Dawaro or Doaro ( Amharic : ደዋሮ) was a Muslim principality which laid near Hadiya . The state was originally independent until becoming a vassal and later a province due its subjugation by Emperor Amda Seyon I in the early 14th century. The region was situated east of Hadiya and north of Bali which covered much of Ethiopia's Arsi Province . The capital of Dawaro was called Sabboch
148-570: The earliest mention of this province comes from the Royal Chronicle of Emperor Amda Seyon . After occupying Ifat , Amda Seyon then proceeded to garrison Dawaro. However, in the late 1320s the ruler of the province, Haydara, ended up siding with Sabr ad-Din I during his rebellion and "treacherously" executed some of the Emperor's messengers. Amda Seyon, incensed by this act of rebellion, at once set out with his troops. On reaching Dawaro he "laid waste
296-795: A Cushitic ethnic group native to the Oromia region of Ethiopia and parts of Northern Kenya. They speak the Oromo language (also called Afaan Oromoo ), which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family . They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia . According to the last Ethiopian census of 2007, the Oromo numbered 25,488,344 people or 34.5% of the Ethiopian population. Recent estimates have
444-512: A Gadaa office. Every eight years, the Oromo would choose by consensus nine leaders for the office. A leader elected by the Gadaa system remains in power only for eight years, with an election taking place at the end of those eight years. There are three Gadaa organs of governance: Gadaa Council, Gadaa General Assembly ( gumi gayo ), and the Qallu Assembly. The Gadaa Council is considered
592-457: A Christian who had converted to Islam but that had reverted back to Christianity, as the provincial governor of Dawaro. Gelawdewos later faced problems with the Portuguese, he then banished 140 of them to the province of Dawaro. The presence of the Portuguese greatly displeased Khalid, he therefore ordered them to be killed or expelled from the province. Khalid attempted to ambush the Portuguese with
740-421: A Muslim Ethiopia. Amda Seyon's royal chronicle states that Sabr ad-Din proclaimed: In fact, after his first incursion, Sabr ad-Din appointed governors for nearby and neighboring provinces such as Fatagar and Alamalé (i.e. Aymellel, part of the " Guragé country"), as well as far-off provinces in the north like Damot , Amhara , Angot , Inderta , Begemder , and Gojjam . He also threatened to plant khat at
888-528: A ceremonial manner in contemporary hagiographies . e. According to Taddesse Tamrat, from traditional indications in the hagiography of Abiye Igzi'. f. A translation with notes of these four songs is included in The Glorious Victories , pp. 129–134. Primary sources (Ethiopian) Secondary sources Oromos The Oromo people ( pron. / ˈ ɒr əm oʊ / ORR -əm-oh Oromo : Oromoo ) are
1036-534: A contemporary note written in a manuscript now kept in the island monastery of Lake Hayq , which mentions that in 1309 AM (1316/7 AD), Emperor Amda Seyon successfully campaigned against the Pagan Damot ( ዳሞት መንግስት ) as well as Muslim Harla Kingdom and Hadiya Kingdom . The note describes his conquest of Damot , many of whose people he exiled to another area, and then the conquest of Hadiya, to whose people he did likewise. Though his early control of these regions
1184-741: A dialect of Afaan Oromo, the Oromo language. Barentu/Barentoo or (older) Baraytuma is the other moiety of the Oromo people. The Barentu Oromo inhabit the eastern parts of the Oromia Region in the Zones of West Hararghe , Arsi Zone , Bale Zone , Dire Dawa city, the Jijiga Zone of the Somali Region , Administrative Zone 3 of the Afar Region , Oromia Zone of the Amhara Region , and are also found in
1332-505: A division of Damot fought the Beta Israel in the north, while another went to fight in the campaigns in the south against the Sultanate of Ifat . The Emperor improved the imperial army, which until his reign was not as heavily armed as his Muslim adversaries. The 14th century Arab historian al-Umari noted regarding Ethiopian troops that Despite the wide variety of weapons ascribed to
1480-440: A fierce attack on a number of Christian towns. The young Emperor, Gelawdewos , made his way to confront him and Abbas rushed with his army to meet the Emperor. Gelawdewos was entirely victorious in this engagement and Abbas with all his captains were killed. The remaining Muslims who had survived the battle became the target of the local Christian populace who massacred all those who they could find. The Emperor then appointed Khalid,
1628-585: A large army, but as soon as the assault began they shot and killed Khalid, after which most of his supporters would become their vassals. The Emperor was said to be very pleased with this outcome as he had always distrusted the governor. After the death of Khalid, the Portuguese would rule Dawaro for four months until the province was invaded by the Oromos . The Emperor warned the Portuguese of an impending Oromo attack. The Portuguese would immediately prepare to face this attack by stockpiling on munitions and gunpowder. When
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#17330937324421776-651: A local ruler. From the reign of Amde Tseyon, Chewa regiments , or legions, formed the backbone of the Empire military forces. The Ge’ez term for these regiments is ṣewa (ጼዋ) while the Amharic term is č̣äwa (ጨዋ). The normal size of a regiment was several thousand men. Each regiment was allocated a fief (Gult), to ensure its upkeep ensured by the land revenue. The central army was divided into independent regiments, each with its own specialized name, such as Qeste-Nihb , Hareb Gonda , and Tekula . The independent regiments competed for
1924-616: A major part of slaves sold in Gondar and Gallabat slave markets at Ethiopia-Sudan border, as well as the Massawa and Tajura markets on the Red Sea . There was also a large slave market at al Hudaydah on the coast of Yemen. The Oromo people are engaged in many occupations. The southern Oromo (specifically the Borana Oromo ) are largely pastoralists who raise goats and cattle. Other Oromo groups have
2072-557: A major role in the Weyane revolt, challenging Emperor Haile Selassie I 's rule in the 1940s. Simultaneously, both federalist and secessionist political forces developed inside the Oromo community. At present a number of ethnic-based political organizations have been formed to promote the interests of the Oromo. The first was the Mecha and Tulama Self-Help Association was founded in January 1963, but
2220-444: A member of the deputation sent by the Emperor named Ti'yintay on his way back from Cairo. Haqq ad-Din tried to convert Ti`yintay, killing him when this failed. The Emperor responded by invading Ifat accompanied by, according to Amda Seyon's royal chronicler, only seven horsemen, and killed many of the sultan's soldiers. Part of the army then followed him and destroyed the province's capital, Ifat, and Amda Seyon took much of its wealth in
2368-632: A mission to Cairo in 1321-2 threatening to retaliate against the Muslims in his kingdom, and threatened to send a legion in conquest of Egypt after diverting the course of the Nile if the sultan did not end his persecution. Though Al-Nasir Muhammad ignored the envoys, fear of the diversion of the Nile in Egypt would continue for centuries. As a result of the dispute and threats, Haqq ad-Din I , sultan of Ifat, seized and imprisoned
2516-679: A more diverse economy which includes agriculture and work in urban centers. Some Oromo also sell many products and food items like coffee beans (coffee being a favorite beverage among the Oromo) at local markets. In December 2009, a 96-page report titled "Human Rights in Ethiopia: Through the Eyes of the Oromo Diaspora", compiled by the Advocates for Human Rights, documented human rights violations against
2664-476: A needle. A cow would cost 5,000 hakunas , a goat 3,000 hakunas . The social customs of Dawaro were also very similar to that of Ifat with both regions being inhabited by Muslims. Christian proselytization of the locals reached a high level of intensity during the reign of Dawit I , who then encouraged the settlement of Ethiopian military colonists to the peripheral province. However, the Ethiopian troops stationed in
