For many of us in different parts of Egypt, the border governorates are known only by a little, even though they are among the most important places in our beloved Egypt. Matrouh Governorate is one of those regions, embodying many contradictions that almost overwhelm the mind with their beauty. Despite being a barren desert, the splendor of wildlife here is irresistible, especially the golden rays that captivate the mind when they embrace the sun and the waves of its sands. Its green oases declare the language of the place and the alphabet of communication between humans and wild animals

Matrouh Governorate consists of eight cities and centers that extend beyond Alexandria Governorate. It is well known that desert inhabitants possess a desert instinct and cunning that qualify them to live a unique life in harmony with their environmental nature. They have established strict laws in various aspects of life and traditions that cannot be discarded

 if a murder occurs in one tribe and a person from another tribe is accused, the murderer seeks refuge in a third tribe, claiming what is known as the "visitor's right." This third tribe has the authority to mediate the dispute and resolve the issue. In Arab tribal law, this is called "al-nazala," which lasts for a full year during which reconciliation between the two tribes must occur. Additionally, the tribe of the murderer must be kept about 30 kilometers away from the tribe of the victim to prevent bloodshed

*In Bedouin culture, even a guard dog has its rights. If a dog is killed, they will bring the person who killed it, and as an insult, they will hold him by his tail. Then, his relatives or family will come and throw grain on him until he is completely covered, or the owner of the dog will come and say, "I am satisfied with that."

Similarly, a Bedouin woman should not leave her house for any reason. For example, when a Bedouin woman prepares her dough and her husband is not present, and she has no male children, she places her tray at the door of her home. The first person who passes by takes the tray and goes to the bakery to bake it. Once finished, the baker sends the tray back to the house, places it in front of the door, knocks on it three times, and leaves. The woman then knows to take her tray, which is now baked. Additionally, a Bedouin woman whose husband has passed away would traditionally lower her tent as a sign of mourning for her lost loved one.

The Bedouin folk song is closely linked to various aspects of environmental, social, religious, and intellectual life among its people. Their proverbs reflect the accumulated experiences of Bedouin communities and retain their unique linguistic terms.

As for the rituals of the nomadic Bedouins during their weddings, they are distinctive and unique. The marital abode for the bride and groom consists of a tent that is set up, and the bride’s furnishings include a mat, blankets, a single mattress, pillows, aluminum cookware, and plates, along with brightly colored clothing.

The Bedouins have distinctive rituals in marriage and weddings, in which all members of the tribe participate, featuring a unique singing style known as "al-dhahha," which they have preserved for thousands of years in terms of the style of singing and dancing to its rhythms

 

As for folk arts, they are divided into five forms: "movement, verbal, musical, visual, and dramatic." Poetry, as a verbal art, holds a prominent place; it is the "secret" discourse that reaches its recipient, even when they are among a group. For example, a poet might say, "The good ones bestow upon me their wealth, and I, with the wealth of the good, bestow; I desire beauty, and beauty deceives me as it deceives the rise of jest."

Evening gatherings and daily meetings at the home of the tribe's elder are significant rituals in Bedouin life. These gatherings involve discussions about the tribe's affairs, resolving lingering issues, as well as storytelling, reciting poetry, and performing songs accompanied by the sound of the rababa (a traditional stringed instrument)

Bedouin dance is generally characterized by the movement of a single dancer, known as "al-hashi" or "al-hajala," among other names. In this dance, the dancer raises her hips up once with her right foot and again with her left foot, which is a distinctive feature of her dance. She performs in front of a group of men arranged in a crescent shape, who keep the rhythm by clapping their hands while occasionally bending one knee.

Hospitality, aiding those in need, and fulfilling their needs are among the most important traits of the Bedouins, which they continue to uphold despite the difficult circumstances they face. The Bedouins are also known for their good neighborliness with all the communities and peoples in the region, who attest to this

      In the end, despite modernity and the settlement of Bedouins in cities and rural areas, they continue to adhere to the customs and traditions they were raised with. They build their homes from cement and clay in the shape of tents. After moving to the villages, gatherings, conflict resolution, and poetry recitals shifted from the tent of the tribe's chief to the "oudah," or what the Bedouins call "al-rab'a." This space serves as the room of the tribe's elder and consists of three square sections similar to those inside a tent, along with a place for making coffee. Additionally, they continue to raise horses and camels and maintain the authentic Bedouin attire for all members of the tribe and clan, as well as the Bedouin dialect, which is considered the closest dialect to Modern Standard Arabic.