Beja Culture ID

The Beja, also known as the Bedawi, are an ethnic group believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the northeastern African region. Their population is largely concentrated in parts of Sudan, Egypt, and Eritrea, with approximately 3 million Beja people in these regions. Their way of life has remained substantially unaltered for thousands of years; many Beja still practice traditional livelihoods like camel breeding, herding, and some farming activities along the coast.

Their language, Beja or Bedawi, is the last surviving member of the Cushitic languages from the Afroasiatic family. In terms of religion, while the Beja were historically followers of their native religion, they largely adopted Islam around the 14th century, although they have retained some elements of their earlier beliefs.

The Beja are known for their strong warrior traditions and remarkable endurance in harsh environments. They are fiercely independent, a characteristic embodied in their traditional pastoral lifestyle. Women of the Beja community are recognized for the 'Melfa', an often brightly colored long cotton dress which serves as a symbol of female maturity. Music is integral to the Beja's cultural expressions, with traditional instruments such as the lyre called "kissar" playing a significant part in their customs and rituals. The Beja represent a unique intersection of ancient African culture and Islamic traditions.

Communal Ethos

This culture values the bonds of community above all else, fostering great loyalty and dedication by working together towards common goals.

• -15% Same Culture Mercenary Hire Cost
• +5 Close Family Opinion
• -10% Building Construction Cost
• -10% Building Construction Time

Each culture will have an ethos, which represents the core values, principles and attitude towards life that the culture has. It also determines which court types are available for kingdoms and empires.

• Desert Travelers
• Isolationist
• Mountain Skirmishing
• Warriors of the Dry

Each culture will have several traditions, which represent the main customs of a culture and can grant various effects. A culture can have up to five traditions in the tribal era, with every additional era reached granting an additional slot for Traditions.

African