2812-534: A number of members of other ethnicities who are in contact with the Oromo speak it as a second language, such as the Omotic -speaking Bambassi and the Nilo-Saharan -speaking Kwama in western Ethiopia. The Oromo followed their traditional religion, Waaqeffanna , and were resistant to religious conversion before assimilation in sultanates and Christian kingdoms. The influential 30-year war from 1529 to 1559 between
2960-528: A period even change the official language of the empire from Amharic to Oromiffa during the rule of the half-Oromo emperor Iyoas I . They would establish dynasties such as the Yejju dynasty that would be de facto rulers of Ethiopian Empire from 1784 to 1853 during the Zemene Mesafint , they would particularly have control over the provinces of Begemder and Gojjam . Another Oromo dynasty that would rise in
3108-578: A political and military vacuum that allowed the Oromo to move relatively unhindered into both the Ethiopian Empire and the Adal Sultanate . Further, they acquired horses and their gada system helped coordinate Oromo cavalry warriors which enabled them to fight very effectively. Bahrey argues the success of the Oromos in battle was because all Oromo men were trained as warriors, while in Ethiopia only
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#17330937324423256-476: A political unit by the 18th century. Today the name is preserved among the Jaarso , which has a subgroup called Dawaro. The Dawaro clan was said to have originated from Arsi . Amda Seyon I of Ethiopia Amda Seyon I , also known as Amda Tsiyon I ( Ge'ez : ዐምደ ፡ ጽዮን ʿamda ṣiyōn , Amharic : አምደ ፅዮን āmde ṣiyōn , "Pillar of Zion"), throne name Gebre Mesqel (ገብረ መስቀል gäbrä mäsḳal , "Servant of
3404-400: A small section of the population were warriors, the rest uninvolved in the defense of their country. The military discipline of the Oromos was noted by the Portuguese chronicler Joao Bermudes, who observed that during the invasion of Dawaro , the Oromos "did not come on without order like barbarians, but advanced collected in bodies, like squadrons." The early 16th and 17th century witnessed
3552-560: A tradition that at this time the Ge'ez translation of the Bible was revised. Also worth mentioning is that four of the Soldiers Songs were composed during the reign of Amda Seyon, and are the earliest surviving extants of Amharic to date. Lastly, Amda Seyon is the first king recorded as having donated to the library of the Ethiopian community at Jerusalem . "These devastating victories settled
3700-470: Is a sweeping repression in the Oromo region of Ethiopia. On 12 December 2015, the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported violent protests in the Oromo region of Ethiopia in which more than 20 students were killed. According to the report, the students were protesting against the government's re-zoning plan named 'Addis Ababa Master Plan'. On 2 October 2016, between 55 and 300 festival-goers were massacred at
3848-504: Is a title similar to an archbishop), and is described as being revered and feared like God by the kings and rulers in the region. The chronicle ascribes blame to Salīh, stating that it was he "who gathered the Muslim troops, kings, and rulers" against the Emperor. As a result of these instigations and conditions, Sabr ad-Din I , governor of Ifat as well as brother and successor to Haqq ad-Din, showed defiance to Amda Seyon by confiscating some of
3996-471: Is also the most widely spoken Cushitic language and the fourth-most widely spoken language of Africa , after Arabic , Hausa and Swahili . Oromo is spoken as a first language by more than 40 million Oromo people in Ethiopia and by an additional half-million in parts of northern and eastern Kenya. It is also spoken by smaller numbers of emigrants in other African countries, such as South Africa , Libya , Egypt and Sudan . Besides first language speakers,
4144-591: Is consistent with the written and oral traditions of the Somalis . Others, such as the International African Institute , suggests that it is an Oromo word (adopted by neighbors), for there is a word, gala , meaning 'wandering' or 'to go home' in their language. Canadian philosophical professor, Claude Sumner , stated that the French explorer and Ethiopian traveler, Antoine Thomson d'Abbadie , claimed that
4292-533: Is mentioned is in the Futuh al-Habasa , the history of the conquests of Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi . The province of Dawaro, because of its location to the east and its relative proximity to the Adal Sultanate became the first part of the empire to be confronted by the forces of Imam Ahmad. The Imam carried out a raid on the province in 1526-7. His men was said to take considerable loot such as horses, slaves and sheep. The Adalites planned to return to their country, but
4440-538: Is more common in southern Oromo populations and Christianity more common in and near the urban centers, while Islam is more common near the Somali border and in the north. The Oromos ' cuisine consists of various vegetable and meat side dishes and entrées. Pork is typically not in Oromo cuisine, as it is considered taboo for Orthodox Oromos and Muslim Oromos who make up over 90% of the population combined, unlike with Catholics among others. Oromo people are believed to be one of
4588-416: Is no relationship. The new year of the Oromo people, according to this calendar, falls in the month of October. The calendar has no weeks but a name for each day of the month. It is a lunar-stellar calendar system. Some modern authors such as Gemetchu Megerssa have proposed the concept of Oromumma , or 'Oromoness' as a cultural common between Oromo people. The word is derived by combining Oromo with
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4736-562: Is the most beautiful in Africa; it is not originally from Abyssinia ; she came there by invasion , as we will see below in the history that I will give of the Kingdom of Choa ( Shewa ). The Gallas are, in general, well built, they have a tall figure, a broad and raised forehead, an aquiline nose , a well-cut mouth, a copper complexion rather than black; their hair is braided into small braids which float around their heads, and mix something graceful with
4884-627: The Gabbaro (some 17th- to 19th-century Ethiopian texts refer them as the dhalatta ). Below these two upper castes were the despised castes of artisans, and at the lowest level were the slaves. In the Islamic Kingdom of Jimma , the Oromo society's caste strata predominantly consisted of endogamous, inherited artisanal occupations. Each caste group has specialized in a particular occupation such as iron working, carpentry, weapon making, pottery, weaving, leather-working and hunting. Each caste in
5032-447: The Gadaa system, a political and ritual system based on an egalitarian ethos, age grade social organization and highly structured institutions. Under Gadaa, every eight years, the Oromo would choose by consensus nine leaders known as Salgan ya’ii Borana (the nine Borana assemblies). A leader elected by the gadaa system remains in power only for 8 years, with an election taking place at
5180-455: The Abyssinians masters of the region, and from then on there gleams around the name Abyssinians that halo which belongs to the great conquering nations. However, in the long run these victories failed to achieve the desired end." "The campaigns of Amda-Siyon did not create an empire, but they did lay a proper foundation for the creation of a nation later inspire Emperor Emperor Menelik ii for
5328-927: The Bible Churchmen's Missionary Society , the Seventh-Day Adventists , the United Presbyterian Mission of the US, the Church Mission to the Jews , Evangeliska Fosterlands-Stiftelsen , Bibeltrogna Vänner , and the Hermannsburg Mission . In the mid and late 19th century, the Ethiopian emperors were faced with widespread rifts and disputes in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and crippling ethnic and religious divisions that plagued
5476-515: The Horn of Africa in the fourteenth century." It is argued that sufficient evidence shows that Amda Seyon was the son of Wedem Arad . However, when a deputation of monks led by Basalota Mika’el accused him of incest for marrying Emperor Wedem Arad's concubine Jan Mogassa and threatened to excommunicate him, he claimed to be the biological son of the Emperor's brother Qedma Asgad ; this explanation may have had its origins in court gossip. Whatever
