Auda abu Tayi

 



(Photographed by T.E.Lawrence)

 
The Howeitat (Huwetat, Huwaytat) bedouins take a rather original stand among the Arabian tribes. From Egypt to Djof, from the Dead Sea until far down into the Hedjas they were feared as cruel warriors, and still a sort of stain was on them: their progenitor Huwet has not been a free Bedu, but an Egyptian.

 

The Howeitat have been camel traders, bringing great numbers of these animals to Cairo.

They became famous in Western civilisation through Auda Abu Tayi´s role in the riot of the desert, led by T.E.Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Auda Abu Tayi led a life like a hero of the past. He was said to have slain 75 men in combat, man against man, without counting the Turks, whom he hated.

He lived in permanent feuds and liked to recall his deeds in epic form like the old poets. Auda´s hour came with outbreak of World War One. In 1917 he led Sherif Naser of Medina and Lawrence across Wadi Sirhan to Akaba that could be taken from backwards by this way, leading to the decisive turn against the Ottoman empire.

 

The depiction of Auda abu Tayi as a man interested only in loot and money is at odds with the historical record. Auda did at first join the Arab revolt for monetary reasons, but he quickly became a steadfast supporter of Arab independence, notably after Aqaba's capture. He refused repeated bribery attempts by the Turks (though he happily pocketed their money) and remained loyal to the revolt. He was present with T.E. Lawrence from the beginning of the Aqaba expedition and in fact helped plan it along with Lawrence and Prince Faisal.

 

Auda’s tribesmen were reputedly the finest fighters in the desert which is why his support and assistance were vital to the Arab Revolt. Auda had initially been in the pay of the Ottoman Empire, but switched allegiance to Lawrence and Faisal bin Al Hussein. With the incentives of kicking the Turks out of Arabia, and the lure of gold and booty, Auda joined the Arab Revolt, becoming a fervent supporter of the Arab independence movement (apparently going so far as to smash his Turkish false teeth with a hammer to demonstrate his patriotism). He was repeatedly approached by the Turks with further financial inducements if he would switch to their side, but he refused to go back on his word.

 

He was an Arab patriot and he would ride with Lawrence. He and his tribesmen were instrumental in the fall of Aqaba (July 1917) and Damascus (October 1918).