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አሊ ቢራ ታሪክ በአማርኛ: A Deep Dive into Ethiopian Brewing History (Ali Birra History in Amharic)
Author: Dr. Mekdes Desta, PhD in History, Addis Ababa University; Fellow, Ethiopian Historical Society.
Keywords: Ali Birra history in Amharic, Ethiopian brewing history, Ali Birra, Amharic historical texts, Ethiopian beer culture, Bete-Israel, traditional brewing techniques, modern Ethiopian breweries, cultural significance of beer, economic impact of brewing.
Abstract: This article explores the rich and complex history of ali birra (traditional Ethiopian beer) in Amharic, examining its evolution from ancient brewing practices to its present-day significance. We will navigate the challenges of researching this topic using historical Amharic sources, discuss the opportunities for further study, and consider the cultural, economic, and social implications of this beloved beverage throughout Ethiopian history.
1. Introduction: Unlocking the Past Through Ali Birra History in Amharic
Understanding the history of ali birra is crucial to comprehending Ethiopian culture and its evolution. This article delves into the historical narratives surrounding ali birra predominantly using Amharic sources, acknowledging the limitations and highlighting the potential for future research in uncovering a more complete picture. While much of the early history relies on oral traditions and scattered mentions in historical chronicles, the recent surge in scholarly interest, coupled with digitization efforts, promises a richer understanding of ali birra history in Amharic.
2. Ancient Brewing Practices and Early Mentions in Amharic Texts
Tracing the precise origins of ali birra proves challenging due to the reliance on oral history in early times. However, indirect evidence suggests a long and deeply rooted tradition. Early Amharic chronicles and religious texts, though not explicitly focused on brewing, occasionally mention alcoholic beverages, suggesting their presence within society. Interpreting these allusions requires careful contextual analysis, considering the cultural significance and the potential biases embedded within these historical accounts. Further research into older Amharic manuscripts, currently housed in various archives across Ethiopia and internationally, holds the potential to yield valuable insights into the specific brewing techniques and the social context of ali birra consumption in antiquity. The scarcity of explicit mentions underscores the need for a more holistic approach, combining textual analysis with archaeological and anthropological research.
3. The Role of Ali Birra in Ethiopian Society and Culture
Ali birra has played, and continues to play, a significant role in Ethiopian social and cultural life. It's intrinsically linked to celebrations, ceremonies, and social gatherings. Amharic proverbs and folklore often feature ali birra, reflecting its integration into the cultural fabric. The brewing process itself often involved communal participation, fostering social bonds and reinforcing community ties. Analyzing Amharic literature, both oral and written, offers a rich tapestry of how ali birra shaped social interactions and expressed cultural values across various periods. The exploration of its role in rituals, festivals, and everyday life further enhances our understanding of its cultural significance.
4. Challenges in Researching Ali Birra History in Amharic
Researching ali birra history in Amharic presents unique challenges. The primary obstacle is the limited availability of dedicated historical texts solely focusing on brewing. Many relevant details are scattered across various sources, requiring extensive archival research and meticulous collation. The decipherment of older Amharic scripts and the interpretation of ambiguous language pose additional obstacles. Moreover, the oral tradition, while invaluable, requires careful verification and cross-referencing to ensure accuracy. Finally, accessing and preserving fragile historical manuscripts presents a conservation challenge crucial to preserving this valuable historical heritage.
5. Opportunities for Future Research on Ali Birra History in Amharic
Despite the challenges, significant opportunities exist for advancing our understanding of ali birra history in Amharic. Digitalization of historical archives offers enhanced accessibility to previously inaccessible sources. Comparative studies with other brewing traditions in Africa, particularly those within the Horn of Africa, can provide insightful cross-cultural perspectives. Interdisciplinary research involving historians, anthropologists, and food scientists can bring a more nuanced understanding of brewing techniques, ingredients, and their historical evolution. Investigating the economic impact of ali birra throughout history, including its role in trade and taxation, offers a further dimension to the research.