5624-752: The Oromia Bank (formerly Oromia National Bank) established in 2008. Radio broadcasts began in the Oromo language in Somalia in 1960 on Radio Mogadishu . Within Kenya there has been radio broadcasting in Oromo (in the Borana dialect) on the Voice of Kenya since at least the 1980s. Broadcasting in Oromo began in Ethiopia during the 1974 revolution, in which Radio Harar began broadcasting. The first private Afaan Oromoo newspaper in Ethiopia, Jimma Times , also known as Oromo : Yeroo ,
5772-689: The Oromia Region in central Ethiopia, the largest region in the country by both population and area. They speak Afaan Oromoo, the official language of Oromia. Oromos constitute the third most populous ethnic group among Africans as a whole and the most populous among Horners specifically. Oromo also have a notable presence in northern Kenya in the Marsabit County , Isiolo County and Tana River County totaling to about 656,636: 276,236 Borana , 141,200 Gabra , 158,000 Orma , 45,200 Sakuye , 20,000 Waata , and 16,000 Munyo Yaya . There are also Oromo in
5920-614: The Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), is one of the four parties that form the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. The ONC, for example, was part of the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces coalition that challenged the EPRDF in the Ethiopian general elections of 2005 . Several of these groups seek to create an independent Oromo nation, some using armed force. Meanwhile,
6068-583: The Raya Azebo Aanaas in the Tigray Region . Oromo is written with Latin characters known as Qubee . The Sapalo script was invented by the Oromo scholar Sheikh Bakri Sapalo (also known by his birth name, Abubaker Usman Odaa) during the 1950s. Oromo serves as one of the official languages of Ethiopia and is also the working language of several of the states within the Ethiopian federal system including Oromia, Harari and Dire Dawa regional states and of
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6216-654: The Red Sea : "I, King Amdä-ṣiyon, went to the sea of Eritrea [i.e. "Red Sea"]. When I reached there, I mounted on an elephant and entered the sea. I took up my arrow and spears, killed my enemies, and saved my people." During his campaign, the emperor also met the famous monk Ewostatewos , who was on his way to Armenia . Around 1320, Sultan an-Nasir Muhammad of the Mamluk Sultanate based in Cairo began persecuting Copts and destroying their churches. Amdä Seyon subsequently sent
6364-556: The Rift Valley respectively. The Barento moved in an eastern direction, eventually settling in today's Arsi , Bale , Hararghe and Wollo regions. Whereas the Boorana trekked northwest, settling in the regions of Shewa , Illubabor and Welega . According to Richard Pankhurst , a British-born Ethiopian historian, this expansion is linked to the attempted conquest of the Ethiopian Empire by Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim , which created
6512-692: The Tulama Oromo were among those who violently clashed with the Ethiopian expansion in the region in the 19th century and the empire's attempts at enforcing unity through the propagation of Orthodox Christianity, as the majority of these groups were not Christian but Muslims. In the 2007 Ethiopian census for Oromia region, which included Oromo and some non-Oromo residents, there was a total of 13,107,963 followers of Christianity (8,204,908 Orthodox, 4,780,917 Protestant, 122,138 Catholic), 12,835,410 followers of Islam , 887,773 followers of traditional religions , and 162,787 followers of other religions. Accordingly,
6660-462: The "infidels of Dawaro" assembled a large army against them, this force was subsequently defeated. Not long after this Emperor Dawit I received news of an impending larger invasion of Dawaro, the Emperor assembled a large army that consisted of units from all over the country. This army was defeated in the disastrous Battle of Shimbra Kure , but the Imam later returned back to Harar . In the summer of 1531,
6808-534: The Adalites returned to Dawaro where they occupied the province, they soon ravaged the province and destroyed a large church that was erected by the Emperor's predecessor. The Imam then arrived at a settlement called Geberge and demanded that all of the Christian inhabitants either convert to Islam or pay the jizya tax. Most of the inhabitants choose to retain their religion by declaring their neutrality and agreeing to pay
6956-573: The Arabic term ummah (community). However, according to Terje Østebø and other scholars, this term is a neologism from the late 1990s and its link Oromo ethno-nationalism and Salafi Islamic discourse has been questioned, in their disagreement with Christian Amhara and other ethnic groups. The Oromo people, depending on their geographical location and historical events, have variously converted to Islam, to Christianity, or remained with their traditional religion (Waaqeffanna) . According to Gemetchu Megerssa,
7104-630: The Chinese, the Hindus and the Mayans. It was tied to the traditional religion of the Oromos, and used to schedule the Gadaa system of elections and power transfer. The Borana Oromo calendar system was once thought to be based upon an earlier Cushitic calendar developed around 300 BC found at Namoratunga . Reconsideration of the Namoratunga site led astronomer and archaeologist Clive Ruggles to conclude that there
7252-419: The Christians has now come to an end; and it has been given to us, for you will reign on in Siyon [i.e. Ethiopia]. Go, ascend [the mountains], and fight the king of the Christians; you will defeat him, and rule him together with his peoples." A second religious leader is noted as having fomented trouble in the region, specifically in Adal and Mora . He is called " Salih whose title was Qazī " (which it notes
7400-457: The Cross"), was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1314 to 1344 and a member of the Solomonic dynasty . He is best known in the so called chronicles as a heroic warrior against the Muslims, and is sometimes considered to have been the founder of the Ethiopian Empire. Amda Seyon's chronicles however appear to be highly unreliable as it was written a hundred years after his reign and conflates conflicts involving successive Ethiopian emperors. Nonetheless
7548-461: The Emperor's goods in transit from the coast (i.e. Zeila ), similar to what his brother had done before him. Amda Seyon was furious with Sabr ad-Din, saying to him, "You took away the commodities belonging to me obtained in exchange for the large quantity of gold and silver I had entrusted to the merchants... you imprisoned the traders who did business for me." Sabr ad-Din's rebellion was not an attempt to achieve independence, but to become emperor of
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#17330937324427696-430: The Ethiopian troops by al-Umari, swords and daggers were not often used by the Ethiopian army, which was mainly armed with bows, spears, and shields for defense, along with mounted soldiers. The Muslims, however, are described as having "swords, daggers, iron sticks [ dimbus ]" and other weapons useful in close quarters, and al-Umari notes that "the arrows of the warriors of the Muslim borderlands are bigger" than those of
7844-408: The Haile Selassie regime. The Oromo have played a major role in the internal dynamics of Ethiopia. Accordingly, Oromos played major roles in all three main political movements in Ethiopia (centralist, federalist and secessionist) during the 19th and 20th century. In addition to holding high powers during the centralist government and the monarchy, the Raya Oromos in the Tigray regional state played
7992-400: The Muslims of Ethiopia were the Emperor's servants. Amda Seyon rejected the governor's pleas, declaring: Amda Seyon continued and was attacked twice in skirmishes before making camp. The Muslims returned during the night in much greater numbers, and attacked him with an army raised from the seven "great clans" of Adal: Gebela, Lebekela, Wargar , Paguma, and Tiqo. During the battle, Amda Seyon
