The Beja (locally called Hedareb in Eritrea) are one of the country’s nine officially recognized ethnic groups, with a heritage that stretches across Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt.

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1. Location & Population

 

• In Eritrea: Mostly found in the northwest, particularly in parts of the Gash-Barka and Northern Red Sea regions, near the Sudanese border.

• Population in Eritrea: A relatively small minority — estimates vary, but they make up only a few percent of the national population.

• Cross-Border Group: The Beja are much more numerous in eastern Sudan, where they form a significant community, and also live in southern Egypt.​​

 

 

2. Language

 

• Name: Beja (also called Bedawi or To Bedawi). In Eritrea, the group is often referred to by the Tigrinya name Hedareb.

• Language Family: Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family.

• Status: In Eritrea, many Hedareb also speak Tigre (a Semitic language) as a second language, due to interaction with neighboring Tigre communities.

• Writing System: Historically oral; in Sudan and Eritrea, Beja is rarely used in formal education, but Tigre or Arabic are often used in literacy contexts.​​

 

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3. Lifestyle & Economy

 

• Traditionally nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralists, herding camels, goats, and sheep in the arid lowlands.

• Some Hedareb engage in trading and seasonal agricultural work in fertile areas near rivers.

• Known for their skills in navigating desert routes and sustaining livelihoods in harsh environments.​​

 

 

4. Culture & Traditions

 

• Social Structure: Clan-based, with strong kinship ties and a leadership structure centered on elders and clan chiefs.

• Clothing: Men often wear a long white robe (jalabiya) and a turban; women wear brightly colored dresses and ornate jewelry.

• Hospitality: A deeply valued tradition; guests are welcomed with tea or coffee and food when available.

• Music & Dance: Typically involve rhythmic clapping, singing, and sometimes the use of traditional lyres or drums.

• Religion: Predominantly Muslim (Sunni), with Islamic customs influencing daily life and festivals.​​

 

 

5. History

 

• The Beja are one of the oldest continuous ethnic groups in the Horn of Africa and northeastern Africa, with historical references going back over 3,000 years.

• Ancient Egyptian records mention peoples that are believed to be ancestors of today’s Beja.

• Their nomadic lifestyle allowed them to maintain a distinct identity despite centuries of contact with other cultures.​​

 

 

6. Modern Life in Eritrea

 

• Many Hedareb still live as pastoralists, but some have settled in small towns and villages, especially for access to education and markets.

• Eritrean state media broadcasts some programming in Tigre, which many Hedareb understand, but there are few formal efforts for Beja-language literacy in Eritrea.

• Access to healthcare, education, and water resources is still limited in remote Hedareb areas.

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Interesting fact: The Beja have sometimes been called the “Blemmyes” in ancient Greco-Roman sources — the same desert people who roamed the eastern deserts of Egypt and Sudan over two millennia ago.