The Banu Khurman were a local tribe in Wadi Ajal and the Murzuq region in the Fezzan (present-day Libya).[1][2] They have also historically been referred to as "Qurmān", "Husmān", or “Khurmān".[3] They have been identified by some writers as probable descendants of the Garamantes.[2][1]
At an uncertain date, perhaps around 1500, they established their domination over the Fezzan region, following the Kanem Empire's loss of power in this region.[4][1] In 1320, the Banu Khurman raged a deadly war against the Kanem empire and their vassals in the region.[5][verification needed] Some time after their war with Kanem, in 1330 the Banu Khurman led a large campaign against Ghadames.[citation needed] Some Arab sources[6] suggest Hafsid involvement, but no clear sources suggest that they were able to capture Ghadames.[citation needed]
Their domination of the Fezzan region was later usurped by the Awlad Muhammad tribe, which remained a dominant force here until the early 19th century.[4]