8140-412: The OLF as a political force in Ethiopia. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , the Oromia Support Group (OSG) recorded 594 extrajudicial killings of Oromos by Ethiopian government security forces and 43 disappearances in custody between 2005 and August 2008. Starting in November 2015, during a wave of mass protests, mainly by Oromos, over the expansion of
8288-399: The Oromia Zone in the Amhara Region. It is a language of primary education in Oromia, Harari, Dire Dawa, Benishangul-Gumuz and of the Oromia Zone in the Amhara Region. It is used as an internet language for federal websites along with Tigrinya . More than 35% of Ethiopia's population are Oromo mother-tongue speakers, which makes it the most widely spoken primary language in Ethiopia. It
8436-438: The Oromia region is approximately 40% to 45% Christian (8,204,908 or 30.4% Orthodox, 4,780,917 or 17.7% Protestant, 122,138 Catholic), 55% to 60% Muslim and 3.3% followers of traditional religions. According to a 2016 estimate by James Minahan, about half of the Oromo people are Sunni Muslim, a third are Ethiopian Orthodox, and the rest are mostly Protestants or follow their traditional religious beliefs. The traditional religion
8584-425: The Oromia region, following the assassination of musician Hachalu Hundessa on 29 June 2020, leading to the deaths of at least 200 people. On 30 June 2020, a statue of former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie in London was destroyed by Oromo protestors in response to the killing of popular singer Hachalu Hundessa and grievances of the Oromo language being banned from education, and the use in administration under
8732-507: The Oromo and the Somali people originated in southern Ethiopia but the Somali expanded to the east and north much earlier than the Oromo, and the Oromo lived only in southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya until the Oromo expansion began about 1530. Historical evidence suggests that the Oromo people were already established in the southern highlands in or before the 15th century and that at least some Oromo people were interacting with other Ethiopian ethnic groups. According to Alessandro Triulzi,
8880-414: The Oromo comprising 45,000,000 people, or 35.8% of the total Ethiopian population estimated at 116,000,000. The Oromo were originally nomadic, semi-pastoralist people who later would conquer large swaths of land during their expansions . After the settlement, they would establish kingdoms in the Gibe regions and dynasties in Abyssinia . The Oromo people traditionally used the gadaa system as
9028-422: The Oromo in Ethiopia under three successive regimes: the Ethiopian Empire under Haile Selassie , Marxist Derg and the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), dominated by members of the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and which was accused to have arrested approximately 20,000 suspected OLF members, to have driven most OLF leadership into exile, and to have effectively neutralized
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#17330937324429176-402: The Oromo people probably originated around the lakes Lake Chew Bahir and Lake Chamo . They are a Cushitic people and prior to their expansions, they inhabited only the region of what is now modern-day north Kenya and southern Ethiopia. The aftermath of the sixteenth century Ethiopian–Adal war led Oromos to move to the north. While Oromo people have lived in the region for a long time,
9324-435: The Oromo society had a designated name. For example, Tumtu were smiths, Fuga were potters, Faqi were tanners and leatherworkers, Semmano were weavers, Gagurtu were beekeepers and honey-makers, and Watta were hunters and foragers. While slaves were a stratum within the society, many Oromos, regardless of caste, were sold into slavery elsewhere. By the 19th century, Oromo slaves were sought after and
9472-418: The Oromo were a pastoralist people who began to move in large numbers into the central highlands of Ethiopia from their cradleland in the plains of southern Ethiopia during the 16th century. This large scale expansion is referred to as the "Great Oromo Migrations" . Prior to this movement, the Oromos were divided into two major confederations, the Boorana and the Barento , who lived in the west and east of
9620-414: The Oromos comes from the Italian ( Venetian ) cartographer Fra Mauro , who notes a Galla River south of the Awash River , in his famous Mappomondo , or map of the world, completed in 1460. This reference indicates that the Oromos inhabited this area of southern Ethiopia for at least a century and a half before their expansion north. As early as the 12th century, all aspects of Oromo life was governed by
9768-401: The Oromos did arrive they were "innumerable, and did not come on without order like barbarians, but advanced collected in bodies, like squadrons". The Portuguese fought the Oromos for around 11 to 12 days according to Joao Bermudes until they ran out of gunpower and ammunition. Before they withdrew from Dawaro, Bermudes claims that all of the country's inhabitants were safely evacuated. Just after
9916-406: The Oromos have led some scholars such as Mario Aguilar and Abdullahi Shongolo to conclude that "a common identity acknowledged by all Oromo in general does not exist". Like other ethnic groups in the Horn of Africa and East Africa, Oromo people regionally developed social stratification consisting of four hierarchical strata. The highest strata were the nobles called the Borana ; below them were
10064-412: The Portuguese had fled from the province, they soon met up with Gelawdewos who was on his way to support the Portuguese defense. The Emperor was said to have "wept like a child" after hearing about the fall of Dawaro and said "My sin is great that such evil has befallen me." Until the beginning of the 17th century, the Ethiopian Emperors would still maintain their claim to Dawaro until it had vanished as
10212-400: The Royal chronicle as "Sumey (-shehal)" and "Simiy (-shihal)." Inze-Aygab also appears once as "Yanz-Aygeb." d. According to Taddesse Tamrat, though the royal chronicle describes Amda Seyon as being armed with a sword, the chronicler only refers to the Emperors skill with the bow and arrow, spear, and shield; Taddesse further notes in a footnote that swords seem to only be used in
10360-446: The Solomonic army. The Ethiopian army's strength was mainly numerical, but Amda Seyon did much to improve his army's equipment, increasing the use of swords and daggers (probably obtained through Muslim traders), and creating a special regiment armed with swords. The Emperor also formed a special regiment of shield-bearers that was probably used to guard his archers. Trade flourished under Amda Seyon. Archeological investigations in
10508-488: The ancient Gallic tribe in France. Another outdated theory of its origin comes from the belief that the Oromos rejected the offer to convert to Islam by Muhammad as their official religion, thus the prophet giving them the name Qal la or هو قال لا meaning "he said no". Some sources claim it was a term for a river and a forest, as well as for the pastoral people established in the highlands of southern Ethiopia. This historical information, according to Mohammed Hassen ,
10656-458: The battle and sent fresh troops who had not fought to pursue the surviving enemies. They were able to reach the survivors on the banks of a nearby river by morning and kill them, taking many swords, bows, spears, and clothes. Jamal ad-Din, despite being his appointee, also joined the rebellion, collaborating with the ruler of Adal imam Salih to encircle the Emperor, to which the ruler of Adal responded by mobilizing his forces. The Ethiopian army
10804-732: The best known is the Kebra Nagast , which is said to have been translated from Arabic then. Other works from this period include the Mashafa Mestira Samay Wamedr ("The Book of the Mysteries of Heaven and Earth") written by Giyorgis of Segla , and the Zena Eskender ("History of Alexander the Great"), a romance wherein Alexander the Great becomes a Christian saint. Ullendorff has identified
10952-764: The capital and killed many soldiers, but Sabr ad-Din once again escaped. Amda Seyon's forces then grouped together for a final attack, destroying one of his camps, killing many men, women, and children, taking the rest prisoner, as well as looting it of its gold, silver, and its "fine clothes and jewels without number." Sabr ad-Din subsequently sued for peace, appealing to Queen Jan Mengesha, who refused his peace offer and expressed Amda Seyon's determination not to return to his capital until he had searched Sabr ad-Din out. Upon hearing this, Sabr ad-Din realized that his rebellion futile and surrendered himself to Amda Seyon's camp. Amda Seyon's courtiers demanded that Sabr ad-Din be executed, but he instead granted him relative clemency and had
