The twentieth century brought independence to Arab states after long colonial rule. Emerging from the shadows of European powers, Arab states’ newly-formed governments pushed to establish nationalistic, modern identities for their peoples. Citizenship in the fledgling states was precisely defined, with specific languages, religions, and values representing each. Through aggressive unification and modernization efforts, Arab nationalists hoped to propel their countries out of years of stagnation and decay. While majority groups fit comfortably within newly-defined frames of citizenship, others did not. What became of those who spoke different languages, believed in different religions, or dressed differently? What effects did modernization policies have on the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities? This project’s goal is to answer the questions as they relate to the various ethnic minorities living within the Arab world.