Ghawazee

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The Ghawazee (Ghawazi) are an ethnic group that have been exoticized in Western travel narratives of Egypt since the 18th century as a particularly sensual group and are probably the origin for the contemporary notion of belly dance.

The Ghawazee were banished from Cairo to Upper Egypt by Muhammad Ali. Typically, the Ghawazee are represented as gypsies, with a particular attention to their music and dance styles, featuring mizmars and heavy bass lines.

Representing diverse historical backgrounds, most of the Ghawazee of the Qena region belong to ethnic minorities such as the Nawar (or Nawara), Halab, and Bahlawen.

The style of dance and costuming of the Ghawazee has been especially influential in crafting the look of American Tribal Style bellydance.