Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities The Middle of Nowhere
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Mar 3, 2026 Tales about a strange unclaimed strip of land and the quirky attempts to claim it. Exploration of competing Red Sea territory and local peoples' ties to the area. A look at militant suffrage activism, hunger strikes, and a shocking Derby protest that polarized public opinion. Reflections on how war and tactics reshaped the fight for voting rights.
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Why Bir Tawil Is Unclaimed Desert
- Bir Tawil exists because early 20th century British border drawings created conflicting claims between Egypt and Sudan.
- The 1899 straight border and the 1902 administrative squiggle produced Bir Tawil (undesirable desert) and the contested Hala'ib Triangle with Red Sea access.
A Man Declared Himself King Of Bir Tawil
- Adventurers and micro-nation enthusiasts visit Bir Tawil despite locals who claim it as homeland.
- Jeremiah Heaton from Virginia declared himself king in 2014 to make his daughter a princess, prompting press and crowdfunding but no legal recognition.
Local People Still Control Bir Tawil
- Though maps show Bir Tawil as unclaimed, the Ababda (Abada) people consider it their homeland and protect access.
- A 2019 tour required approval and protection from the Ababda, exposing the gap between legal claims and local realities.