11100-437: The capital, a stimulant used by Muslims but forbidden to Ethiopian Orthodox Christians . Sabr ad-Din's rebellion, with its religious support and ambitious goals, was therefore seen as a jihad rather than an attempt at independence, and it was consequently immediately joined by the nearby Muslim province of Dewaro (the first known mention of the province), under the governor Haydera, and the western province of Hadiya under
11248-495: The collective achievement of the members of the Gadaa class. It is responsible for coordinating irreecha . The Gadaa General Assembly is the legislative body of the Gadaa government, while the Qallu Assembly is the religious institution. The Oromo people developed a lunisolar calendar ; different geographically and religiously distinct Oromo communities use the same calendar. This calendar is sophisticated and similar to ones found among
11396-483: The conquests, though some were undoubtedly kept as servants to the royal court, while others were exported to slave markets or given to private citizens. Those who were to serve the Emperor were given military training, probably under a commander from the same region and loyal to the Emperor. Most of these groups were broken down into smaller sections due to their size; for instance, in Amda Seyon's 1332 (or 1329) campaigns,
11544-468: The country from one end to the other". He killed young men, took women and children prisoners, seized livestock "without number" and "destroyed the crops of their country". The "wicked plans of Haydara" of Dawaro were thus "brought to nothing" as the chronicler states. Dawaro was then grouped together with other kingdoms such as Hadiya, Fatagar and Ifat as a tributary kingdom to the Ethiopian Empire under
11692-531: The country's history. He is famous for never losing a battle. His tomb is believed to be in Adi Qelebes. Two different years have been offered for when these extensive military actions occurred is disputed. In his translation of The Glorious Victories , G.W.B. Huntingford follows James Bruce in placing this in 1329. Huntingford notes that Amda Seyon is recorded as celebrating Easter on 28 Miyazya (= 24 April in 1329), which would best fit that year. However,
11840-399: The crucial question as to which of the powers, Christian or Muslim. The victories of Amda-Siyon help Abyssinians survive." States Mohammed Hassen , "It made the southern region the nerve centre of Ethiopian history. Henceforth for the next two centuries, the southern region remained the source from which the stream of history flowed in different channels. In short, the wars of Amda-Siyon made
11988-498: The eastern part of the country, especially in Arsi , Bale and Hararghe , the Oromo had remained predominantly pastoralists until the late 19th century. Only the Oromo who lived within the immediate periphery of the city of Harar adopted agriculture as their primary occupation, mostly to engage in trade with the inhabitants of the walled city. According to oral and literary evidence, certain Somali and Oromo clans fought each other throughout
12136-581: The empire and exposed it to the intervention and meddling of neighboring Muslims (especially Egypt and the Ottoman Empire) and European powers. The emperors that ruled in that period, Tewodros II , Yohannes IV , and Menelik II , thus strove to suppress disunion and schism both within and without the Ethiopian Church and were often intolerant towards other religions. The Wollo Oromo , the Arsi Oromo , and
12284-564: The end of those 8 years. Whenever an Abbaa Gadaa dies while exercising his functions, the bokkuu (the symbol of power) passes to his wife and she keeps the bokkuu and proclaims the laws. The first detailed history of the Oromo people comes from the Ethiopian monk Bahrey who wrote Zenahu la Galla , or "History of the Galla" in 1593. They are also mentioned in the records left by Abba Paulos, Joao Bermudes, Jerónimo Lobo , Galawdewos , Sarsa Dengel and others. These records suggest that
12432-406: The ethnic mixture of peoples who have lived here is unclear. The Oromos increased their numbers through assimilation ( Meedhicca , Mogasa and Gudifacha ), as well as the inclusion of mixed peoples ( Gabbaro ). The native names of the territories were replaced by the name of the Oromo clans who settled on it while the indigenous people were assimilated. According to Herbert S. Lewis , both
12580-437: The expressive and noble character of their physiognomy : accustomed, from their most tender youth, to ride horses, to carry the butcher and the spear, they are excellent horsemen and insensitive to the harshest fatigue; full of courage and valor in combat, they showed themselves, in their fields, skillful and laborious farmers: this great nation, because we can call it that could led by an enterprising leader, make itself master of
12728-476: The extensive military campaigns Amda Seyon undertook in the plains drained by the Awash River . Beginning on 24 Yakatit (18 February), the Emperor led his army against a number of enemies; another document, referring to this year, states that he defeated 10 kings. Rebellion in the Muslim provinces stemmed from the threat to Islam by Amda Seyon, magnified by the earlier loss of trade from his campaigns. This defiance
12876-424: The fertile and adequately watered land of the region. This increased the importance of agriculture and led to the subsequent rise of a land owning class. The rich natural environment produced commodities that were in high demand and lead to the rise of a strong merchant class. These changes allowed the gadaa officials to acquire more authority and convert their elective offices into permeant monarchical institutions. In
13024-512: The first to have cultivated coffee in Ethiopia and recognise its energizing effect. Oromo people have governed themselves in accordance with the Gadaa system long before the 16th century. The system regulates the political, economic, social and religious activities of the community. Oromo were traditionally a culturally homogeneous society with genealogical ties. A male born in the Oromo clan went through five stages of eight years, where his life established his role and status for consideration to
13172-513: The form of administrations that was subsequently set up in the newly conquered areas. In areas where the Shewans encountered resistance, such as Arsi, the conquering generals were installed as governors and the Amhara soldiers or neftenya settled the region in military garrisons known as katamas which later become the administrative centers for Shewan rule. These officials and soldier-settlers lived off
13320-486: The form of gold, silver, bronze, lead, and clothing. Amda Seyon continued his reprisals throughout all of the provinces of Ifat, pillaging Kwelgora , Biqulzar , Gidaya , Hubat , Fedis , Qedsé, Hargaya , and Shewa , populated mainly by Muslims, taking livestock, killing many inhabitants, destroying towns and mosques, as well as taking prisoners. As a result of Amda Seyon's reprisals, other Muslim states tried to attack his army, seeing that his army had become weak from
13468-568: The former Wollo and Tigray provinces of Ethiopia. The Oromo consist of two major branches that break down into an assortment of clan families. From west to east: the Borana Oromo , also called the Booranaa , are a semi- pastoralist group living in southern Oromia and northern Kenya . The Borana inhabit the Borena Zone of the Oromia Region of Ethiopia and the former Northern Frontier District (now northern Kenya) of Northern Kenya. They speak
13616-466: The generally accepted year for this campaign is 1332, which is the opinion of such authorities as August Dillmann , Carlo Conti Rossini , and Enrico Cerulli . Taddesse Tamrat points to another document which dates Amda Seyon's 18th regnal year to 498 Year of Grace , which confirms that the year 516 in The Glorious Victories is correct and that the campaigns took place in AD 1332. Emperor Amda Seyon's army
