The Arabs of Libya SOURCE: "Libya." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2014. Web. 24 Feb 2014. History Early Rulers Libya's first inhabitants were tribes called Imazighen, meaning “free men.” Outsiders later came to call them Berbers, a term many people still use. During the seventh century BC, Phoenicians set up trading colonies in Libya. Three hundred years later, Greeks colonized the eastern coast. Then, in 146 BC, Romans defeated the Phoenicians and took control of Libya. The area was subsequently invaded and ruled by Germanic Vandal tribes (beginning in AD 429), the Byzantine Empire (AD 533), and Arabs (AD 640). Libya gradually became Arabized as thousands of Arabs settled there and absorbed or displaced the Imazighen. Muslim dynasties ruled until the 1500s, when the control of Libya passed between Spain, Malta, Barbary sea pirates, and finally the Ottoman Empire, which ruled from the mid-1500s to the early 1900s. The People Population The most populous cities are Tripoli and Benghazi. About 97 percent of Libyans are of Arab ancestry; full- blooded Imazighen make up only a small minority. The Imazighen are tall and light-skinned, and they have their own language and customs. Though most have fully integrated into Libyan society, some small groups live in remote villages in the west. Tuaregs are another small group. These nomadic herders, who also have their own language, wear dark blue robes and migrate throughout North Africa. Because they are nomadic, some people consider them more African than Libyan. A large but unknown number of foreign workers have come to Libya from Egypt and Tunisia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. There are also small groups of Greeks, Maltese, and Italians. Language Arabic is the official language and is spoken by nearly everyone, but it may take various forms. For example, Libyans read the Qurʾan, school materials, and official documents in classical Arabic. However, in daily conversation they speak a Libyan dialect of Modern Standard Arabic, which is used throughout the Arab world in written communication. Imazighen speak Arabic and Tamazight. Tuaregs speak Arabic and Tamasheq. Second languages include English (most common), Italian, or French. Religion Islam is Libya's official religion, and Sunni Muslims make up more than 97 percent of the population. Other Muslim groups include Sanusis, Ibadhis (members of a branch of Islam), Sufis (Muslims who seek mysticism and a direct experience of Allah), Sharifs (who claim to be descendants of Muhammad), and marabouts (holy men who are considered teachers and leaders). Although some of Libya's laws are based on the Qurʾan, Libya is more liberal than some Islamic states. For example, girls must receive education, and women may hold jobs and serve in the army. Religion is a daily pursuit for Muslims. Like practicing Muslims everywhere, most Libyans pray five times a day, profess Allah as the only God and Muhammad as his prophet, help the poor, fast during the holy month of Ramadan, and make a pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), in Saudi Arabia, at least once in a lifetime. Friday is the Muslim day of worship, when a sermon is given at the mosque during the noon prayer. Women may go to the mosque, especially during Ramadan, but they usually worship at home. Mosques have separate areas for men and women to worship. General Attitudes Libyans tend to value family and community more than individuality. They try to create unity by being hospitable and generous, even to strangers. For example, if a foreign visitor wanted an authentic Libyan meal, Libyans would go to great lengths to meet the request. Libyans are sensitive about how others view them, and they try to display high morals, maintain dignity, and keep promises. People value wealth and education but disapprove of showiness. Libyans view family background as an important part of one's identity and character. It is common to ask about a new person's family, especially their parents. Humor is appreciated, but some political jokes make people uneasy because of the repressive political climate. Most Libyans have a relaxed sense of time and do not consider punctuality a necessity. Older generations and rural Libyans value clan and tribal traditions. Younger, urban Libyans have begun to embrace modern culture, music, and sports figures. Less technology is available in rural areas. Many people believe showing off or giving too much praise can bring the “evil eye,” or bad luck, so to ward it off, they may say Ma Shaʾ Allah (As God wills it), burn herbs, and read passages from the Qurʾan. Urban Libyans prize modern technology, such as satellite dishes, cell phones, and the internet. However, despite the growing use of technology, people