Auda Abu Tayi

"I carry twenty-three great wounds, all got in battle. Seventy-five men have I killed with my own hands in battle. I scatter, I burn my enemies' tents. I take away their flocks and herds. The Turks pay me a golden treasure, yet I am poor! Because I am a river to my people!"

- Abu Tayi to T.E. Lawrence

Auda Abu Tayi was a secondary protagonist in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. He was portrayed by Anthony Quinn, who also portrayed Barabbas and Kiril Lakota.

Abu Tayi was a member of the Howitat tribe. During the First World War he was the Shaikh, or leader, of the tribe.

Initially in the pay of the Ottoman Empire, Abu Tayi was convinced to switch sides by Col. T.E. Lawrence and Prince Faisal and assist in the Arabic revolt against the Ottoman Empire. He became one of the prime figures in the revolt, helping Faisal and his forces win several important battles.

Trivia

 * Quinn got very involved with his role, studying photos of the real Auda Abu Tayi and applying his own makeup in order to look as much like the real Abu Tayi as possible.


 * Abu Tayi was portrayed as a man primarily interested in financial rewards in the film. While attracted to the financial rewards, the real Abu Tayi was a genuine supporter of the Arab Revolt.


 * Objecting to the depiction of Abu Tayi in the film, Abu Tayi's descendants sued Columbia Pictures, a suit that was later dropped.