The Mount Sinai Bedouins - a correction

In a previous post (since corrected), I described the St Katherine Bedouin community as numbering approximately 25,000. Our collaborator on the project has pointed out that this is in error. The true figure is even smaller: closer to 4000. The entire Bedouin population of Southern Sinai is actually only about 25,000, but this covers a much larger land area.

Apologies. To make up for my mistake, above are some more examples of the Bedouins' beautiful work. I'm afraid my photos don't do them justice. You really need to feel the quality (as we used to say, in the trade!).

Mike

Mount Sinai Bedouin Projects

The picture above shows an example of the excellent embroidery and handicraft skills of the Mount Sinai Bedouin women.

Recently, some of my colleagues and I have been in discussions with a researcher who is coordinating various projects aimed at improving the life-prospects of this small (circa 4000) community, which is based close to the ancient monastery of St Katherine at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Originally nomadic, they were forcibly "settled" in the 1960's, since when they have faced many serious hardships including, in recent years, increasing severity of drought. As a result, their traditional lifestyles and livelihood are under threat unless ways can be found to help them promote their skills to the wider world.

If you are interested in learning more about the Mount Sinai Bedouins you can read about them here, on the website of the South Sinai Foundation.

M