You have probably heard a million times about how Sudanese people come in different colours, shapes, sizes, features, personalities, and so on and so forth. However, one trait that all Sudanis have in common is their etiquette and mannerism. Let’s take this lamma (gathering) to sit al shai because we’re about to take a dive into some ethnic Sudanese tribes! 

RASHAYDA AND BUJA 

Suakin is a historical city situated on the west coast of the Red Sea in northeastern Sudan. It played a prominent role during the Middle Ages and under the Ottoman Empire.

The majority of its inhabitants belonged to the Beja or (Bujā) groupings, centuries ago as well as today, who were known to be farmers who would breed and take care of animals and cultivators. Suakin also had minority tribes and was diverse in ethnic groups. 

The Rashayda who then inhabited Suakin in the 19th century played a significant role in this multiethnic community, e.g., Suakin’s dominant language was no longer Cushistic; which is what the Beja group spoke before, but now Western Arabic. This community built its finest architecture from well-structured houses and mosques that were well-preserved for eras. 

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Look at the happy camel! 

NUBIANS

The Nubians are an ethnic group originally from Northern Sudan, and Southern Egypt. 

The main divisions from the North to the South included:

• Halfaweyen 
• Sikut 
• Mahas 
• Danaqla 

The ethnic group of approximately 300,000, have a unique interest in archaeological discoveries throughout their history. They take pride in their cultural significance and show it through extraordinary forms of art e.g. music, poetry, and novels…

Differentiation between Danaqla and Mahas

These two tribes share the same script, however, the dialects they have and the scarification that they practice differ from one another: The Mahas originally wear three scars on each cheek, as for Danaqla, they wear their scars on their temples. 

Geography 

Upper Nubia locates in the infamous Kingdom of Kush, or as many know it as “Kingdom of Napata”. 

Lower Nubia is commonly known as “the corridor of Africa” and is one of the greatest sources of cultural exchange. The “corridor of Africa” is home to the magnificent Kingdom of Merowe. 

Nubians express their ancestral art through dancing, singing, jewellery, and drawing at times of immense happiness. A few significantly important moments where deep emotions are expressed are at their weddings. 

FUR 

The largest ethnic group in Darfur. The Fur tribe’s influence on Darfur can only be shown through its name; “Dar-Fur” which can be directly translated as “The Home of the Fur”. 

This group is located along El Fasher, South to Nyala, and West towards Chad. The Fur people, as the world knows them, are victims of the infamous Darfur genocide, however, they are far more than just war victims. In fact, their very own Sultanate runs deep in history. This Sultanate ruled Darfur until 1916. 

Similarly to other Muslim ethnic groups, the Fur tribe practice folk Islam and practise pre-Islamic traditions. The Fur are an extremely close community; telling stories from a young age in order to continue closeness and prevent falling out of their society. One may even say that the Fur are rather knowledgeable in spirituality as their significance for materialistic wealth is sparse and focus their care on Quran knowledge and the spiritual teachings of Islam. 

Sudan might be geographically divided, however, the Sudanese community would cease to exist without its beloved South Sudan. 

DINKA

The largest South Sudanese ethnic group! A trait well-known about this tribe is their symbiotic bond to their marvellous cows from a young age. This bond runs deep; they are used as a subject of magnificence, battles are fought over them and they are also used as currency. 

Their colossal expression and love for their cattle go hand in hand with their diverse vocabulary hence why they have approximately 400 synonyms just for cattle describing specificity! Pretty philosophical. 

The covering of skin with Ash is a result of burned cowpats in order to sterilise one’s skin against insects and parasites. However, it seems as though this tribe can always find a way to make everything look like magnificent art, even sterilisation! 

SHILLUK 

The royal folk of the kingdom of Shilluk? Here is why that capital S stands for Swag. 

Shilluk differentiates themselves not only by body art but also by being ruled by a single political/ religious figure, unlike most South Sudanese ethnic groups. 

During the nineteenth century, the Shilluk Kingdom was militarily assaulted by the Ottoman Empire. Currently, Shilluk King is a dependent leader in the governments of South Sudan. 

Sudan is the land of all souls. One could not possibly set foot in Sudan and not feel as though this is where they belong. 

In order to give Sudan what it loves the most, company, we must learn about all its inhabitants, experiences, history and all it has been through! We hope we have given you some insight on where you could start that journey! 

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