Iranian Arabs primarily live in the southern and southwestern regions of Iran, with their communities speaking Khuzestani Arabic, a dialect of Mesopotamian Arabic. Most are settled, though some nomadic tribes, such as the Arab Khamseh, continue traditional pastoralism. In rural areas, farming is the primary livelihood, producing crops like cereals, vegetables, and dates. Villagers maintain a centuries-old lifestyle rooted in tribal values, emphasizing family honor, hospitality, and loyalty to their communities.
Iranian Arabs are distinguished by several key traits:
Iranian Arabs predominantly reside in the southwestern regions, particularly Khuzestan Province, known for its fertile plains, oil reserves, and proximity to the Persian Gulf. Smaller Arab communities in Hormozgan, Bushehr, Ilam, and Fars thrive near coastal areas, contributing to maritime trade, fishing, and regional commerce, reflecting their strong ties to the land and sea.
Iranian Arabs primarily speak Arabic, a Semitic language integral to their cultural and religious identity. The predominant dialect, Khuzestani Arabic, closely resembles Mesopotamian Arabic spoken in Iraq, with unique influences from Persian. Many Iranian Arabs are bilingual, fluently speaking Persian alongside their native Arabic.
Their livelihood is often dual-based, relying on both agriculture and livestock, such as water buffalo herding. Socially, tribes play a pivotal role, with a Sheikh as the respected leader who oversees disputes, alliances, and significant life events, maintaining the tribe’s unity and traditions.
Iranian Arabs, especially in Khuzestan, are known for their unique traditions and strong social structures. One prominent feature is the “Mudhif,” a traditional guesthouse made of reeds, offering a cool and inviting space ideal for hospitality.
Iranian Arab cuisine, especially in Khuzestan, is known for its bold flavors and variety. Key dishes include:
A special dish, Mofattah, includes lamb with Baqala Polo and Zereshk Polo, offering a true taste of hospitality.
These garments reflect cultural identity, practicality, and tradition in Iran’s Arab communities.
Women’s Attire:
Women wear the Abaya, a black silk cloak with shoulder slits, paired with scarves of cotton, silk, or gauze. Younger women prefer colorful Thobes with vibrant patterns, while older women opt for darker tones. The Booshieh (face veil) is also common.
Men’s Attire: Men commonly wear the Dishdasha or Thobe, a long, ankle-length garment, often white and made of lightweight fabric for comfort in the heat. Over this, they may wear the Bisht or Khaachiyeh, a loose outer cloak crafted from fine wool. For headwear, men use the Kufiyah (or Chafiyeh), a checkered scarf in white or black and white, held in place by a black cord called the Agal. This protects against sun and dust and, in some cases, denotes tribal or religious identity.
Handicrafts of Iranian Arabs are predominantly crafted in rural communities, where women play the primary role in production. Key crafts include:
The Alwaniyeh style, named after Alwan Al-Shoei’, is a vital part of Arab cultural heritage in Khuzestan, often intertwined with storytelling and poetry.
The Khuzestani Rubaab, a one-stringed instrument with a mournful tone, showcases the region’s musical artistry, as players combine solo performances with soulful singing to create deeply emotional expressions.
“The Iranian Arabs are renowned for their warm hospitality, strong social bonds, and deep connection to palm cultivation, which reflects their harmony with nature and the desert’s resources.”