A Jewish Scholar in a Muslim Community: The Sudan's Life and Writings of Sigmar Hillelson (1911-1933)
ALHAJ SALIM MUSTAFA
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to highlight the contribution made by S. Hillellson, a German of Jewish origin who studied at Oxford and became a British subject in 1908. He joined the Sudan Civil Service (SCS) from 1911 to 1933, serving in the Education Department, the Intelligence Department and the Civil Secretary’s Office. It was suggested that the (SCS) famously known as the Sudan Political Service (SPS) was second only to the acclaimed Indian Civil Service (ICS) during the British Colonial time. The Service has been almost a closed British club with a noticeable chauvinism and Prejudice against non British Subjects. The paper gives a brief history of Jewish presence in the Sudan and the origin of the (SPS) as a background to the study. The Paper attempts to examine this thesis, looking into his relationship with British, non British and Sudanese colleagues and students. The paper also attempts to look into his life in the Sudan and after he left the country. A survey of his writings about Sudan is given. Based on the investigation made, the paper found no evidence to suggest that he was treated differently by his British colleagues on the basis of his race or religion.
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