Rashaida

The Rashaida are one of Eritrea’s nine officially recognized ethnic groups, known for their striking Arabian heritage, nomadic traditions, and distinctive clothing.

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1. Location & Population

• Region: Primarily along the northern Red Sea coastal plains of Eritrea, especially between Massawa and the Sudanese border.

• Population: Estimated at 60,000–80,000 in Eritrea.

• Cross-border community: Also found in Sudan and parts of Saudi Arabia, forming a transnational Arab tribe.

2. Origins

• The Rashaida migrated from the Hejaz region of the Arabian Peninsula in the mid-1800s.

• Oral history says they left Saudi Arabia due to tribal conflict and famine, eventually settling in Sudan and Eritrea.

• They have retained much of their Arab culture, dialect, and traditions.

3. Language

• Language: Rashaida Arabic (a Bedouin dialect of Arabic, close to Hijazi Arabic).

• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Semitic branch).

• Most Rashaida in Eritrea also understand Tigre or Arabic used in broader communication.

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4. Lifestyle & Economy

• Traditionally nomadic pastoralists, herding camels, goats, and sheep in the arid coastal lowlands.

• Also skilled in trading, particularly in livestock and textiles.

• Some engage in fishing along the Red Sea coast.

• Known for camel racing, which is both a sport and a cultural pastime.

5. Culture & Traditions

• Clothing:

   

  • Men: Wear long white robes (thobe) and red-checkered headscarves (keffiyeh).

  • Women: Wear elaborately embroidered black dresses and ornate face veils (burqa) decorated with silver coins and beads.

• Marriage customs: Traditionally arranged, often within the tribe to maintain lineage purity.

• Music & dance: Involve traditional drums and celebratory sword dances.

• Religion: 100% Muslim (Sunni), with strong adherence to Islamic customs.

6. Modern Life in Eritrea

• Many Rashaida still live as nomads or semi-nomads, though some have settled in towns like Massawa.

• Their economy remains tied to livestock trade, but some younger Rashaida have moved into transport, small business, or fishing.

• The Eritrean government recognizes their culture, but education access can be limited in remote nomadic areas.

Interesting fact: The Rashaida are the only Eritrean ethnic group of recent foreign origin (arriving in the last two centuries), and they are easily recognized by their distinctive embroidered clothing and traditional camel caravans along the Red Sea coast.

People of Eritrea