Amhara people

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  Amhara people

• Amhara people

• Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

• 

  Amhara people

Amhara People

The Amhara are an ethnic group traditionally inhabiting the central highland plateau of Ethiopia. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, constituting about 27% of the country's population. The Amhara people have played a significant role in the history of Ethiopia, particularly in the establishment and maintenance of the Ethiopian Empire.

Language

The Amhara people speak Amharic, which is a member of the Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. Amharic is the official working language of Ethiopia and is used in government, media, and education. It is written in the Ge'ez script, which is also used for several other languages in Ethiopia.

Religion

The majority of Amhara people adhere to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, which has been a central part of their cultural identity for centuries. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, and it has a rich tradition of liturgy, music, and art. A minority of Amhara people practice Islam, and there are also small communities of Protestants and other religious groups.

History

The Amhara have been influential in Ethiopian history, particularly during the reign of the Solomonic dynasty, which claimed descent from the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The Amhara were instrumental in the expansion and consolidation of the Ethiopian Empire, and they have traditionally held positions of power in the Ethiopian government.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Amhara were central to the modernization efforts of Ethiopia, including the establishment of a centralized state and the introduction of modern education and infrastructure. The Amhara have also been involved in various conflicts and political movements within Ethiopia, including the struggle against Italian occupation during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.

Culture

Amhara culture is characterized by its rich traditions in music, dance, and literature. Traditional Amhara music often features the use of the krar, a type of lyre, and the masenqo, a single-stringed fiddle. Dance is an important part of Amhara celebrations and religious ceremonies.

The Amhara have a strong tradition of oral literature, including proverbs, folktales, and epic poetry. Written literature in Amharic has also flourished, with notable works in both religious and secular genres.

Social Structure

Traditional Amhara society is organized around a hierarchical system, with a strong emphasis on family and community. The extended family is the basic social unit, and kinship ties are important in social and economic interactions. The Amhara have a patrilineal system of inheritance, and land ownership has historically been a key aspect of social status.

Related Pages

• Ethiopia
• Amharic
• Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Solomonic dynasty
• Ge'ez script