prefer to meet in person to discuss important matters. Personal Appearance How Libyans dress is a matter of personal preference, family influence, tradition, and location. For social events, people often wear traditional Libyan attire. On Fridays (the day devout Muslims go to the mosque to pray) and religious holidays, most people wear traditional attire. In cities, men and women often wear jeans and short-sleeved shirts at work or around town. Businessmen and civil servants may wear a suit and tie. Especially in rural areas, most women wear a long-sleeved blouse or jacket, floor-length skirt, and head scarf. In cooler weather, men and women may wear a long tunic (called a hawli). Hawlis are always white for men but may be any color for women. Older and rural men may wear the hawli with a vest and a cap, especially on Fridays. A few older, very conservative women may wear a white, sheet-like cover called a farashiya, which conceals the entire body, the head, and one eye. In rural areas, people tend to wear traditional clothing, and women nearly always wear a head scarf. Customs and Courtesies Greetings Libyans consider failing to welcome someone unkind. Even when entering a room full of strangers, it would be rude not to give a general greeting. Al-salām ʿalaykum (peace be upon you) is a typical greeting, to which the response is Wa ʿalaykum al-salām (and upon you peace). Another common phrase is Kayf halak? (How are you?), to which the expected answer is Al-hamdu lillah, bahi (Praise to God, very well). Other greetings include Sabah al-khayr (Good morning) and Masaʾ al-khayr (Good evening). People part by saying Maʿ al-salāmah (Go in safety). When Libyans meet friends, they shake hands, and women might embrace. Men don't shake hands with women unless the woman initiates the gesture. Gestures Libyans tend to gesture frequently during conversation, using hand movements for emphasis. For example, touching the tips of the fingers to the thumb can accentuate a point. Like Muslims everywhere, Libyans use their right hand to eat. Libyans do not usually need much personal space, and people stand relatively close to one another while speaking. With the exception of shaking hands, it is improper for a man to touch a woman in public, even if she is his wife; however, women often hold hands with each other and men may greet close male friends with a kiss on the cheek. Many people consider it improper to smoke or use coarse language in front of older men. It is considered rude for a woman to spit or cross her legs at the knee rather than the ankle. Libyans are careful never to point the soles of their shoes toward another person, as this is considered offensive. For this reason, people do not rest their feet on furniture and are careful not to point the soles of their feet at others when sitting cross-legged. Visiting Libyans see visiting as an important way to show respect and maintain relationships. So, they visit each other often, especially on weekends and holidays. In rural areas, events such as births or weddings might involve the entire community. Whole families may visit each other, but men and women spend most of their time in separate rooms (children may be with either group). Guests are often invited, but unexpected visits are also welcomed. Upon entering the home, guests are offered tea or coffee and food. Though guests may initially refuse, hosts will persist in offering many times. It is polite to accept at least a small portion. It is unthinkable for hosts to ask guests to leave. Even when the guests stand up to go, the hosts will say it is too early to leave. Hosts usually accompany guests to the gate of the house and may offer them a ride. Eating Libyans begin and end meals by washing their hands. Breakfasts are light, and the main meal is lunch. An afternoon snack and tea may precede a light dinner. People also drink tea (usually green tea) with fresh mint after most meals. Families eat together whenever possible. Most Libyans sit on cushions around a low table or a tablecloth spread out on the floor; some use a full-size table and chairs. Utensils are usually used, but some dishes (such as stews) are eaten using bread as scoops. Mealtimes are usually filled with conversation, but some people in the older generation prefer to eat in silence. Although there are quite a few restaurants (especially fast food establishments), most people dine out only occasionally. Young people see fast food as a rare treat. When one does dine out, a service charge is often added to the bill. Lifestyle Family The most important unit in society is the family. Children are expected to obey and respect their parents and elders. Even small children help with simple chores. Young people usually live at home until they marry.