# Nuri Shaalan — Seven Pillars of Wisdom character guide

> Nuri Shaalan in Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Nuri, old Nuri Shaalan, the Shaalan

**First appearance:** 0109-book-ix-balancing-for-a-last-effort

## Snapshot

The heavy, menacing chief of the Ruwalla, whose sombre approval of Lawrence is worth more than any speech to the assembled tribes.

## Who they are

Nuri Shaalan presides over the Ruwalla as a brooding, mean, but brave patriarch, surrounded by sons and retainers like the Khaffaji and the laughing boy Bender. When Lawrence refuses Bender's plea to join his bodyguard, Nuri's sombre look meets his 'in approval' — a small, wordless signal that the alliance is holding. His tribe is one of the great prizes of the northern campaign, and Feisal and Lawrence work the council like a double act, melting the Rualla with 'a touch and a word.'

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/v)

Beduin chieftain who provides refuge to Feisal's suite after they flee Damascus.

### [The Gathering at Wejh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxx)

The great Emir of the Ruwalla, whose favour is secured through Feisal's prior diplomacy and gifts.

### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xliv)

His slave is lost during the march; later found dead beside his unplundered camel.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xlv)

Powerful tribal leader; the group plans to present him with six thousand pounds for permission to stay in Sirhan.

### [Nebk: Strategy and Deception](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xlviii)

Nuri Shaalan confronts Lawrence with conflicting British pledges, prompting Lawrence's agonized advice.

### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lii)

Nuri Shaalan sent a messenger with greetings and news of Turkish cavalry movements.

### [XCIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xcix)

Old Rualla leader who joins Feisal and Lawrence at Jefer; Lawrence fears he will claim a dishonorable bargain, but Nuri does not mention it.

### [CI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/ci)

Shows Lawrence his file of conflicting British documents, asking which to believe.

### [CVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cviii)

Provides horsemen and camel-riders, discussed in Azrak.

### [CXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxiv)

Old, cynical leader of the Rualla; personally leads his horsemen in a raid; his tribe's morale is boosted by the Handley-Page.

### [CXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxv)

Gives his nod to the plan and leads the Rualla horse to delay the Turkish pursuit.

### [CXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxvi)

Reports capturing four hundred prisoners and equipment; leads a sweep toward Deraa.

### [CXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxviii)

Rides with Nasir; commands the Rualla in the pursuit.

### [CXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxix)

Supports Nasir and helps coordinate the Rualla forces in Damascus.

### [CXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxx)

Offers the support of the Rualla tribe and helps close the debate against the Algerians.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/endnotes)

Mentioned in the context of imprisoning sword-smiths to improve their craft.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters/nuri_shaalan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters