Tabennas (Tabennesi)

The Tabennas (or Tabennesi) are an ethnic group native to Egypt’s Western Desert, primarily in the Tabennas region. They have a history of nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyles, traditionally engaged in livestock herding and desert trading. Their culture includes distinctive music, crafts, and oral traditions that reflect their connection to the desert environment. Although modern influences have changed some aspects of their way of life, they maintain unique cultural practices. The Tabennas are recognized as a resilient community whose identity is closely linked to Egypt’s desert landscape and its historical trade routes.