Sudan |
CulTURE
Ethenic groupsSudanese, Arabian, Nubians Copts and Beja’s are all the main ethnic groups in Sudan. religon
In Sudan, approximately 60% of the country is Muslim,
although, Islam is the predominate religion of the north. Almost all Muslims I
the country are Sunni, although there are significant distinctions between
followers of different Sunni traditions, particularly among Sufi brotherhoods.
languages
In Sudan, Approximately 114 languages are native to
Sudan. More than 500 accents are spoken. Sudanese Arabic is the most spoken
language in Sudan, there is also another language spoken, Arabic.
literature
Among the types of
stories from oral tradition are the "Ahaji" tales and the "Madjh",
or praise tales. The first kind generally have a mythological character, El-Nour writes
that, "they invariably have happy endings and are full of fanciful scenes
and superstitions that describe the magic powers of genies and ogres". The second kind of tales have a more religious overtone,
relating to praising Muhammad, and are
generally more popular in the north of the country.
literacy rate
The literacy rate is
70.2% of total population, male: 79.6%, female: 60.8%.
clothing
From religious to traditional to
modern, there is many Clothing items in Sudan. Since Sudan is a very hot
country, people typically wear light, loose clothing. For Sudanese Muslims in
the north follow the tradition of women wearing clothing that goes from their
faces to their ankles, covering their heads, they wrap themselves in a “tobe,”
a semi-transparent fabric that goes on top of their clothing. The men wear a
light, loose fitting, white robe. They also cover their heads wearing a small
cap or turban. Head covering is practiced so there is some protection from the sun
and for religious beliefs, for instance, they believe that the “hijab,” the
scarf that covers women’s faces is meant to represent “the veil that separates
the man or the world from god.” The southern Sudanese that are mainly Christian
wear more western more clothing. (Meaning clothing that we wear in North
America, Europe, and highly developed countries.) Rural areas mainly stick to
the more traditional way of dress that at times includes little to no clothing
at all.
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indigenous people
Sudan’s indigenous group are the Nubians. The Nubian
are people whom have been around for a long time, dating back to the age of the
ancient Egyptians. These people make their home on the banks of the river Nile
in southern Egypt and all over Sudan. The word Nubian dates back to the ancient
Egypt, meaning “gold.” Nubians are well known for their beautiful pottery,
novels, storytelling and music. Back in the older times, they also practice
scarification: Mahas men and women have three scars on each cheek, while the
Danaqla wear these scars on their temples. Younger generations appear to be
abandoning this custom. Kerma, Nepata and Meroe were Nubia's largest population
centres. The rich agricultural lands of Nubia supported these cities. Ancient
Egyptian rulers sought control of Nubia's wealth, including gold and the
important trade routes within its territories. Nubia's trade links with Egypt
led to Egypt's domination over Nubia during the New Kingdom period. The
emergence of the Kingdom of Meroe in the 8th century BCE led to Egypt being
under the control of Nubian rulers for half a century, although they preserved
many Egyptian cultural traditions. Nubian kings were considered pious scholars
and patrons of the arts, copying ancient Egyptian texts and even restoring some
Egyptian cultural practices. After this, Egypt's influence declined greatly.
Meroe became the centre of power for Nubia and cultural links with sub-Saharan
Africa gained greater influence.
educational system
Education in Sudan is
free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 13 years. Primary education consists
of eight years, followed by three years of secondary education. The former
educational ladder 6 + 3 + 3 was changed in 1990. The primary language at all
levels is Arabic. Schools are concentrated in urban areas; many in the South
and West have been damaged or destroyed by years of civil war. In 2001 the
World Bank estimated that primary enrollment was 46 percent of eligible pupils
and 21 percent of secondary students. Enrollment varies widely, falling below
20 percent in some provinces. Sudan has 19 universities; instruction is
primarily in Arabic. Education at the secondary and university levels has been
seriously hampered by the requirement that most males perform military service
before completing their education.
homes
Sudanese people live in 3 main types
of houses, teepees, huts, and common homes that we see around. Villages or
tribes will usually live in a small hut made of hay, straw, sandstone or mud
bricks. For structure they use wooden beams from surrounding trees to hold up
their buildings/homes. A different type of home that rural communities would
live in is a teepee. These aren’t as popular as the other two, but it still
serves as a home for people. These houses are made from wooden poles, and then
covered in blankets to shield from the blowing sand, rain, all though it
wouldn’t last long, and just to provide some privacy among the other families.
The final type of home is the common home that we see around us. These homes
are small, with only a small amount of electricity and insolation. Running
water is found in the homes of wealthier people, meaning that some have to walk
every day to a community pond, well, or fountain.
food
Sudanese people are very welcoming,
meals are eaten around a large, shared, table. Their meals consist of various
meats, vegetables, salads and sauces. These are eaten with the right hand,
using flat bread or a stiff millet porridge known as asida or kisra.
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