6. The Influence of Modernization on Ali Birra Production and Consumption
The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed significant shifts in ali birra production and consumption. The rise of industrial breweries has led to a gradual shift from traditional home brewing to mass production. This transition has impacted both the taste and cultural significance of ali birra. Examining how these changes are reflected in Amharic media, advertising, and popular culture provides insights into the evolving perceptions and consumption patterns surrounding this beloved beverage. This requires an analysis of how the narrative around ali birra has adapted to the changing socio-economic landscape of Ethiopia.
7. The Future of Ali Birra and its Preservation
Preserving the traditional methods of ali birra production is crucial in maintaining a crucial aspect of Ethiopian cultural heritage. Supporting local breweries that utilize traditional techniques and promoting awareness of the historical significance of ali birra are vital steps in safeguarding this legacy. Furthermore, documenting and preserving oral traditions associated with ali birra will ensure that the rich history and cultural nuances are not lost to time. Supporting research initiatives focused on ali birra history in Amharic guarantees a deeper appreciation for this integral aspect of Ethiopian culture.
8. Conclusion
The study of ali birra history in Amharic reveals a complex and fascinating journey reflecting the evolution of Ethiopian society and culture. While challenges remain in fully uncovering its history, recent advancements and increased scholarly interest promise a more complete picture in the years to come. Preserving traditional brewing methods and promoting research are essential to safeguarding this vital cultural heritage. The continuing exploration of ali birra history in Amharic offers rich opportunities for understanding Ethiopian history, culture, and identity.
FAQs
1. What are the key ingredients in traditional ali birra? Traditional ali birra primarily uses barley, but other grains like teff might also be included. Specific ingredients and ratios vary regionally.
2. How does the brewing process of ali birra differ from other African beers? While variations exist across Africa, ali birra's unique fermentation process and the use of specific local grains distinguish it.
3. What role did ali birra play in religious ceremonies? While not centrally religious, ali birra sometimes featured in celebratory feasts associated with religious events.
4. How has the commercialization of ali birra impacted traditional brewing? Commercialization has led to a decline in traditional home brewing, but efforts exist to preserve traditional practices.
5. What are the health implications of ali birra consumption? Like any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key. Traditional ali birra has a lower alcohol content than many modern beers.
6. Are there any notable historical figures associated with ali birra? While specific individuals are not prominently linked, ali birra's ubiquitous presence throughout history indicates its relevance to all societal strata.
7. Where can I find more information on traditional ali birra recipes? Ethnographic studies and some cookbooks include traditional recipes; however, accuracy varies.
8. What are the economic implications of ali birra production in Ethiopia? Ali birra production contributes significantly to the economy through both formal and informal channels.
9. How can I contribute to the preservation of ali birra's cultural heritage? Supporting local breweries, documenting traditional practices, and advocating for research are all valuable contributions.
Related Articles:
1. The Role of Women in Traditional Ethiopian Brewing: Examines the historical and ongoing contributions of women in ali birra production.
2. A Comparative Study of Ethiopian and Eritrean Brewing Traditions: Explores similarities and differences in brewing techniques across borders.
3. The Economic Impact of Ali Birra on Rural Ethiopian Communities: Analyzes the economic contributions of ali birra at the local level.
4. The Evolution of Ali Birra Flavors and Brewing Techniques: Traces changes in ali birra across different historical periods.
5. The Cultural Significance of Ali Birra in Ethiopian Wedding Ceremonies: Details ali birra's specific role in wedding celebrations.
6. Preservation Efforts for Traditional Ali Birra Brewing Methods: Highlights initiatives aimed at safeguarding traditional practices.
7. The Influence of Colonialism on Ethiopian Brewing Practices: Explores the impact of colonial rule on ali birra production.
8. An Archaeological Perspective on Early Ethiopian Brewing: Investigates archaeological evidence related to ancient brewing practices.
9. A Linguistic Analysis of Amharic Terms Related to Ali Birra: Explores the etymology and cultural nuances of Amharic words associated with ali birra.
