The Sheedi Community

By Annum Shehryar

Since protests have been going on against the discrimination and inequality faced by the black community in America and different regions across the globe, let’s look into our own black community in Pakistan. The Sheedis or Siddi, are descendants of African migrants over centuries in South Asia. They have been bought as slaves by Arab merchants between the 8th and 19th centuries. The population according to the Young Sheedi Welfare Organization (YSWO), figures vary considerably from 50.000 to just under 1 million. Sheedis are concentrated in southern Pakistan, with an estimated 50% in lower Sindh, 20% residing in Karachi, and 30% residing in Baluchistan. Many Sheedis are Muslims but have distinct cultural characteristics that relate back to their particular background.

The Sheedis have a long history in India and Pakistan and often served as guards or soldiers. Their arrival in South Asia began in the late 7th century as traders in the region of Gujrat. The second wave came across when soldiers were serving in the army of the young Arab general Muhammad Bin Qasim during the 8th century. Many East Africans came later on as the Mughal Emperor’s military guards. The Portuguese traders brought in East Africans as slaves with them to the sub-continent. Now irrespective of their origins, they form one of many minority ethnic groups in South Asia. In the sultanates of Deccani and Delhi, Sheedis also served in armies. Some Sheedis in those armies, such as Malik Ambar, and Jamal ud Din Yaqut, rose to high ranks. The majority of this community in Pakistan lives in the Makran coastal region and lower parts of Sindh. They are generally divided into clans and houses. These being Kharadar Makan, Hyderabad Makan, Lassi Makan, and Belaro Makan. Makan means ``house’’, in Urdu.

The Sheedi have a rich, distinct culture. It is a mixture of their ancestral East African culture and the local Islamic culture. This would be most visible in Karachi. Just outside of Karachi is Mangho Pir, a town that contains the shrine of the Sufi Saint Haji Syed Sakhi Sultan. Hundreds of Sheedis gather at this shrine and sing Swahili songs and dance to this language which is now barely understood because of the language dying out due to mainstream culture. The really interesting part about Mangho Pir is that the shrine also contains crocodiles that are honored every year. This is done due to their belief that it will bring them happiness and prosperity the entire year. There is a legend that the lice on the great Sufi saint’s head were transformed into the crocodiles. Unfortunately, Sheedis face widespread discrimination in Pakistan from other community groups due to their appearance and skin color, particularly in social matters such as marriage. The only other social group to intermarry with Sheedis is the low-caste fisher folk clan as well as at work. Women, in particular, are frequently discriminated against in terms of living conditions and are poorly paid by their employers. These people face poverty and lack of opportunities in different fields because of this. There has been evidence in recent years of increased community mobilization, including the formation of organizations such as the Young Sheedi Welfare Organization (YSWO), focusing on expanding access for Sheedis and other marginalized communities to education, health, and livelihoods.

Recently in 2018, an inspirational Sheedi woman, Tanzeela Qambrani has made history. Qambrani had secured a seat in the legislature of Sindh province in Pakistan, making her the first member of the Sheedi minority to become a lawmaker in Pakistan. She has been vocal about the discrimination she faced due to her African descent and how her community has had to struggle to preserve their African roots and cultural expression.

Here is a video of her giving a TED talk in Lahore: https://youtu.be/a82C0AHamv0

As the society continues to focus on decolonization and anti-racism efforts worldwide, it is important to acknowledge and learn about the Sheedi community, their values, morals, and culture.