Introduction
Sudan is in Northern Africa. It borderers the Red Sea, in between Eritrea and Egypt. Central African Republic and Chad reside on the west of Sudan. Sudan is south of Libya and west Ethiopia. Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda lie South of Sudan. Sudan occupies an area of 1,861,484 square kilometers. Its population including South Sudan is more than 45 million people. Of those, 5 million reside in a Khartoum which is the capital of Sudan. There are four ethnic groups, of which 70% are Sudanese Arabs. The other groups include, Fur, Beja, Nuba and Fallata. (Amir) Among these ethnic groups, are a division of two primary religious faiths. A small minority of Sudanese people practice Christianity, whereas the majority are Sunni Muslims. Arabic and English are spoken as official language in Sudan. However, other languages spoken (among more than 100) are Nubian, Ta Bedawie and Fur. Sudan was “once the largest and one of the most geographically diverse states in Africa” (BBC) However, the people of South Sudan voted in favor of being independent from the North. The North and South Sudan split into two countries as of July, 2011. This granted freedom to the Christian and Animist people of the South who were under the rule of Arab Muslims prior to the division.
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Health in Sudan
The people of Sudan deal with major health problems that appear to have no end in sight. Adding to the problem is the fact that the physician density is 0.25 doctors per 1,000 people. In addition to Malaria, the people are afflicted with water and food-borne diseases. For example, they suffer from protozoal and bacterial diarrhea. Many people also have typhoid and hepatitis A and E. There are other fever-inducing, (mosquito) vector-borne diseases besides Malaria. (Goddard) These include African trypanosomiasis (also known as sleeping sickness) and dengue fever. Sanitation is a severe problem in areas where there are water contact diseases such as schistosomiasis (also known as snail fever). Lastly, there are people who have meningococcal meningitisanimal and rabies. (Goddard) Presently there are more than 250,000 people living with AIDS. Furthermore, in 2015 (as shown in the image below), the people of Sudan suffered from a massive cholera outbreak, (Times Live). It is an overwhelming task for physicians to treat the vast number of patients who travel to health facilities daily. Aside from having a very difficult and complex history, the people of Sudan have a very rich culture with fascinating traditions.
Sudan: A Brief History
Sudan gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1956. Since that time, governments favoring Islam ruled as military regimes that dominated the national politics. During most of the remaining 20th century, Sudan was drenched in civil wars. (Amir) These conflicts can be summarized by northern social, economic and political domination by Muslim Arabs over the southern Sudanese people who were non-Arab Christians. Even after the first civil war ended in 1972, a new war erupted once again in 1983. During the second war, two million deaths and more than four million people were displaced as they suffered from famine and related-illnesses.
Although there was a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 and subsequently independence granted to the south in 2011, there was a separate problem that emerged in Darfur in 2003. Because of this conflict in Darfur, there were more than almost a half a million fatalities. Finally, many refugees flooded Sudan from Chad and Ethiopia which added to the strain on this country. Due to internal conflict such as lack of support from the government and poor means of transporting goods, it has been very difficult for humanitarian assistance to reach areas where people needed help. In summary, the neglectful government has silenced the voice of the Sudanese people and left them very poor. In 2003, frustrations mounted and people in Darfur (BBC) rose against the Kartoum government. The government was accused of oppressing non-Arabs and favoring Arabs. In response, the government enlisted the Janjaweed militia group to launch a mission of genocide against the protestors. This act of terror causes millions of Sudanese people to live in refugee camps, suffer from starvation and disease while enduring massive displacements.
To this day, the government continues to violate International Criminal Court laws. It continues to restrict humanitarian assistance from outsiders. It subjects people to rape, torture, destruction of properties and murders. Problems continue in this present day (shown below). In an article published in August, 2016 by Andrew Masinde, “ever since war broke out in South Sudan a few weeks ago, there has been an influx of thousands of refugees to Adjumani on the border of Uganda.” (2016)
Food, Traditions and Dance
Despite the miserable conditions to which Sudanese people are subjected, the people should also be remembered for their beautiful, customs and traditions. First, it must be noted that Sudanese people (who are not in the militia aiming to hurt others) are full of kindness, and humility. They are generous and hospitable when guests visit their homes. The Sudanese culture is one that prioritizes entertaining guests to make them enjoy every visit. Sudanese people have a broad cultural diversity that contributes to the creativity of their food. In addition, there are outside influences from European domination that made its way into their cultural dishes. For example, from the period of British rule and Turkish Rule, the Sudanese people accepted external foods such as “red pepper and other spices like garlic”, along with pastries, meatballs, foreign fruits and vegetables. (Sudan Embassy)
Sudanese cuisine offers traditional foods including stews such as bussaara, Waika, and Sabaroag. (Sudanese Embassy) These stews, including one called Miris are made with sheep’s fat, dried okra, eggplants, potatoes and onions. Stews are typically served with Asseeda, which made with corn and wheat flour prepared as a porridge. Just as Americans use most parts of the chicken and make soups, the Sudanese people use the sheep. The stomach, lungs and liver of the sheep are combined with peanut butter, salt and onions before consumed without cooking it. These combinations are used to make dishes called, Umfitit and Elmaraara. Elmussalammiya is a dish made of spices, flour, liver and dates.
