What's Happening?
Sayyida al-Hurra, a 16th-century Moroccan pirate queen, has been included as a playable character in the video game Civilization 7, thanks to the research efforts of Amal El Haimeur, a professor at the University of Kansas. Al-Hurra, who was a significant figure in Moroccan history, was largely omitted from traditional history books. Her inclusion in the game is part of the Tides of Power Collection DLC, which aims to highlight lesser-known historical figures. El Haimeur's research revealed al-Hurra's leadership and maritime skills, which she used to govern the city of Tétouan and engage in piracy to protect local interests.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Sayyida al-Hurra in Civilization 7 represents a broader effort to diversify historical narratives in popular
media, bringing attention to influential figures who have been overlooked. This move not only enriches the gaming experience by providing players with a more varied cast of characters but also educates them about different cultural and historical contexts. By highlighting al-Hurra's story, the game challenges traditional Western-centric historical perspectives and encourages players to explore the complexities of global history. This can lead to increased interest in and appreciation for the contributions of women and non-Western leaders.
What's Next?
The success of Sayyida al-Hurra's inclusion in Civilization 7 may inspire other game developers to incorporate diverse historical figures into their narratives. This could lead to a broader trend of using video games as educational tools to explore underrepresented histories. Additionally, El Haimeur is working on a book about women's sovereignty in North Africa, which may further contribute to the academic and public understanding of figures like al-Hurra. The growing interest in such stories could also result in more media adaptations, such as films or documentaries, bringing these narratives to a wider audience.
