Sirat Bani Hilal

Background

The epic is based on the historical Taghribat Bani Hilal, when the Zirids broke away from the Fatimid empire in the 11th century. The Fatimid Caliph sent the Banu Hilal to central North Africa to punish the Zirids, though some Western historians doubt political motivations and emphasize sociological and climatic factors.

The epic has come to represent a foundational story for Arab identity in North Africa and the spread of Islam across the Sahara, affecting cultural heritage as far south as Sahel states such as Mali and Niger. It has been performed since the 14th century, sung in verses by master poets with musical accompaniment on percussion instruments. The longest notable version contains 1,000,000 lines, the poet could sing this version about 100 hours.

Did You Know?

• The epic is today performed only in Egypt, though it was once widespread throughout the Middle East.
• The Banu Hilal were dominant in central North Africa for over a century before their defeat by the Almohads; many groups survived and remained in the region.
• Proverbs and puzzles derived from the epic are often a part of everyday conversation in many areas of the Middle East.