Understanding the Distinction Between Levantine Arabs and Easterners

While the term 'Levant' is sometimes used interchangeably with 'Middle East,' there is a clear distinction between the 'Levantine Arabs' and 'Easterners.' This article aims to clarify these differences, providing an insightful look into the cultural and ethnic landscape of the region.

The Geographical and Cultural Context

People often use 'Levant' to refer to 'the Middle East,' which is generally accepted as the region encompassing the Mediterranean littoral from Greece to Syria, including parts of Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt. However, this term does not include North Africa. Hence, you may encounter the term 'the Middle East and North Africa' to be more specific.

Levantine Arabs: An Overview

The term 'Levantine Arabs' refers to a specific cultural and linguistic group within the broader Middle Eastern region. They are primarily associated with the following countries: Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon. These people are largely Arabized, meaning they have adopted the Arabic language as their primary or first language. However, their ethnic origins are more complex and diverse. For instance, in Jordan, the Nabateans, who built the ancient city of Petra, are considered to be Arabs.

Middle Easterners: A Broader Classification

The term 'Middle Easterner' is a broader category that includes all the countries that are part of the Arab League. The Arab League comprises 22 countries, including major Arab nations as well as the Palestinian territories and the occupied Palestinian land, known as the Holy Land.

Understanding the distinction between 'Levantine Arabs' and 'Middle Easterners' is essential for grasping the cultural and ethnic diversity within the region. While Levantine Arabs are a subset of Middle Easterners, they possess a more homogeneous cultural and linguistic background due to their shared language and historical influences.

Key Differences

The primary difference between Levantine Arabs and Easterners lies in their ethnic and cultural origins:

Levantine Arabs: Arabized and predominantly use the Arabic language, with diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, and Jordanian. Their cultural heritage reflects a blend of Arab, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences. Easterners: This term is too vague and lacks specific meaning, as it can encompass a wide range of cultures and ethnicities, including not only Arab but also Persian, Turkish, and even Central Asian influences. The term 'Eastern culture' can refer to various regions from the Far East to the Islamic world.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between Levantine Arabs and Easterners is crucial for appreciating the nuanced and diverse cultural landscape of the Middle East. While Levantine Arabs share a common linguistic and cultural background, Easterners include a much broader range of cultural and ethnic groups. This knowledge can enhance both personal and professional interactions within the region and beyond.

References

For a comprehensive and accurate understanding, please refer to the following sources:

National Geographic BBC World Service The Arab League