Shahran

Shahran (Arabic: شَهْرَان) is one of the largest tribes in the 'Asir and Jizan region of Saudi Arabia. Shahrani lands are bordered by Subay' and Al-Shalaowah (الشلاوة وسبيع) to the north, 'Abida and Rofaidah to the east (عبيدة ورفيدة), Al Njou’ to the South (النجوع), and Banou Sha’ba, Mogaidah, Banou Melk, Bal’smar, Banou Sheher, Balgern and Shamran to the west. (بنو شعبة ومغيدة وبنو مالك وبلحمر وبلسمر وبنو شهر وبلقرن وشمران). The noticed density to the west of Shahrani lands is due to the presence of the large city of Abha (آبها) in that direction. Through history, tribal wars have been waged between the two neighbors, especially between Shahran and the other major tribe of the area, Qahtan (قحطان). Such wars have not been waged after the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Shahran's largest and main city is Khamis Mushayt (The largest city in ‘Asir, and the 8th largest in Saudi Arabia with an estimated population of 1,100,000). Khamis Mushayt is noted for being the fourth largest trading center in Saudi Arabia, and is famous for its world-class military airbase. Sharan is a large tribe, thus its name (Shahran al-Ar’eda; شَهْرَان العَرِيْضة) which means “wide (or volumes) Shahran” in Arabic. The number of this tribe reaches 5 million people, and is thus one of the largest in Arabia. The head of Shahran is assigned to the House of Mushayt, and has been such for hundreds of years now.