in and what the family’s religious observations are, you might be served lamb, fish, bread, olives, or nuts. Sonya Kassis says of her Arab family roots, “I love that we are known for warmth and hospitality [and] that our love is often expressed in the preparation and service of food.”
Take a look at these delicious meals from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.
Holidays in the Middle East
The Middle East is profoundly influenced by religions. Because of this influence, many of their traditions and celebrations center around religion. Here are some of the most common holidays and celebrations in the Middle East:
- Ramadan: A month on the Islamic calendar to reverence and commemorate when the Quran (the religious text of Islam) was revealed to Muhammad. Many observers fast during daylight hours for the entire month. In some locations, people decorate streets and houses with lanterns.
- Christmas: A celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday is celebrated by Christians around the world, including in the Middle East.
- Easter: A religious celebration to remember the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Palm Sunday: Also known as the Sunday of Olives, this special holiday marks the beginning of Easter week. On Palm Sunday, some Christian sects dress in their best clothes, and parishioners carry candles and olive branches. This day celebrates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem.
- Hanukkah: This eight-day Jewish holiday celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after its desecration. Many homes display lighted candles in a lampstand called the menorah, and people light a candle for each day of Hanukkah.
- Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread): A Jewish holiday to commemorate when the Israelites were passed over from the death scourge of the Egyptian firstborn sons.
- Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (High Holy Days): Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. Ten days later is Yom Kippur, which is also known as the Day of Atonement. Worshippers attend synagogue and typically dress in all white clothes.
Preserving Your Middle Eastern Heritage
Culture and heritage play an important role in our lives and in the lives of our families. If you have Middle Eastern roots, try sharing your memories and photos in the FamilySearch Family Tree. It’s a wonderful way to preserve your culture and heritage and to share it for generations to come.
