We originate from the North African Berber tribes known as Amazigh. We are the Siwan Berbers. Because of our geographical isolation we have remained relatively unchanged. (To learn more about individual families please click on the family tree)

We live in a tribal system. This is broken up into two main groups, the East tribe and the West tribe. There are ten tribes within these two groups and one group lives in El Gara. 

The leader of each group is the the chief we know as Amazigh Agleed, or as the Sheikh, the head of the family. He leads the family council of ten members, all respected elders of the tribe. He personally settles problems within the family group and also gives advice to other tribes. In this way, harmony, respect and close relationships are maintained both within the family tribe and co-existing tribes. 

In the case of disputes between members of different tribes, the respective sheikhs arbitrate using the Siwan law and the Koran. Admonishments may be beatings, the giving of alms, fines or banishment from the tribe. If the problem is connected with the land, a special committee will gather and decide the land rights using old papers relating to the land. Some of these important papers are more than one hundred years old. 

The Egyptian police also work in cooperation with the Sheikh when appropriate. The young are brought up to respect their elders and the Sheikh is respected by all. A child pretending to be an adult by doing what grown-ups do is chastised by being called 'Agleed'. It is a society where everyone has a place. 

The Siwan people have a different perspective on life from other Egyptians. It is a mentality based on the tribal family. We marry within our own tribe as this is our preferred way. In this way we preserve the integrity of our community. However there are drawbacks to this as it can lead to genetic problems such as albinos. 

We live a healthy life in the oasis. We help each other. There is nothing that we will not do for each other. In times of hardship we will give help and money. If one of us is punished then we help each other pay the fine or it may well be that the fine is not required as long as an apology has been given. We forgive each other. 

Wealthier individuals will assist those who are less fortunate and will do this unobtrusively by setting up covenants. At Ramadan and after the Eid el Fitr and the Eid el Adha alms are given. These are also occasions of great celebrations. For more details click on the menu.