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ali birra history in amharic: Islamic History and Culture in Southern Ethiopia Ulrich Braukämper, 2002 Studies on Islam in Ethiopia have long been neglected although Islam is the religious confession of almost half of the Ethiopian population. The essays focus on the following topics: Islamic Principalities in Southeast Ethiopia between the 13th and 16th Century * Notes on the Islamization and the Muslim Shrines of the Harar Plateau * The Sanctuary of Shaikh Husayn and the Oromo-Somali Connections in Bale * The Islamization of the Arsi-Oromo; Medieval Muslim Survivals as a Stimulating Factor in the Re-Islamization of Southeastern Ethiopia. The essays are based on the study of written records and on field research in southern parts of the country carried out during the first half of the 1970s. |
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ali birra history in amharic: Beneath the Lion's Gaze: A Novel Maaza Mengiste, 2011-01-03 An important novel, rich in compassion for its anguished characters. —The New York Times Book Review This memorable, heartbreaking story opens in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1974, on the eve of a revolution. Yonas kneels in his mother’s prayer room, pleading to his god for an end to the violence that has wracked his family and country. His father, Hailu, a prominent doctor, has been ordered to report to jail after helping a victim of state-sanctioned torture to die. And Dawit, Hailu’s youngest son, has joined an underground resistance movement—a choice that will lead to more upheaval and bloodshed across a ravaged Ethiopia. Beneath the Lion’s Gaze tells a gripping story of family, of the bonds of love and friendship set in a time and place that has rarely been explored in fiction. It is a story about the lengths human beings will go in pursuit of freedom and the human price of a national revolution. Emotionally gripping, poetic, and indelibly tragic, Beneath The Lion’s Gaze is a transcendent and powerful debut. |
ali birra history in amharic: Tower in the Sky Hiwot Teffera, 2012 An eighteen-year old girl sets out to meet a young man whom she had never met before and is swept away by a series of events that transformed her life in a way she could have never imagined.--Back cover. |
ali birra history in amharic: Oromummaa Asafa Jalata, 2007-07 |
ali birra history in amharic: A Victorian Gentleman & Ethiopian Nationalist Peter P. Garretson, 2012 Hakim Wärqenäh Eshäté (Dr Charles Martin), born into a family of Ethiopian aristocrats but adopted by a British officer and raised in India, played a significant role in influencing medicine, education and economic development in Ethiopia throughout the first half of the 20th century. |
ali birra history in amharic: A Song of Longing Kay Kaufman Shelemay, 1994 A rich, descriptive account. . . . Shelemay presents extraordinary personal experiences that shaped her research process and make reading this text pleasurable. -- Library Journal Highly recommended to generalists in music as well as to specialists interested in Ethiopia. . . . Also makes an excellent case study text for university-level courses examining fieldwork issues and conditions. -- Notes Highly recommended for both undergraduate and graduate collections in ethnomusicology, anthropology, African, and Judaic studies. -- Choice |
ali birra history in amharic: A History of Ethiopia Harold G. Marcus, 2023-11-10 In this eminently readable, concise history of Ethiopia, Harold Marcus surveys the evolution of the oldest African nation from prehistory to the present. For the updated edition, Marcus has written a new preface, two new chapters, and an epilogue, detailing the development and implications of Ethiopia as a Federal state and the war with Eritrea. |
ali birra history in amharic: Soaring on Winged Verse Fasil Yitbarek, 2013 This book is the official memoir of the late Ethiopian Poet Laureate Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin. From 1951 to 1996, Tsegaye wrote close to 45 plays (including translations and adaptations) as well as a volume of poetry, Isat Woy Abeba (Blaze or Bloom), hailed among the most influential works in Amharic. Original in thought and provocative in content, Tsegaye’s works probe into the tumultuous meeting spaces of ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ values while critically examining assumptions of identity across generations. The memoir, completed posthumously by author Fasil Yitbarek, begins in the twilight years of Tsegaye’s life in New York, as a collaborative effort between the author and the poet. It is a text that is culled from long interview sessions. Part of the book was completed after Tsegaye’s death in February 2006 through extensive research done by family members, the author, and the editor, both in the U.S. and in Ethiopia. Soaring on Winged Verse serves as an intimate window into the writer’s world and a glimpse of the possible origins of his creative musings. Chronicling his humble beginnings as a shepherd in Boda to his rise as a luminary literary figure, this publication arguably represents the most complete memoir of Tsegaye’s eventful life. |
