Zwara – A Bedouin Ritual of Sacrifice

The Bedouin people regularly held ceremonies lasting several days that involved an animal sacrifice, always next to a sheikh's tomb, known as zwara. Considered sinful by hardline interpretations of Islam, the tradition is deeply rooted in Bedouin culture and, although less common today, it still takes place. The photos shown here were taken during a zwara held by the Muzeina tribe in Sheikh Faranja, near St Katherine, in the last days of July 2007. At this event, two camels were sacrificed by tribal leaders, and most families offered a goat or sheep.

Viewer discretion: Some of the images towards the end of the post may be disturbing, as they contain graphic scenes of animal slaughter.