Culture of Western Sahara

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(Redirected from
Culture of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
)

The people of Western Sahara speak the

Maliki law school. Their interpretation of Islam has traditionally being quite liberal and adapted to nomad life (i.e. generally functioning without mosques
).

The

modernize their society, placing a public emphasis on education, the eradication of tribalism and the emancipation of women. The role of women in camps was enhanced by their shouldering of the main responsibility for the camps and government bureaucracy during the war years, as virtually the entire male population was enrolled in the Polisario army.[1]

Education was also assisted by refugee life. While teaching materials are still scarce, the "urbanization" of the refugee camps and the abundance of free time for camp dwellers (after the situation normalized circa 1977) greatly increased the effectiveness of literacy classes. The Polisario Front claims presently that nearly 90% of refugees are literate, the number having been less than 10% in 1975, and several thousands have received university education in foreign countries as part of aid packages (mainly Algeria, Cuba, and Spain).

The

El Aaiún in particular has been the target of heavy government investment, and has grown rapidly. Several thousands Sahrawis study in Moroccan universities. Literacy rates are estimated at some 50% of the population.[dubious – discuss
]

To date, there have been few thorough studies of the culture due in part to the political situation. Some language and culture studies, mainly by French researchers, have been performed on Sahrawi communities in northern Mauritania.

Society

Gender relations

In

Sahrawi ethnic groups, the concept of beauty is embodied through the practice of fattening. Before marriage, girls intentionally overeat and perform limited physical activity for 40 days in order to be attractive for their soon-to-be husbands. Women will repeat this process if they want to gain weight after marriage. It is believed that traditional clothing of these ethnic groups require a heavier body in order to be attractive.[2]

Arts

Film

See also:
Sahara Film Festival

Music

Main article: Music of Western Sahara

Dress

Clothing worn by the Sahrawis include the daraa robe. Women wear the mefhla headscarf.[3][4]

Cuisine

Main article: Western Saharan cuisine
  • Daily bread ritual

See also

  • Sahrawi

References

  1. ISBN 0-275-97647-5
    .
  2. ^ Rguibi, R; Belahsen, M (2006). Fattening Practices Among Moroccan Saharawi Women.
  3. ^ National Geographic Magazine, december 2008
  4. ^ Mentioning of Daraa robe

External links

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