"كُتيّب اليمن" [ظ‎‎٣‎٧] (١٩٠/٧٩)

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resented the declaration of peace in 1911 and the Imam's
treachery towards the Idrisi; and his proposition that they
should pay taxes to the Turks caused Nasir Ibn Mabkhut,
the chief of the Himran and paramount Sheikh of the
Hashid, to withdraw his tribes and enter into relations
with Idrisi. A truce was arranged in the following year,
but there is still bad feeling between the two which is not
likely to cease until the Imam declares definitely against
the Turks. The defection of so powerful a body of sup
porters has of course reacted in favour of Idrisi who during
the last few years has been steadily working to make the
feeling permanent. He has, however, to contend against
an allegiance which has been handed down for many genera
tions, and his lack of ready cash has prevented him from
doing more than keep relations between the Imam and the
Hashid strained. He has been in constant touch with
their chief Sheikhs for the last few years, and has said that
money is the only thing required to bring them on his side.
The outstanding figure of the Hashid wa Bekil confe
deration is Nasir Ibn Mabkhut. This Sheikh, a man of
forcible and ruthless character, has gained almost complete
ascendency over the Hashid tribesmen and largely influences
the Bekil chiefs. He is cruel and unscrupulous and will
join whichever side pays him most. His power is such
that given adequate material help he can in all probability
force the Imam to what terms he likes.
No attempt has been made to estimate numbers in the
account which follows, but the confederation is said to
have put over 50,000 men in the field against the Turks
in 1911.
34.—Hashid.
The boundaries of the Hashid have already been de
scribed. The tribe is largely an agricultural and pastoral
one, but certain sections, especially the Himran, are engaged
in trade.