Ababda Tribes

The Ababda are found in southeastern Egypt, and they are likely descendants of the Beja people, who lived in the Nubian Desert and are related to the ancient Egyptians. They are Arab Semites and speak Arabic, though some aspects of the Beja language and culture may have been preserved. As part of their cultural tradition, they have relied on camel grazing and fishing to support their nomadic lifestyle. For thousands of years, they have served as guides and workers for many different civilizations, including the Ancient Egyptians and Romans who took a particular interest in mining precious metals and stones within the region. Through regular contact with Muslim Arab tribes, especially those on their way to Hajj, the Ababda were eventually absorbed into Islam during the 15th century.