The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Abābda

ABĀBDA, äb-âb′da, a wandering tribe of Hamitic Arabs found on the southern border of Egypt east of the Nile from Assuan to the Red Sea and north to Kena-Kosseir. They now number about 30,000, governed by an hereditary chief, but in ancient days were much more numerous. The more enterprising still carry on their old occupation of caravan guards, and other of trade carriers, and as dealers in herbs, drugs and gums. During the Mahdist wars of 1882–98 many enlisted in the Anglo–Egyptian troops. Under British rule they have advanced considerably and now engage profitably in agricultural and fishing industries. Self-styled “sons of Jinns,” they are claimed to be descendants of the Troglodytes and Blemmyes of classic ages, the Gebadei of Pliny, who inhabited the same region.