Thread by @LandsknechtPike

The culture of Marsh Arabs is very interesting. These are people of mysterious origin who inhabit the marshes in southern Iraq and live in traditional reed houses.

There used to be much more of them.

I recently found a depiction of the Marsh Arabs made by the Portuguese around 1540 where it is said "These people are called jizares, inhabit some islands that are in the strait of Basra, are very valiant people and great marksmen."

This caught my interest and I researched more.

While they speak Arabic, it is not known where the people known as Marsh Arabs, also referred to as the Ahwaris, came from.

But they have lived in these marshlands for a long time and developed their own distinct culture different from their neighbors.

The Mesopotamian marshlands cover a huge area in Southern Iraq and southwestern Iran as well as partially in northern Kuwait.

To survive in such environment, the Marsh Arabs traditionally depended on raising water buffalos which are found in these marshes.

They also cultivated rice and other crops.

The traditional reed houses of Marsh Arabs are called mudhif!

Reeds from the marshes proved to be a good building material and stood the test of time.

For transportation they use long canoes called mashoof.

But Marsh Arabs were often looked down upon.

They lived a very humble existence and any money they made was mostly from selling reed mats.

The marshlands also developed a sinister reputation as a safe haven for thieves and bandits.

A British observer wrote in 1920s, "Their neighbours look upon them with scorn not unmixed with fear. Apart from their outlandish manner of life they are hardened thieves and cutthroats."

Historically the Mesopotamian marshlands were also a refuge for slaves and rebels such as during the Zanj Rebellion 869-883.

Such reputation carried into modern times.

During the government of Saddam Hussein, the marshlands were seen as refuge for his political opponents and insurgents.

Following the failed uprising in 1991, Saddam Hussein's government decided to drain the marshes to punish the Marsh Arabs, who were mostly Shiite Muslims.

200,000 Marsh Arabs were displaced as a result of this campaign against them.

But following the overthrow of Saddam's regime water flow to the marshes was restored and the ecosystem has begun to recover.

The permanent wetlands now cover more than 50% of 1970s levels!

However apparently only few of the resettled Marsh Arabs have returned.

Their numbers are fewer than they used to be.

It is a very tough lifestyle which seems to be disappearing.

More photos of Marsh Arabs who continue living their traditional lifestyle.

Water buffalos continue to be essential for maintaining the traditional way of life of Marsh Arabs.

*I apologize for the grammatical error, I now realize that I should have written "many more of them" instead of "much more of them".

This is something very specific in English language of which I was not aware of. But we learn something new every day.