Khabir 'Ali at Home in Kubayh: The Brief Biography of a Far Fur Caravan Leader

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Periodical article

Title:	Khabir 'Ali at Home in Kubayh: The Brief Biography of a Far Fur Caravan Leader
Author:	LaRue, G. Michael
Year:	1984
Periodical:	African Economic History
Volume:	13
Pages:	56-83
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sudan
Subjects:	Darfur polity road transport biographies (form) Economics and Trade History and Exploration
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/3601479
Abstract:	Khabir, Ali b. Ibrahim was the foremost caravan leader of mid-nineteenth century Dar Fur, an important land-owner and slaveowner in the Kubayh region and a member of Dar Fur's ruling elite. He was best known as a caravan leader, but his personal accomplishments in the commercial field can not be readily reconstructed, even though he was khabir through one of Dar Fur's greatest commercial booms, ca. 1850-1873. The workings of Dar Fur's society and economy are seen here through the lens of Khabir, Ali's life in Kubayh. The paper's first section describes Kubayh from several angles. The second section describes 'Ali b. Ibrahim's life before he became khabir. When he became khabir himself, Dar Fur was on the threshold of a new commercial boom. The reasons behind this boom as well as Khabir 'Ali's possible role in it follow in the third section. The fourth section treats, literally as well as metaphorically, Khabir, Ali's place in Kubayh. In the fifth section, Khabir 'Ali's life in a period of crisis and test of strength is presented. - Notes.