Cultural Studies in the Karak Region of Jordan
The Karak region of central Jordan is inhabited by a number of distinct, yet interacting, settled and nomadic Bedouin tribal groups. The majority of the settled people are Sunni Muslims, but Christians are a significant minority consisting of three major orthodox groups: Eastern, Melkite, and Latin. The Bedouins, who are Muslim, play an important role in the agricultural economy of the Karak region through their seasonal and cyclic interactions and trade with the Christian and Muslim farmers. Culturally and linguistically, the people are Arab. The region has a long and rich history and the modern culture contains elements of many past civilizations, such as the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman.
Shepherds with Sheep
The economy of the region is based on sheep and goat herding and on growing wheat (for consumption) and barley (primarily for feeding animals). Most butter and cheese is made from sheep and goat milk and processed in the home. There is, however, a developing commercial industry for milk products. Olives are also an important home and commercial crop, grown for consumption and oil production. A variety of fruits are also staples of home food production: pomegranates, figs, and grapes are commonly grown. Tourism and education are other important economic endeavors. Many historical sites in around the city of Karak, draw tourists from all over the world, and Mu'ta University has over 12,000 students.
There is a unique blending of old and new, eastern and western, and tradition and high technology. The Karak region is in the midst of sweeping cultural transition. Even so, the tribal nature of the society helps maintain a connectedness and a stability that anchors the people in modern world.