Barkas is a neighborhood in

Hyderabad, India Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River (India), Musi River, in the northern part of Southern India. With an average altitude of , much ...

, located in the old city area of

Hyderabad Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River (India), Musi River, in the northern part of Southern India. With an average altitude of , much ...

. The name "Barkas" is believed to be derived from the English word "

Barracks Barracks are buildings used to accommodate military personnel and quasi-military personnel such as police. The English word originates from the 17th century via French and Italian from an old Spanish word 'soldier's tent', but today barracks ar ...

". The old

Arabs Arabs (, , ; , , ) are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in West Asia and North Africa. A significant Arab diaspora is present in various parts of the world. Arabs have been in the Fertile Crescent for thousands of yea ...

pronounced

as Barkas in their

Arabic Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...

flow. Barkas served as the military

of the

Nizam of Hyderabad Nizam of Hyderabad was the title of the ruler of Hyderabad State ( part of the Indian state of Telangana, and the Kalyana-Karnataka region of Karnataka). ''Nizam'' is a shortened form of (; ), and was the title bestowed upon Asaf Jah I wh ...

. Another less popular version states that "The name 'Barkas' is derived from 'Wadiya Barkas', which was a colony in

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...

. A regiment from Barkas in

Arabia The Arabian Peninsula (, , or , , ) or Arabia, is a peninsula in West Asia, situated north-east of Africa on the Arabian plate. At , comparable in size to India, the Arabian Peninsula is the largest peninsula in the world. Geographically, the ...

had been called to Hyderabad. Thus most of the residents of this colony were originally inhabitants of

Yemen Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country in West Asia. Located in South Arabia, southern Arabia, it borders Saudi Arabia to Saudi Arabia–Yemen border, the north, Oman to Oman–Yemen border, the northeast, the south-eastern part ...

and

History

Before Indian independence, Barkas served as the military

of the

. The Nizams were surrounded by hostile rulers in the Deccan and chose to employ

instead of the local military for the safeguarding of his family. These Arabs formed the bulk of the Nizams' ''personal army'' and were more reliable as they could not defect to the rival states unlike locals and were trustworthy. Many mentions state that the last Nizam loved their trait of Loyalty and trusted them more than anyone else. The Arab population increased during this period, settling in mainly in barracks on the outskirts of the walled, gated city.

Culture

Barkas is known for its vibrant culture that reflects the rich heritage of its predominantly Yemeni community. This unique culture is characterized by a strong sense of community, traditional hospitality, and specific social practices.

Attire

Arab Lungi

The Arab lungi izaar in

(إِزَار), also known as Maʿawaz (مَعَوَز), Futah (فُوطَة), Wizar (وِزَار), Maqtab (مَقْطَب) is a traditional garment made from high-quality rayon fabric on handlooms. It is known for its softness and comfort, making it suitable for the hot climate of the region. The lungi is stitched in the middle and is designed to be round, allowing for ease of movement. Due to its craftsmanship and the quality of material used, the Arab lungi is relatively expensive.

Taiban

In contrast to the lungi, the taiban is a rectangular piece of cloth that is open at all four corners and is not stitched in the middle. Generally made from a thicker fabric, the taiban offers a different style of draping, allowing it to be worn in various ways. This garment is favored for its versatility and is commonly worn.

Jubbah

The jubbah, also referred to as thawb, kandura, or dishdasha, is a long, flowing robe worn by men. It is characterized by its modest design and is typically ankle-length, providing coverage while allowing for comfort. The jubbah can be made from various materials, depending on the occasion and the weather. It is often adorned with embroidery or patterns and is a staple in formal and religious settings.

Mushajarah

The mushajarah, also known as ghutrah or shemagh, is a traditional headscarf worn by men. Made from lightweight

cotton Cotton (), first recorded in ancient India, is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus '' Gossypium'' in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure ...

, it is usually white or checkered in design. The mushajarah is worn to protect the head and face from the sun and dust. This garment serves not only practical purposes but also symbolizes cultural identity and heritage.

Footwear

The traditional

footwear Footwear refers to garments worn on the feet, which typically serve the purpose of protective clothing, protection against adversities of the environment such as wear from rough ground; stability on slippery ground; and temperature. *Shoes and si ...

associated with Barkas is known as naal in

but is more commonly referred to as Arba Chappal in

. These sandals are typically made from leather and are characterized by their durability and comfort. They are designed to complement traditional attire and are often worn during both casual and formal occasions.

Main attractions

Barkas houses a lot of mosques especially the 'Jama'a Masjid'. Barkas Maidan, historically significant during the Nizam's rule, served as a vital training and gathering ground for the army. Located in the Barkas area of

, this maidan was essential for military drills and exercises, reflecting the strategic importance of the Yemeni troops who settled in the region. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Nizam's relied on these troops for their loyalty and military prowess. The maidan facilitated various military functions, including parades and ceremonial events, underscoring its role as a center for the

military A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. Militaries are typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with their members identifiable by a d ...

. 'Mandi Road' which is the main road of Barkas going to the Shamshabad Airport from Chandrayangutta crossroads. It is lined with many restaurants serving a variety of Arab cuisine. This road is named after the most popular Arab dish - the Mandi.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Barkas is a reflection of its Yemeni heritage, enriched by various influences. It features of traditional dishes, introduced by the Chaush or

Arab Arabs (, , ; , , ) are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in West Asia and North Africa. A significant Arab diaspora is present in various parts of the world. Arabs have been in the Fertile Crescent for thousands of years ...

community. Notable dishes include Marag, Murtabaq, Shorba, Harira, Mandi, Kabsa. Other popular items are Tas Kabab, Lukhmi, Sheer Khurma, Qubani Ka Meetha and Malida. Barkas also showcases Arabic dishes such as Majboos, and

Shawarma Shawarma (; ) is a Middle Eastern dish that originated in the Levant during the Ottoman Empire, consisting of meat that is cut into thin slices, stacked in an inverted cone, and roasted on a slow-turning vertical spit. Traditionally made with l ...

. A local specialty is a sweet version of Harees, available exclusively in Barkas. Recently, Mandi, a Yemeni rice dish, has gained popularity, leading to the opening of several restaurants in the area.

Organisations

Barkas is home to "Jaundice Medicine Barkas", a non-profit organization providing free medication for Jaundice disease. The organisation is led by a team from Al Qureshi tribe. ''Sabil Ul Khair'' is another non-profit organization established in Barkas by Shaikh Saleh Bin Salam Bahattab catering to the social development of the area. And it offers various schemes for the social development of the locals, like providing funds for the marriage of girls belonging to poor households, funeral services etc. Barkas also has a non-profitable organization called "Bait-ul-Maal". The sole intent of this organization is to help needy people and looking for the betterment of communities.

External links

Video of Soldiers of NIZAMS of HYDERABADBarkas: A small Yemen in Hyderabad, Yemeni Lifestyle is following by barkas people