Zarabes

Zarabe (variants: Zarab or Z'arabe) is the name given to the Muslim community of Réunion, who migrated in the mid-19th century. Zarabes are mostly South Asian, specifically from the modern state of Gujarat in India.

Etymology

The term comes from Creole of Réunion and their confusion between the Arabs and Muslims. These South Asian Muslims were described as Arabs likely because of their religious use of the Arabic language, the Creole at the time of the arrival of the first Muslims of South Asian origin being unfamiliar with the geopolitical realities. Also, the appearance of the first arrivals, including their clothes, could also be a factor since their cylindrical hats resembled the red Fez of Turks or Moroccans, who were all Muslims. The confusion led assimilation of Muslims and Arabs. Therefore, "Zarabes" are all Muslims.

See also

• Islam in Réunion

External links

• Indian Diaspora in Reunion