THE ABABDEHS AND TURKS OF EGYPT. 



349 



the Ababdeh as camel-drivers in large caravans But some still live close to the 

 trade routes, and besides keeping stock, earn something from the services of various 

 kinds which they render to passing caravans. They are also stationed here as road- 

 watchers, receiving a little payment from their chiefs for this service. 



The Ababdehs and Turks of Egypt. 



The Ababdeh, who number about 30,000 altogether, are governed by an here- 

 ditary " chief," who nominally controls and deposes subordinate sheikhs for the 

 different districts. Although nominally a vassal of the Khedive he pays no tribute, 

 but on the contrary receives a sort of subsidy from a portion of the road dues 



Fig. 104. — A Village Sheikh. 



levied on the caravans which pass through his territory. The chief and his repre- 

 sentatives, jointly with the tribal elders, settle all internal disputes, so that the 

 Egyptian Government has nothing to do with the clansmen, neither imposing taxes 

 nor forcing them into the army. The chief is, however, personally responsible for 

 the safe conduct of travellers along the caravan routes traversing his country. He 

 furnishes camels and guides, and living himself in the Nile Valley, is held a 

 hostage for the security of the desert roads. Mohammed All introduced this 

 system of hostages among the Bedouins, and the result of this wise measure has 



