Afro-Palestinians: History, Heritage, and Modern Challenges
The presence of people of African descent in Palestine is a multifaceted story spanning over a millennium. From early pilgrims and enslaved laborers to modern citizens and activists, the Afro-Palestinian community represents a unique intersection of African heritage and Palestinian national identity. Their history is woven into the religious, political, and social fabric of the region, particularly in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Key Facts
- Origins: Ancestry traces back to Sudan, Chad, Nigeria, Senegal, and Central Africa.
- Arrival Paths: Migration occurred via the Baqt treaty, the Red Sea slave trade, the Trans-Saharan trade, and religious pilgrimages.
- Jerusalem Enclave: A community of approximately 350 to 450 members resides in the Ribat al-Mansuri and Ribat of Aladdin compounds.
- Historical Roles: Members served as guards for the Ḥaram ash-Sharīf and as laborers in the Umayyad sugar industry.
- Modern Status: Afro-Palestinians identify as Palestinians, though they face dual challenges of ethnic prejudice and political occupation.
Historical Foundations
The arrival of Africans in Palestine began centuries ago under various foreign powers. Starting with the Rashidun Caliphate in the 7th century, African slaves were transported from Egypt via the Baqt treaty (a slave tribute agreement). During the Middle Ages, the Abbasid Caliphate continued this trend through the Red Sea slave trade. By the 9th century, an estimated three million Africans had been resettled across the Middle East to work as laborers in riverine plantations or as slave soldiers.
Not all arrivals were forced. Some Palestinian communities trace their roots to pilgrims from Sudan and Central Africa, particularly Chad, who arrived as early as the 12th century. These individuals often traveled to perform the Hajj in Mecca before visiting the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This practice of pilgrimage by African converts to Islam became more commonplace by the 15th century.
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The Ottoman Era and the End of Slavery
Many Afro-Palestinians descend from those brought by Ottoman enslavers via the Trans-Saharan and Red Sea trade routes. The official slave trade to Ottoman Palestine largely ceased after the last official slave ship arrived in Haifa from Egypt in 1876. While the 1905 census recorded only eight official slaves, a 1934 League of Nations report noted that slavery persisted among some Arab Bedouin shaykhs in Jordan and Palestine, often disguised as clientage.
The Jerusalem Community: "Little Harlem"
In Jerusalem, a distinct community of about 50 families resides in two historic compounds outside the Ḥaram ash-Sharīf: Ribat al-Mansuri and the Ribat of Aladdin (also known as Ribat al-Basiri). Built between 1267 and 1382, these ribats (hostels for Muslim pilgrims) were established under the Mamluks.
The history of these compounds is stark. During the Arab Revolt of World War I, the Ottomans converted them into jails, earning them names like "the Blood Prison" and "the hanging prison." Today, the community has repurposed part of these former prisons into a mosque. Until the Israeli occupation began in 1967, the residents served as guards for the Ḥaram ash-Sharīf.
Regional Connections and Later Arrivals
The Jerusalem community maintains close ties with similar groups in Acre and Jericho. The Jericho community, some of whom are referred to as "the slaves of Duyuk," likely originated during the Umayyad Caliphate when African slaves worked in the sugar industry. Later arrivals during the British Mandate included conscripted laborers brought by General Edmund Allenby during World War I, as well as members of the Arab Salvation Army who fought in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.
Modern Life and Social Dynamics
Following Ottoman rule, the Jerusalem ribats became part of a waqf (religious trust). Sheikh Amin al-Husseini, the mufti of Jerusalem, rented these compounds to Afro-Palestinians at a nominal cost in gratitude for their loyalty—specifically honoring Jibril Tahruri, a guard who took a bullet intended for the mufti.
Despite their deep ties to the city and their identification as Palestinians, the community has faced social hurdles. Some have experienced prejudice from other Palestinian Arabs, including the use of the term abeed (slaves). In recent years, the term al-jaliyya al-Afriqiyya (African community) has become the standard, more respectful designation.
Political Struggle and Discrimination
Afro-Palestinians have been active in the Palestinian struggle. Fatima Barnawi, of mixed Nigerian-Palestinian descent, was the first Palestinian woman arrested on terrorism charges in 1967. Others, like Ali Jiddah and his cousin Mahmoud, served long prison sentences following attacks in downtown Jerusalem during the 1960s.
However, discrimination persists. In Gaza City's Al Jalla’a district, an estimated 11,000 Afro-Palestinians live in a neighborhood called "Al Abeed." Some residents, such as Dabke performer Mohammad Obaid, have reported experiencing racism within Gazan communities and increased discrimination from police.
Bureaucratic and Security Challenges
The community faces significant systemic obstacles. Many struggle with identification and travel documents; for example, some cannot obtain foreign passports without surrendering their Jerusalem residency. Additionally, increased security checkpoints around Bab al-Majlis have isolated the neighborhood, leading to economic losses due to the decline in tourist traffic and increased harassment from security forces.
| Region/Location | Primary Origins | Historical Context | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem (Ribats) | Sudan, Central Africa | Pilgrimage, Mamluk hostels, guards | Known as "Little Harlem"; reside in former hostels/prisons |
| Jericho & Acre | Sub-Saharan Africa | Umayyad Caliphate | Linked to the early sugar industry |
| Gaza City | Various African regions | Historical slave trade | Concentrated in Al Jalla’a district |
| General Palestine | Nigeria, Senegal, Chad | British Mandate / WWI | Conscripted laborers and Arab Salvation Army |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Afro-Palestinians?
Afro-Palestinians are Palestinian citizens of African descent whose ancestors arrived in the region through various means, including the Trans-Saharan and Red Sea slave trades, religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Mecca, and conscripted labor during the British Mandate.
What are the Ribats in Jerusalem?
The Ribat al-Mansuri and Ribat of Aladdin are historic hostels built between 1267 and 1382 to house Muslim pilgrims. They currently serve as the primary residential enclave for the Afro-Palestinian community in Jerusalem.
When did the official slave trade to Palestine end?
The official slave trade appears to have stopped after the last official slave ship arrived in Haifa from Egypt in 1876, though some forms of slavery persisted under the guise of clientage into the early 20th century.
What challenges does the community face today?
The community faces a combination of social prejudice (racism), political oppression due to the Israeli occupation, and bureaucratic difficulties regarding residency and identification papers.
Which African countries are most represented in the community?
The majority of the community traces their ancestry to Sudan, Chad, Nigeria, and Senegal.