The Culture of Tea in Darfur

Tea, a vital part of the daily life here, is typically taken in the morning and afternoon, when Darfuris gather to socialize and discuss family issues, politics and the news of the day.

By Abdullahi Shuaibu

Tea is a national drink in Sudan, and holds a special position in the customs and traditions of the Sudanese. As Sudanese, the people of Darfur cherish their tea times as a vital part of their daily lives. It is a common saying here among Darfuris that one cannot function without a morning cup of tea. In the afternoon, tea is considered to be both refreshment and a relief to the body.

According to historians, tea, which is widely known in Arabic as Shai, was first introduced into Sudan by the Arabs through trading and also by the British, who ruled the country during the colonial era. As a result of these and other influences, tea has become an essential aspect of Sudanese culture, and is widely taken at every meal or special occasion.

A great deal of prestige is attached to the taking of tea by Darfuris, even to such an extent that people here have coined the phrase Haflat Shai, which translates in English as “tea ceremony.” Such ceremonies are organized for special occasions, such as to celebrate a newly wedded couple. In a tea ceremony for newlyweds, for example, friends and family contribute money and give gifts.

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In El Fasher, North Darfur, Ms. Maryam Ahmed prepares tea for her customers. Ms. Ahmed, who works as a “tea lady,” says she started her business more than three years ago, and sells different kinds of tea to many customers throughout the day. Photo by Hamid Abdulsalam, UNAMID.