Since the Sudanese people are divided geographically, it makes sense that different sectors of people have their own special types of food. In the eastern part of Sudan, the people make a banana paste called Moukhbaza. Western Sudanese people make foods that include dairy products since many are breeders of cattle. They make a milk-based porridge called Aseeda Dukhun that is consumed along with a meat stew called Sharmout Abiyad or Kawal (a plant-based stew). (Sudan Embassy) Environmental factors strongly influence the way people consume food. For instance, In the southern Sudan, the people live near lakes, rivers and swamp areas. These people rely on fishing to make stews. Their main soup is called Kajaik (made of dried fish) that is eaten with Aseeda.
Lastly, the Sudanese people create sweet drinks from fruits like Guddaim, Karkadai, Tabaldi and Aradaib. Another popular drink is coffee served out of a Jebena jug. It is sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon or ginger. When food is served, it takes place where a large group eats around the table with their right hand, or they may use a stiff piece of flattened bread for scooping their food.
Traditions: Marriage in Sudan, Cultural Attire, Body Art and Dance
Marriage
The Sudanese people also have elaborate wedding customs. Beginning a little more than a month prior to the wedding ceremony, the bride remains in her home with the family. She does not see the groom. Instead, she undergoes a process called Dukhan wherein her whole body is wrapped in a blanket. While wrapped, she sits on the ground in a sauna or above a large pot that is warmed. This allows her skin to perspire while it becomes cleansed and tightened. The Sudanese people include incense and perfume to fragrance themselves and their homes during this time. The weddings take place over the course of three days. The bride’s colors and attire are unique apart from that of the other women in attendance. There are numerous parties and tremendous meals prepared as well. Below are some images of a Sudanese wedding. Initially, the bride and groom have time alone to celebrate their marriage. Later they join the large party wherein both sides of the family are in attendance to celebrate. Although the husband might wear colorful clothing on his wedding day, he might also wear an completely white attire with a turbon or other decorative head gear.
Cultural Attire
Traditional clothing worn by Sudanese men is called the Jalabiya. It is a long-sleeved, loose fitting outfit that has no collar. It is worn ankle-length and can have a variety of colors and patterns. The fabric- type depends on the season in which it is being worn. The women wear a traditional gown called a Tobe or Tawb. It is long, may be slightly more form-fitting to the body and can have short, or long sleeves. It is made from various types of fabrics and colors. The northern Sudanese women typically cover their heads (with a Hijab) as acknowledgement of their Muslim faith. The women are completely covered whereas the men are mostly covered with the exception that they wear a cap or turban on their heads. This also helps to protect them from unrelenting sunlight and heat.
Body Art
Applying decorative art to the skin, called Henna is part of the Sudanese culture done by married women or those who are getting married. It is not viewed as a beauty treatment like the Dukhan, rather the Henna signifies that a woman is married. This was always the tradition, yet some younger women who are not married may apply it to their skin as well. Henna is a plant used to make the designs on the skin. However, chemicals are added to it so it will be black, yet can be seen to include other colors. Another form of body art is done with thorns. It consists of various designs wherein beaded scars are created in rows or other patterns. This is done among both Ethiopian and Sudanese tribes. Both types of art are of great importance in Sudanese culture. (shown below)
Dance
Both music and dance are central to the people of Sudan’s cultural heritage. Northern Sudanese people include heavy drumming and very complex, rapid rhythms. It has a strong Arabic flavor as the music guides elaborate dance rituals. One example of a ritual is the Zar ceremony. It serves the purpose of treating women believed to be possessed by spiritual beings. It is week-long ritual unique to the women. The women use the drums while the possessed women dance using a hand-held image that represents the possessive spirit within her. Another example of a cultural dance is the Mundari dance. It is traditionally done by the Terekeke tribe in South Sudan. It involves both singing and dancing, but starts with the singing. The men and boys sing a verse repetitively and the women sing a different verse the same way. It is a dance performed with the men being completely nude, yet women are clothed. There are countless traditional rituals, dances and songs peformed throughout the Sudan as in all of Africa. Each event serves a purpose. It may be for honoring ancestors. People may be celebrating the life of a newborn or someone who has passed away.
In Conclusion
Sudanese people are as diverse as are all African people. The northern and southern sections of Sudan are divided not only geographically, but politically, religiously and economically. Despite having multiple differences, there are a few commonalities to point out between the northern and southern people. They both enjoy elaborate, cultural ceremonies involving music and body art and dance that reflect their historic past. They both make unique traditional meals. they bear the influences of countries outside of their lands, as well as agricultural benefits such as fertile crops and fish from nearby waters. Sudanese people suffer from wars, famine and disease. However, they are resilient, spiritual and loving people. This will likely never change.
- BBC News. “Sudan Country Profile.” BBC News, BBC News Servicees, 2016, www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094995. Accessed 30 Nov. 2016.
- Goddard, Jerome. Physician’s Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance. CRC P, 2002.
- Idris, Amir. Conflict and Politics of Identity in Sudan 2005th Edition. Palgrave MacMillan, 2005.
- Macinde, Adrew. “4, 000 South Sudan Refugees Moved From Adjumani To Yumbe.” Www.newvision.co.ug, New Vision, Aug. 2016, www.newvision.co.ug/ new_vision/news/1432543/-south-sudan-refugees-moved-adjumani-yumbe. Accessed 2016.
- Republic of the Sudan, 2016, www.sudanembassy.org/index.php/sudanese-food. This resource offers a great amount of information about the cultural foods prepared by Sudanese people.