13764-775: The government's indirect role in the death of hundreds of Oromos in western Ethiopia. According to Amnesty International , "between 2011 and 2014, at least 5000 Oromos have been arrested based on their actual or suspected peaceful opposition to the government. These include thousands of peaceful protestors and hundreds of opposition political party members. The government anticipates a high level of opposition in Oromia, and signs of dissent are sought out and regularly, sometimes pre-emptively, suppressed. In numerous cases, actual or suspected dissenters have been detained without charge or trial, killed by security services during protests, arrests and in detention." According to Amnesty International, there
13912-403: The governor of nearby Tembien to join him. Amda Seyon responded swiftly, killing the governor, dividing the titles, and awarding them to different individuals of lowly origin. The Emperor's appointees were unpopular, described as "men who were not born from Adam and Eve who were called Halestiyotat ," a term literally meaning "bastard of mixed or low origins". To consolidate his control in
14060-674: The gradual integration of the Oromo into the Ethiopian Empire . Emperor Susenyos I , who came to power with Oromo support, did much to integrate them into the political establishment of the Christian state. Having grown up among the Oromo, he was fluent in their language and admired their way of life. He employed Oromo warriors, military tactics and combat formations against his rivals for the throne. Once in power, he filled high level offices with his Oromo supporters and settled various Oromo groups throughout much of Gojjam and Begemder . Under Susenyos's successors, many Oromos would continue to rise to positions of prominence in imperial service, and for
14208-434: The interactions and encounters between Oromos and Nilo-Saharan groups likely began very early. Subsequent colonial era documents mention and refer to the Oromo people as Galla , which has now developed derogatory connotations, but these documents were generally written by members of other ethnic groups. The term Galla was in use for Oromo people by the Abyssinians , Arabs , and Nilotic people . The original meaning of
14356-415: The king's favor, who "raised" and "nourished" them from childhood. The regiments were led by an intimately loyal commander directly responsible to Amda Seyon. His own son, Saf-Asegid, commanded one of these divisions, as did Amda Seyon's brother-in-law. Moreover, the commander of Qeste-Nihb , Simishehal, along with his colleague Inze-Aygeb, were described as the "most beloved" officers of the Emperor, who
14504-417: The land of Sharkha and imprisoned its governor Yoseph. These efforts extended Ethiopian rule for the first time across the Awash River , gaining control of Dawaro , Bale , and other Muslim states. At the close of this campaign, the chronicles states that Amda Seyon would eventually return to the highlands, never again to set foot in the Muslim territories, which the chronicler claims was unprecedented in
14652-534: The land of the locals, who soon became serfs to the Shewan aristocrats. In the areas were the Oromos submitted peacefully, such as the Kingdom of Jimma , the indigenous rulers were made tributaries to the crown but were allowed to self-govern themselves with minimal interference from the central government. During Haile Selassie 's rule, many Oromos lost their autonomous status granted to them by Menelik, Haile Selassie abolished
14800-479: The leadership of Jamal Ad-Din I . According to the Egyptian historian, Ibn Fadlallah al-Umari , Dawaro was measured five days journey by two or 100 kilometers by 40. It was much smaller than Ifat , but resembled it in that it produced cereals and fruits, and reared horses and beasts of burden. Trade however was less developed. A type of "primitive currency" called hakunas was used which were pieces of iron as long as
14948-418: The leaves of the trees or the grass in the fields." Despite the extravagance he bestowed on his men, many chose not to fight due to the inhospitability of Ifat's mountainous and arid terrain and the complete absence of roads. Nevertheless, they advanced on 24 Yakatit , and an attachment was able to find the rebellious governor and put him to flight. Once the remainder of Amda Seyon's army arrived, they destroyed
15096-488: The long campaigns. The people of Gebel and Wargar who historian Taddesse Tamrat associates with Warjih , were reportedly "very skilled in warfare," subsequently attacked and pillaged some Christian regions. The people of Medra Zega and Manzih ( Menz ), then Muslims, also surrounded and attacked the Emperor's army, who defeated them and killed their commander Dedadir, a son of Haqq ad-Din. The most important primary source for his reign, The Glorious Victories , describes
15244-753: The minority protest that took place in Oromia near Addis Ababa, 23 people were killed following the deaths of 43 Oromos in the Addis Ababa neighborhood of Saris Abo. Some have blamed the rise in ethnic violence in the Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne on the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for giving space to groups formerly banned by previous Tigrayan -led governments, such as the Oromo Liberation Front and Ginbot 7 . Protests broke out across Ethiopia, chiefly in
15392-423: The modernization projects during the reign of Haile Selassie . This discontent emanating from the political marginalization, economic exploitation and the cultural domination of the Oromo led to the rise of the Mecha and Tulama Self-Help Association in 1963, ostensibly for organizing Oromo self-help, but in fact to promote Oromo identity and fight the marginalization of the Oromo. The Mecha and Tulama Association
15540-439: The most power among the northern provinces and held the title Hasgwa and Aqabé Tsentsen ('keeper of the fly whisks – an ancient Aksumite title) and threatened the Amhara -based lineage currently in power. As early as 1305, Tesfane Igzi' referred to Enderta as "his kingdom," his son and successor, Ya'ibika Igzi, did not even mention the Emperor in his 1318/9 land grant. Ya'ibika Igzi eventually rebelled, unsuccessfully inviting
15688-599: The most sacred and largest event among the Oromo, the Irreechaa cultural thanksgiving festival. In one day, dozens were killed and many injured. Every year, millions of Oromos gather in Bishoftu for this annual celebration. That year Ethiopian security forces responded to peaceful protests by firing tear gas and live bullets at over two million people surrounded by a lake and cliffs. In the week that followed, angry youth attacked government buildings and private businesses. On 8 October,
15836-479: The municipal boundary of the city of Addis Ababa into Oromia, over 500 people have been killed and many more have been injured, according to human-rights advocates and independent monitors. The protests have since spread to other ethnic groups and encompass wider social grievances. Ethiopia declared a state of emergency in response to Oromo and Amhara protests in October 2016. With the rising political unrest, there
15984-579: The northern Ethiopian highlands was the Islamic Warra Himano (1580–1916), which transformed Wollo into a veritable Islamic state in the heartland of Christian Ethiopia. The Warra Himano would convert many Amhara Christians to Islam during its rule, and at the zenith of its power, the Warra Himano had their hegemony accepted in the various parts of Wollo: Ambasel, Qallu, Borena, Wore-Illu and Amhara Sayint. Notable rulers such as Ras Mikael of Wollo and
16132-402: The primary form of governance. A leader is elected by the gadaa system and their term lasts eight years, with an election taking place at the end of those eight years. Although most modern Oromos are Muslims and Christians, about 3% practice Waaqeffanna , the native ancient Cushitic monotheistic religion of Oromos. Historical linguistics and comparative ethnology studies suggest that
16280-466: The province's apostate Christians. The Emperor was first given the priests, deacons, and soldiers, who were each given 30 lashes and imprisoned as slaves. He then turned to the other traitors, whom Jamal ad-Din refused to hand over. Amda Seyon again ravaged Ifat and deposed Jamal ad-Din, appointing Nasir ad-Din, another brother of Sabr ad-Din, as governor. Having finished campaigning in Ifat, he took his army to
