Author(s): The Egyptian Lieutenant-Colonel Mohamed Moktar-Bey
Language: French
Year: 1877
Pages: 14
Source: Bulletin de la Société Khédiviale de Géographie, 1ère Série, n° 7, Le Caire, fév. 1880, pp. 5-17 .
This article is a detailed account by the Egyptian Lieutenant-Colonel Mohamed Moktar-Bey of his 1877 expedition to the Gadabursi country.
Moktar-Bey describes the geography of the region, including plains, mountains, and ravines, which serve as reservoirs for rainwater and are crucial for the local population's water supply. He emphasizes the potential for agricultural development in the area. He observes the local wildlife, including lions, tigers, elephants, and ostriches.
The expedition encountered ruins of old structures, including a mosque and small houses, which Moktar-Bey suggests may indicate the presence of an earlier civilization in the region.
Moktar-Bey highlights the cultural practices of the Gadabursis, including their religious rituals, polygamous marriages, and a unique method of conflict resolution involving oaths sworn on stones.
Moktar-Bey provides a physical and social description of the Gadabursi people, noting their tall stature, physical beauty, and simple yet clean lifestyle, as well as their tendency toward deceit and demanding behavior. He discusses the political structure of the Gadabursis, which is a confederation of tribes with a republican-like system where decisions are made through collective deliberation and voting.
The article concludes with Moktar-Bey expressing hope that his observations will contribute to greater geographical knowledge and strengthen ties between the Gadabursi country and Egypt.
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