Final answer:
The Azawagh Arabs' identity is fundamentally construed around their self-perception as tribal, Arab, and Muslim, with these aspects rooted in historical, cultural, and religious traditions that have shaped Arab society over centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to R. Popenoe's depiction of Azawagh Arabs, the three most fundamental aspects of their sense of identity, in order, revolve around their views of themselves as members of a tribal, Arab, and Muslim community. Historically, these aspects are deeply intertwined with the pre-Islamic culture of various Arabian groups, of which the Ghassanids were most prominent by the end of the sixth century. They contributed significantly to the development of a cohesive Arab identity, which featured kinship organization, cultural traditions such as poetry, and the birth of languages that later became Arabic.
This identity was further shaped and maintained through various societal structures. The nomadic Bedouin tribes, known for their patriarchal and patrilineal clan groups, were integral to the Arab identity, forming tight-knit communities that were protective of their way of life. Moreover, the conversion and assimilation of different rulers and tribes into Islam across different regions reflect the adaptability and influence of Arab and Islamic identity in shaping the governance and culture of the conquered lands.
The interconnection between tribal lineage, Arab ethnicity, and the Islamic faith has historically been a cornerstone of identity among the Arab peoples, including the Azawagh Arabs. Their sense of identity is rooted in a historical context that emphasizes the importance of tribal affiliations and the Arab-Muslim cultural and religious heritage.