16428-444: The rainy season was soon approaching. Amda Seyon refused, however, saying to them: The new governor of Ifat also beseeched him to return, giving him many gifts, stating that his country was ruined and begging him not to "ravage it again," so that its inhabitants may recover and work the land for the Emperor. He promised him that if he left that Ifat and its inhabitants would serve the Emperor with their trade and tribute and that he and
16576-432: The rebellious governor imprisoned. Amda Seyon then appointed the governor's brother, Jamal ad-Din I , as his successor in Ifat. Just as the Ifat rebellion had been quelled, however, the neighboring provinces of Adal and Mora just north of Ifat rose against the Emperor. Amda Seyon soon also put down this rebellion. After much campaigning, Amda Seyon's troops were exhausted and wished to return to their homes, pleading that
16724-647: The region were in constant danger as their positions soon came under the attacks of Sultan Jamal ad-Din II . Emperor Zara Yaqob consolidated the supremacy of the Christian empire in Dawaro and appointed Fitawrari Barje as governor of the province. Dawaro was soon invaded by the Adal Sultan Badlay ibn Sa'ad ad-Din who faced the forces of Zara Yaqob at the Battle of Gomit , but he was defeated and killed. The next time Dawaro
16872-455: The region, Amda Seyon established a military colony of non- Tigrayan troops at Amba Senayata, the center of the rebellion, and appointed his queen consort , Bilén Saba (ብሌን ሳባ, as governor of Enderta, along with a new batch of officials below her. The Queen ruled indirectly however, which caused unrest in the province as the population heavily resented Amhara rule. This induced the Emperor to appoint one of his sons, Bahr Seged, as governor, who
17020-452: The right-wing commander of the cavalry regiment Korem (named after the region/town of the same name ) in 1332 then part of Angot , in Bete Amhara . His central army further consisted of regional regiments similar to those of his local militias. They were drawn mainly from newly conquered provinces and shared a cultural and linguistic heritage. Most soldiers were probably prisoners taken in
17168-515: The ruling OPDO and several opposition political parties in the Ethiopian parliament believe in ethnic federalism . However, most Oromo opposition parties in Ethiopia condemn the economic and political inequalities in the country. Progress toward independence started in the 1960s and 70s, but progress has been slow aside from the creation of Oromo-focused banks, notably the Oromo-owned Awash International Bank in 1994 and
17316-425: The semi-independent status of many Oromo states and began to undergo a period of centralization. Pastoralists were evicted to make way for mechanized farming and the few members of the educated Oromo class were prevented from holding powerful positions, instead being held by assimilated or Amharized Oromo notables. Despite the great contribution of the Oromo regions to the Ethiopian economy, Oromos areas were left out of
17464-422: The sight of the powerful armies of Jamal ad-Din and of Adal, the sick Amda Seyon noted: "Have you forgotten, besides, that it was I who raised, you, nourished you, and covered you with ornaments of gold and silver and precious clothes!" c. Simshehal's name also appears as "Semey" in a list of governors with the title Ma'ikele-Bahr (lit. "between the rivers/seas," a northern maritime province) and in
17612-408: The sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, particularly near their eastern borders. The French traveler, Charles-Xavier Rochet d'Héricourt , visited Ethiopia in 1863, and was greeted by Sahle Selassie , the ruler of Shewa . During his time there, he observed the different ethnicities within Ethiopia, one of which were the Oromo people. He described them as such: "[The] Galla breed
17760-491: The south, Amda Seyon had to turn north to strengthen his control over areas that had in the meanwhile gained more autonomy. The northern Tigrayan Enderta Province had increasingly been asserting its independence since the Solomonic restoration under Yekuno Amlak in 1270. During Yekuno Amlak's time, the governor of Enderta was Ingida Igzi' , who was succeeded by his son, Tesfane Igzi'. As governor of Enderta, Tesfane Igzi' had
17908-424: The strength of the new Solomonic dynasty and therefore legitimized it. These expansions further provided for the spread of Christianity to frontier areas, sparking a long era of proselytization, Christianization , and integration of previously peripheral areas. According to British historian Edward Ullendorff , "Amda Seyon was one of the most outstanding Ethiopian kings of any age and a singular figure dominating
18056-538: The subjective reality is that "neither traditional Oromo rituals nor traditional Oromo beliefs function any longer as a cohesive and integral symbol system" for the Oromo people, not just regionally but even locally. The cultural and ideological divergence within the Oromo people, in part from their religious differences, is apparent from the constant impetus for negotiations between broader Oromo spokespersons and those Oromo who are Ahl al-Sunna followers, states Terje Østebø. The internally evolving cultural differences within
18204-408: The tax, others agreed to be converted, among those converted were 50 Christian nobles. The Imam, much pleased with their conversion, appointed Amir Husain al- Gaturi as governor of the province. Control of the province would later fall under Ahmad's nephew, Vizier Abbas, who ruled over Dawaro as well as neighboring Fatager and Bali. Following the Imam's death and defeat at Wanya Daga , Abbas launched
18352-497: The term had derived from an Oromo war cry whilst the Oromos were fighting on battlefields. The word Oromo is derived from Ilm Orma meaning '[The] Children of Orma', or 'Sons of Men', . According to an alternative interpretation provided by Hugh Chisholm , 'Ilm Orma' translates to "son of a stranger." Both interpretations are noted in the Encyclopaedia Britannica Company. . The earliest recorded mention of
18500-450: The term is heavily disputed. An outdated but popular theory among European historians during the 19th century regarding the origin of the term was the belief that it derives from the Hebrew (חלב) and Greek (Gála), milk , due to the outdated belief that the Oromos were lost white men. This name theory was especially popular among German historians who once believed that the Oromo were related to
18648-428: The text state most of his wars were against the Muslim sultanates to the southeast, which he was able to fight and always defeat, and substantially enlarge his kingdom by gradually incorporating a number of neighboring states. His supposed conquests of Muslim borderlands were said to have greatly expanded Christian territory and power in the region, which were maintained for centuries after his death. Amda Seyon asserted
18796-535: The three parties – the Oromo who followed Waaqeffanna , the Christians and the Muslims – dissipated the political strengths of all three. The religious beliefs of the Oromo people evolved in this socio-political environment. In the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, Protestant or Catholic missionaries' efforts spread Christianity among the Oromo. Organizations included the Sudan Interior Mission ,
18944-405: The town and their livestock, as well as killing many of its inhabitants. Amda Seyon then continued to Degwi, killing numerous neighboring Warjih pastoralists, who had previously attacked and pillaged some Christian areas earlier in his reign. The chronicle described the people as "very wicked," as they "neither knew God nor feared men". Before the end of the month of December, Amda Seyon ravaged
19092-401: The town of Gu'ét, where he killed many men and captured numerous women and cattle. The Emperor then invaded the region of modern Somaliland , where he defeated an attack by the people of Harla . Amda Seyon then advanced to the town of Dilhoya. The town had previously deposed his governor by immolation, along with other Christian men and women, to which the Emperor responded by taking and looting
