An Overview of Cham Islam in An Giang Vietnam

Abstract

Located in the upstream of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, An Giang is characterized by an agricultural province, which has both plains and hills, and has a border about 100km with Cambodia. An Giang is also the province with the largest number of Cham Islam living in the South. According to official document, the province has 15,327 Cham Islam, accounting for 0.67% of An Giang population. Although the population is less than the other ethnics of the province, the Cham community in An Giang always shows the spirit of solidarity and mutual affection. Cham Islam plays an important role and contribute to unique culture in An Giang. This paper aims to clarify the progress of establishment, development and residential distribution of Cham ethnic group in An Giang, Vietnam. Authors utilized qualitative data gathered from exchange learning and in-depth interviews to examine how Cham Islam has emerged and developed in the study areas. It also focuses on their features of economy, culture, society, education and training, health, architecture, religion, and belief in comparison with Cham people in the central of Vietnam. Consequently, the researcher figures out the similarity and distinction of Cham people in the two regions; thereby, affirms positive values which need to be inherited and promoted in order to help Cham community integrate and develop in contemporary context