ali birra history in amharic: Black Lions Reidulf Knut Molvaer, 1997 This is a fascinating portrait of Ethiopian writers of fiction of the 20th century and an in-depth analysis of the history of the development of Amharic literature and those who have shaped it. The range of writers covered varies from the aristocrats, educators and pioneers to the latest revolutionary writers. A vivid picture of the personal development and progress of these writers is given, as well as the impact these writers have had on Ethiopian society at large in changing old ideas, contributing towards the modernization of the country and revolutionizing the educational, social and political systems. All in all, this volume presents the portraits and sketches of thirty-two Ethiopian writers, including such notable literary giants as Hiruy Welde-Sillase, Girmacchew Tekle-Hawariyat, Kebede Mikael, Haddis Alemayehu, Abbe Gubennya, Mammo Widdneh, Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin, Mengistu Lemma, Dannyachew Werqu, Birhanu Zerihun, and last but not least Be'alu Girma. |
ali birra history in amharic: Encyclopaedia Aethiopica Siegbert Uhlig, 2010 The encyclopedia for the Horn of Africa treats all important terms of the history of ideas of this central region between Orient and Africa. After its completion the set will comprise five volumes four text and one index volume with altogether approx. 4000 articles. The topics range from basic data over archaeology, ethnology and anthropology, history, the languages and lit-eratures up to the art, religion and culture. |
ali birra history in amharic: Supplement to the Glossary of Indian Terms. A-J H. M. Elliot, 2020-07-10 This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature. |
ali birra history in amharic: The Oromo and the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia Mohammed Hassen, 2015 First full-length history of the Oromo 1300-1700; explains their key part in the medieval Christian kingdom and demonstrates their importance in shaping Ethiopian history. |
ali birra history in amharic: Documenting the Ethiopian Student Movement Bahru Zewde, 2010 Analyzes the role of intellectuals and students in Ethiopian state power before and after the Italian Occupation (1936-1941). |
ali birra history in amharic: A History of Modern Ethiopia, 1855-1974 Bahru Zewde, 1991 |
ali birra history in amharic: Glorious Hotels of India Cosmo Samuel Brockway, 2019-09 Glorious Hotels of India is a luxury illustrated book featuring a hand-picked collection of the subcontinent's most spectacular places to stay. It gives a grand yet intimate tour of 40 properties, with half of the properties being recent openings. The majority have never been featured before in a publication of this kind. Celebrating India's splendid heritage while showcasing exciting contemporary design, each subject is captured like a jewel in a box with panoramic detail and portrait shots. Properties include historic palaces, destination spas, seductive beach resorts and romantic houseboats. With insightful and meticulously researched material, Glorious Hotels of India is a fresh, dynamic and informed book that captures the zeitgeist of various parts of India and avoids the clichéd. |
ali birra history in amharic: African Zion Marilyn Heldman, Roderick Grierson, Stuart C. Munro-Hay, Donald Crummey, 1993-01-01 |
ali birra history in amharic: English-Amharic dictionary Amsalu Aklilu, G. P. Mosback, English-Amharic, 1973 |
ali birra history in amharic: The Galla of Ethiopia; The Kingdoms of Kafa and Janjero G. W. B. Huntingford, 2017-02-10 Routledge is proud to be re-issuing this landmark series in association with the International African Institute. The series, published between 1950 and 1977, brings together a wealth of previously un-co-ordinated material on the ethnic groupings and social conditions of African peoples. Concise, critical and (for its time) accurate, the Ethnographic Survey contains sections as follows: Physical Environment Linguistic Data Demography History & Traditions of Origin Nomenclature Grouping Cultural Features: Religion, Witchcraft, Birth, Initiation, Burial Social & Political Organization: Kinship, Marriage, Inheritance, Slavery, Land Tenure, Warfare & Justice Economy & Trade Domestic Architecture Each of the 50 volumes will be available to buy individually, and these are organized into regional sub-groups: East Central Africa, North-Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, West Central Africa, Western Africa, and Central Africa Belgian Congo. The volumes are supplemented with maps, available to view on routledge.com or available as a pdf from the publishers. |
ali birra history in amharic: Language, Literature, and Identity Kizitus Mpoche, Tennu Mbuh, 2006 |
