Arab, Marsh in Iraq
Photo Source:
James Gordon - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Arab, Marsh |
| Country: | Iraq |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 52,000 |
| World Population: | 52,000 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Mesopotamian |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.40 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.20 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Marsh Arabs are inhabitants of the Tigris-Euphrates marshlands in the south and east of Iraq and along the Iranian border. They include many tribes and tribal confederations. Many were displaced when the wetlands were drained during and after the 1991 uprisings in Iraq. There has been considerable historic prejudice against these people, partly as they were considered to have Persian or other "mixed" origin.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Access to the marshes of Iraq is difficult, both because of the water and because of the turmoil in Iraq.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Marsh Arabs are Shia Muslims, but most maintain pre-Islamic and extra-Islamic beliefs.
What Are Their Needs?
Gospel radio broadcasts would be strategic in this region.
Prayer Points
Pray for the availability of these broadcasts, and that the people will learn of them and listen with understanding.
It's not certain there are followers of Jesus Christ among the Marsh Arabs. If there are, they are few. Please pray for any believers who may be there, and those who will soon become believers.
The marsh environment has meant that certain diseases, such as malaria, have been common. Farm fields and homes are vulnerable to periodic droughts and flooding. Pray for protection from these dangers.