The traditional Bedouin way of life in the Negev Highlands is closely and inseparably connected to the desert’s unique environment. The knowledge these communities hold about raising livestock, traditional crafts, knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants, the terrain and water regime, is ancient and rich and constitutes a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage.

Before the establishment of the State of Israel, the Negev Highlands region was inhabited by members of the ‘Azazma Bedouin tribe – a large and widespread tribe, divided into 12 clans, or sub-tribes. Of these, two clans reside in the Negev Highlands until today: the Ziadin and the Sarahin.

The Sarahin tribe specialize in raising camels in addition to sheep and goats; and the Ziadin specialize in raising sheep and goats and in traditional farming. In addition, the Al-Kashkhar and Al-Waj families from the Janabib tribe have also been living in the Negev Highlands for many years.

For centuries, the Negev Highlands region was divided among the various clans of the ‘Azazma tribe, each with its own territory. They lived in small communities consisting of several extended families. They lived modestly in a pre-consumerist society, off a combination of livestock raising, traditional dry farming, and desert plant gathering. The tribespeople conducted seasonal migration between the cool mountain area (today’s Mitzpe Ramon and northward) during the spring and summer, and the great wadis, or streambeds, to the south, where the weather is more pleasant during the autumn and winter.

During the 20th century enormous internal changes occurred in Bedouin society, which was torn between progress and tribalism. The present generation of the Negev Highlands tribes combines the old culture’s way of life with slow processes of modernization
After the foundation of the State of Israel, the Bedouin residents had to adapt to the new reality created by the establishment of permanent settlements, creation of nature reserves, construction of military bases and closure of firing zones. Due to these limitations, the seasonal migrations to the camels’ and goats’ pastures were reduced, the Bedouins had to congregate in permanent settlements and started looking for alternative ways to make a living.

Indeed, in recent years, the Bedouins of the Negev Highlands have developed touristic projects which demonstrate traditional Bedouin hospitality and the preservation of the desert’s way of life. Development of these touristic ventures enables not only better possibilities to make a living and the employment of Bedouin women, but also – and above all – the active and long-lasting preservation of the old customs for future generations.