University of Kansas Scholar Brings 16th‑Century Moroccan Leader to Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

How a University of Kansas Researcher Turned Historical Scholarship into a Video‑Game Icon

In February 2025, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII added a new world leader: Sayyida al‑Hurra, the 16th‑century Moroccan pirate queen. The character’s inclusion was not a marketing gimmick; it was the result of a partnership between the game developer Firaxis and Amal El Haimeur, an assistant professor in the Department of African & African‑American Studies at the University of Kansas. El Haimeur’s scholarly work on al‑Hurra, published in the Africana Annual, provided the historical and linguistic foundation that ensured the character’s authenticity.

From Journal Article to Game Design

El Haimeur’s article, released in early 2024, highlighted al‑Hurra’s political acumen, maritime strategy, and cultural influence. When Firaxis approached her to consult on the character, she saw an opportunity to correct a long‑standing gap in popular media: the under‑representation of women and non‑Western leaders in mainstream games. She signed a contract as a historical and linguistic consultant, guiding the development team on everything from Arabic terminology to the political context of 16th‑century Morocco.

Her involvement demonstrates how academic research can directly shape entertainment products. By ensuring that al‑Hurra’s portrayal aligns with historical evidence, the game offers players a nuanced view of a figure who has been largely omitted from Western narratives.

Why Representation Matters in Digital History

Video games are a powerful medium for learning. They combine narrative, strategy, and interactivity to immerse players in complex historical scenarios. When characters are drawn from accurate scholarship, the educational value increases dramatically. For students of history, gender studies, and cultural studies, al‑Hurra’s inclusion provides a concrete example of how marginalized voices can be amplified through popular culture.

Benefits for Players and Scholars

• Curiosity‑Driven Learning: Players who encounter al‑Hurra often research her background, leading to deeper engagement with Moroccan history and Islamic political leadership.
• Empowerment: Seeing a female leader on par with Napoleon or Catherine the Great can inspire young Muslim women and others who identify with under‑represented groups.
• Critical Thinking: The game’s mechanics encourage players to weigh diplomatic, military, and cultural strategies—skills that mirror real‑world decision making.
• Interdisciplinary Dialogue: Academics can use the game as a teaching tool, linking curriculum in history, media studies, and game design.

How Students Can Get Involved

For students at the University of Kansas and beyond, there are several pathways to participate in projects that blend scholarship and media:

1. Pursue a Degree in African & African‑American Studies

Enroll in courses that cover North African history, gender studies, and post‑colonial theory. These subjects provide the analytical framework needed to evaluate historical figures like al‑Hurra.

2. Join Research Projects with Faculty

Faculty members often seek graduate students for archival work, field research, or digital humanities projects. By contributing to a project that examines historical narratives, you gain experience that can translate into consulting roles.

3. Develop Technical Skills for Game Consulting

Learn the basics of game design, narrative scripting, or linguistic localization. Many universities offer workshops or minors in game studies, which can complement a humanities background.

4. Build a Portfolio of Scholarly Work

Publish articles, present at conferences, and create digital exhibits. A strong portfolio demonstrates your expertise and can attract attention from media companies looking for authentic voices.

Practical Steps to Become a Historical Consultant

While the path to consulting on a major video game is rare, the following steps can increase your chances:

1. Establish Credibility: Publish peer‑reviewed research on your chosen historical topic.
2. Network with Industry: Attend conferences that bring together scholars and game developers, such as the Game Developers Conference or the Digital Humanities Conference.
3. Showcase Your Expertise: Create a website or LinkedIn profile that highlights your research, publications, and any media appearances.
4. Offer a Pilot Project: Propose a small consulting engagement, such as reviewing a character’s backstory or providing linguistic advice for a game’s dialogue.
5. Maintain Academic Integrity: Ensure that any collaboration preserves the scholarly rigor of your work while meeting the creative needs of the game studio.

Leveraging the Game for Teaching and Outreach

Educators can incorporate Civilization VII into their curriculum to illustrate the complexities of empire building, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Here are some ideas:

• Case Studies: Use al‑Hurra’s storyline to discuss gender roles in 16th‑century North Africa.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare the game’s representation of al‑Hurra with other leaders from the same era.
• Student Projects: Assign students to create a research paper or multimedia presentation on a game character’s historical accuracy.
• Community Events: Host a game night that focuses on historical leaders, followed by a discussion on representation.

Future Opportunities for Scholars and Creators

El Haimeur’s collaboration with Firaxis signals a growing trend: game studios increasingly seek authentic voices to enrich their narratives. Scholars who specialize in under‑represented histories can find new platforms to disseminate their work. Likewise, creators in the gaming industry can benefit from academic partnerships that add depth and credibility to their products.

Potential Projects to Watch

• Historical accuracy reviews for upcoming titles in the Civilization series.
• Collaborations between universities and indie developers on educational games.
• Digital humanities initiatives that transform archival material into interactive experiences.

Take the Next Step in Your Academic and Creative Journey

Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a game developer, the University of Kansas example shows that rigorous scholarship can shape mainstream media. By pursuing a strong academic foundation, building interdisciplinary skills, and actively seeking collaboration opportunities, you can contribute to projects that bring diverse historical figures to life.

Submit your application today to the University of Kansas and explore how your research can influence the next generation of interactive learning.

Have questions? Write to us at [email protected] or call 785‑864‑2700.

Share your experiences in the comments below or explore our related articles for further reading.