Ethnicities Across Borders:  Colonial Engineering or Social Engineering (Between Action, Reaction, and Effectiveness)”  Capt Mohamed Hassan Al-Tahir, 2

 

The book “Al-Muhassin wa Al-Addad” (The Book of Merits and Demerits) is attributed to Al-Jahiz, covering various topics related to virtues and vices, presenting models of different peoples and groups. This book highlights that every thing has two sides, one showing merits and the other revealing demerits, as seen in the examples of Kurds and Copts. These two models shed light on similarities and differences between peoples, making it necessary to study them as examples of ethnicities across borders.

– *Similarity*: Peoples share common experiences like belonging to a homeland or shared culture, reflecting geography and history’s impact on identity.

– *Difference*: Peoples differ in customs and traditions, reflecting cultural and social diversity.

### Relation of Feeling and Place

Geographical environment affects individuals’ sense of belonging to a place, where place shapes cultural and social identity.

### Impact of Geography on History and Vice Versa

– Geography influences historical events; natural resources and climate can determine civilizational development.

– History can change the perspective on geography; discoveries or wars can redefine borders.

### Belonging Between Becoming and Continuity

– *Becoming*: Refers to the process of continuous change humans undergo in relation to their environment.

– *Continuity*: Expresses the persistence and stability of identity and belonging.

### To What Extent Do Sudanese Copts Resemble Sudanese?

Sudanese Copts share many cultural and social aspects with Sudanese people, especially regarding belonging to a shared homeland and the impact of geography and history on their identity. However, there are differences due to distinct religious and cultural factors.

In short, ethnicities across borders reflect rich cultural and social diversity, highlighting the importance of understanding the interconnected relations between feeling, place, history, and geography 🌍.

The historical legacy and colonial engineering significantly shaped the ethnicities across borders like Kurds and Copts, affected by colonial policies. Understanding the necessary and sufficient conditions leading to these outcomes is crucial:

– *Necessary conditions*: Factors that must be present, like colonial power influence.

– *Sufficient conditions*: Factors leading to the phenomenon if other conditions are met, like policies affecting cultural identity.

The impact of colonial engineering includes:

. Dividing borders and shaping unnatural boundaries.

. Influencing ethnic identity and national belonging.

. Creating ongoing conflicts between ethnicities and residing states.

In summary, historical legacy and colonial engineering greatly impact ethnicities across borders, shaping a new reality for affected peoples.