19240-471: The trade and wealth of the eastern Muslim provinces. For the first time, the Muslim presence in the region was threatened, which later resulted in alliances between the Muslim provinces (which often rebelled) when they had previously acted more independently of each other. In the same year as his campaigns against the southern regions of Damot and Hadiya, the emperor also campaigned against the more northerly province of Gojjam . After his 1316/7 campaigns in
19388-555: The treasuries of Ethiopian churches and monasteries have recovered coins , textiles and other objects that prove the existence of trade with the Byzantine Empire . Taddesse Tamrat also notes that he had a Syrian secretary from a Christian family of Damascus , who helped him keep in close touch with events in the Middle East . Some of the earliest works of Ethiopian literature were written during Amda Seyon's reign. Perhaps
19536-530: The truth of Amda Seyon's parentage, the imperial history known as the Paris Chronicle records that he expressed his rage at his accusers by beating one of them, Abbot Anorewos of Segaja , and exiling the other ecclesiastics to Dembiya and Begemder . It is not known how Amda Seyon became Emperor. However, a few pieces of information indicate that he may have been involved in the succession struggle against Wedem Arad . Taddesse Tamrat reports that he found
19684-535: The uncrowned emperor of Ethiopia, Lij Iyasu (1913–1916), descend from this ruling family. In the late 16th century the Oromos had settled in the territories south of the Abay river in western Ethiopia. Within 60 years of their arrival, five Oromo states would emerge in the Gibe region , such as Gera , Gomma , Gumma , Jimma and Limmu-Ennarea . These states arose through the transformation of pastoralism to agriculture due to
19832-423: The unification of modern Ethiopia . In no concrete manner was there a creative marriage of cultures, a passage of ideas, an equal sharing of wealth. To the Christians the conquest meant constant enrichment." a. Taddesse Tamrat notes that, according to Jules Perruchon, Tekula literally means "jackal," while Qeste-Nihb means "the sting of the bee." b. Seeing many of his soldiers flee at
19980-497: The vassal local ruler Ameno. Sabr ad-Din divided his troops into three parts, sending a division north-westwards to attack Amhara , one northwards to attack Angot, and another, under his personal command, westward to take Shewa . Amda Seyon subsequently mobilized his soldiers to meet the threat, endowing them with gifts of gold, silver, and lavish clothing – so much so that the chronicler explains that "in his reign gold and silver abounded like stones and fine clothes were as common as
20128-425: The whole of Africa ." In the last quarter of the 19th century, the Oromo tribes and kingdoms fell under the rule of Menelik II of Shewa . Beginning in the 1870s, the Kingdom of Shewa annexed one Oromo territory after the other with unpreceded speed owing to the modern weapons acquired from the international arms trade and the disunity among various Oromo groups. The manner this conquest was carried out determined
20276-631: Was ethnic violence involving the Oromo such as the Oromo–Somali clashes between the Oromo and the ethnic Somalis , leading to up to 400,000 displaced in 2017. Gedeo–Oromo clashes between the Oromo and the Gedeo people in the south of the country and continued violence in the Oromia-Somali border region led to Ethiopia having the largest number of people in the world fleeing their homes in 2018, with 1.4 million newly displaced people . In September 2018, in
20424-790: Was disbanded by the government after several increasingly tense confrontations in November 1966. Later groups include the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM), the United Liberation Forces of Oromia (ULFO), the Islamic Front for the Liberation of Oromia (IFLO), the Oromia Liberation Council (OLC), the Oromo National Congress (ONC, recently changed to OPC ) and others. Another group,
20572-403: Was distressed when he learned of their injury at the Battle of Hagera . The specialized regiments tied their fortune to that of the Emperor and were most likely taken from the best soldiers from around the country. Amda Seyon used them whenever quick action had to be taken, and their regiment commanders would often serve the role of governor in times of crises in certain provinces, as did Digna,
20720-416: Was encircled by the two armies in the Battle of Das , but Amda Seyon was able to defeat them, despite being ill. He then led his army against Talag , the capital of Adal, where the brother of the governor of Adal and three of the governor's sons surrendered. The Emperor then defeated another governor-king, retraced his steps, returning to Bequlzar in Ifat, where he commanded Jamal ad-Din to deliver him all of
20868-477: Was encouraged and perhaps even instigated by religious leaders in Ifat and other Muslim provinces. The "false prophet" reported as having fled from Hadiya during the 1316/7 campaigns continued spreading propaganda against the king in Ifat, where he was one of Sabr ad-Din's advisors. The chronicle states: The false prophet fled to the land of Ifat and lived there propagating his false teaching... And when Säbrädīn asked him for council he told him saying: "The kingdom of
21016-436: Was infuriated, invading Hadiya and killing many people, and taking Amano prisoner along with many of his subjects. Bel'am, however was able to escape the emperor by fleeing to Ifat . These conquests represented a significant advancement of Amda Seyon's eventual goal of controlling the inland trade previously controlled by the Muslims in Ifat and farther east. Hadiya's conquest deeply affected the slave trade and consequently hurt
21164-521: Was later in 1328 also given control of the maritime provinces under the title of Ma'ikele Bahr ("Between the Rivers/Seas"). In 1329, the Emperor campaigned in the northern provinces of Semien , Wegera , Tselemt , and Tsegede , in which many had been converting to Judaism and where the Beta Israel had been gaining prominence. Amda Seyon was also wary of Muslim power along the Red Sea coast and therefore headed to area in modern Eritrea bordering
21312-411: Was minimal, it is evident by 1332 (or 1329) that Hadiya had been fully integrated, providing troops for his 1332 campaigns against the Sultanate of Ifat . The King of Hadiya, Amano, refused to visit the emperor and give his tribute, encouraged by, according to Amda Seyon's chronicler, a Muslim "prophet of darkness" named Bel'am. According to the emperor's Chronicle, Bel'am told him to rebel: The emperor
21460-457: Was recently established, but it has faced a lot of harassment and persecution from the Ethiopian government since its beginning. Abuse of Oromo media is widespread in Ethiopia and reflective of the general oppression Oromos face in the country. Various human rights organizations have publicized the government persecution of Oromos in Ethiopia for decades. In 2008, the OFDM opposition party condemned
21608-561: Was remarkably similar to the organization of the army during ancient Aksumite times . It consisted of two parts: the first, his central army, was very effective and closely attached to the Royal Court; the second was a much larger local militia raised in times of local crises. These local units would, as in Aksumite times, form a distinctive unit and fight together, maintaining their local character and were divided into smaller units each headed by
21756-407: Was soon disbanded by the government, but its impact was significant. The movement raised the consciousness of the Oromo regarding the significance of their own cultural and historical contributions and their status as a people within the Ethiopian state. The Oromos are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia (35.8% of the population), numbering about 40 million. They are predominantly concentrated in
21904-405: Was struck from the rear by an enemy's sword, cutting his girdle around his waist and his battle dress, but the Emperor was able to turn and kill the attacker with his spear before he could strike again. According to James Bruce , the imperial army had been infiltrated by foreign agents from Harar , however Amda Seyon's men were able to apprehend and execute them. Amda Seyon emerged victorious from
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