Question

In 2-3 sentences, describe the difference between an ethnic group and a religious group. Include at least one
example from the Middle East.

Answer 1

An ethnic group is a community defined by shared ancestry, language, culture and historical ties, while a religious group is defined by shared beliefs, rituals and spiritual practices that people of many different ethnic backgrounds can follow. For example, in the Middle East the Kurds are an ethnic group with their own language and culture, whereas Shia Muslims are a religious group that includes Persians, Arabs, Kurds and others.