Family

can be an important part of a person's life, and for some nationalities

being close to your family is more important than it is to others. For

example, families in Southern Europe are generally quite close, although

in the past they spent even more time together. This is also true of

families in the Middle East. But it is the Bedouin people who have the

closest ties of all.

Traditional Bedouin families live in large

tents about half the size of a basketball court. The tents are divided

into two sections: the first is for receiving guests in true Bedouin

style - they have the reputation of being the world's most generous

hosts. Visitors are always served a big meal as soon as they arrive. The

second part of the tent is the family’s shared kitchen, living room,

dining room, and bedroom. They don't have tables and chairs, as the

whole family sits on the floor to eat. And instead of beds, everybody

sleeps on mattresses, which are piled into a corner of the room during

the day.

Several generations usually share the tent. The head of the

family is the mother, and she is the one who gives the orders. Her

husband and her children live with her, even when the children are

married and have their own children. The sons and sons-in-law look after

the animals, while the daughters and daughters-in-law clean the tent,

cook the meals, and look after the younger grandchildren. The older ones

are left to run around outside. There may often be as many as 30 people

under the same roof.

The few people who have left the family to

live in the city visit their mothers nearly every day. It can be quite a

surprise to see a shiny new Mercedes pull up outside one of the tents

and watch a smart young man get out to greet his relatives.

Bedouin

people do not like to be separated from their families and there is a

very good reason why. If they are poor, sick, old, or unemployed, it is

the family that supports them. Elderly people are never left alone, and

problems are always shared. Children who work in the city are often

responsible for their families financially. In this way, Bedouin

families aren't just close; they are a lifeline.