Amhara people

Amhara

Amhara people in traditional attire
Total population
Approximately 32 million
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Amharic
Religion
Predominantly Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, with minorities practicing Islam and Protestantism
Related ethnic groups
Tigrayans, Oromo people, Gurage 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 are known for their rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and their role in the formation of the Ethiopian state.

History

The Amhara have a long and storied history, with their origins tracing back to the ancient kingdom of Aksum. They played a significant role in the establishment of the Ethiopian Empire, 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 spread of Christianity in Ethiopia, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being a central institution in their society.

Language

The Amhara speak Amharic, which is the official language of Ethiopia. Amharic is a Semitic language, closely related to Tigrinya and Ge'ez, the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The Amharic script is derived from the ancient Ge'ez script.

Culture

Amhara culture is deeply intertwined with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which influences their festivals, music, and art. Traditional Amhara music often features the use of the krar, a lyre-like instrument, and the masenqo, a single-stringed fiddle. The Amhara are also known for their distinctive cuisine, which includes dishes such as injera, a sourdough flatbread, and doro wat, a spicy chicken stew.

Social Structure

The traditional Amhara society was organized into a feudal system, with a hierarchy of nobility and landowners. The emperor, or "Negusa Nagast", was at the top of this hierarchy, followed by regional rulers and local chiefs. The Amhara have a strong sense of community and family, with extended families often living together or in close proximity.

Religion

The majority of Amhara people adhere to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. The church plays a central role in the daily lives of the Amhara, with many religious festivals and ceremonies marking the calendar year. There are also Muslim and Protestant minorities among the Amhara.

Also see

• Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Amharic language
• Ethiopian Empire
• Solomonic dynasty
• Oromo people