ali birra history in amharic: Contours of White Ethnicity Yiorgos Anagnostou, 2009-11-15 In Contours of White Ethnicity, Yiorgos Anagnostou explores the construction of ethnic history and reveals how and why white ethnics selectively retain, rework, or reject their pasts. Challenging the tendency to portray Americans of European background as a uniform cultural category, the author demonstrates how a generalized view of American white ethnics misses the specific identity issues of particular groups as well as their internal differences. Interdisciplinary in scope, Contours of White Ethnicity uses the example of Greek America to illustrate how the immigrant past can be used to combat racism and be used to bring about solidarity between white ethnics and racial minorities. Illuminating the importance of the past in the construction of ethnic identities today, Anagnostou presents the politics of evoking the past to create community, affirm identity, and nourish reconnection with ancestral roots, then identifies the struggles to neutralize oppressive pasts. Although it draws from the scholarship on a specific ethnic group, Contours of White Ethnicity exhibits a sophisticated, interdisciplinary methodology, which makes it of particular interest to scholars researching ethnicity and race in the United States and for those charting the directions of future research for white ethnicities. |
ali birra history in amharic: The big green issue David Constantine, 2008-10 |
ali birra history in amharic: Mashindano! Frank D. Gunderson, Gregory F. Barz, 2000 'Mashindano' - from Kiswahili, Kushindana (to compete) - is a generic term for any organised competitive event. Here it relates to popular entertainment activities within which cultural groups competing for recognition by their communities, as leaders in their fields. Nineteen leading scholars contribute new studies on this little researched area, making a long overdue contribution to musical scholarship in East Africa, with a focus on Tanzania. The authors address key questions: What are the various roles played by competitive pratices in musical contexts? How do music competitions act as mechanisms of innovation? How do music competitions act as mechanisms of innovation? How do they serve their communities in identity formation? And what, specifically, do competitive music practices communicate, and to whom? Local dance contests, choir competitions, popular entertainment, song duels, and sporting events are all described. Work is drawn from ethnomusicology, history, musicology, anthropology, folklore, and literary, post-colonial, and performance studies. |
ali birra history in amharic: The Making of Modern Ethiopia Teshale Tibebu, 1995 A socio-cultural reconstruction of modern,Ethiopia's social history, that will have far,reaching repercussions in Ethiopianist discourse. |
ali birra history in amharic: The World Factbook 2003 United States. Central Intelligence Agency, 2003 By intelligence officials for intelligent people |
ali birra history in amharic: Yoruba Gurus Toyin Falola, 1999 Toyin Falola, one of the most prominent interpreters of Yoruba History, has written an outstanding and brilliant pioneer book that reveals valuable knowledge on African local historians. This is one of the most impressive books on the Yoruba in recent years and the best so far on Yoruba intellectual history. The range of coverage is extensive, the reading is stimulating, and the ideas are innovative. This is indeed a major contribution to historical knowledge that all students of African history will find especially useful. This original study will find itself in the list of the most important studies of the 20th century. -Julius O. Adekunle, Monmouth University |
ali birra history in amharic: Girimte SciTech (the Wonder of SciTech) Solomon Kassa, 2018-07 Girimte ScieTech (The Wonder of SciTech) is a the-first-of-its-kind Amharic publication to cover the topics of science and technology in one book. The 392 page book tells the story of the amazing human civilization starting from the industrial revolution. The book consists 23 chapters in 4 sections--four chapters on how civilization began, eight chapters on where we are today, eight chapters about the future, and three chapters on ancient black civilization, why we are behind today and the solution to leapfrog. The book covers science and technology from a different perspective--through past history, major events, the present, and the future in a very engaging writing style. It will also include black people's contribution in innovation. Furthermore, it book argues why Africa is far behind in technology, and advocates that adopting technology is the necessary means to leapfrog the lag and catch up with the rest of the world. The book will also relate many science and tech innovations with their adoption in Ethiopia through an interesting lens of history. |
ali birra history in amharic: The Conquest of Abyssinia Shihāb al-Dīn Aḥmad ibn ʻAbd al-Qādir ʻArabfaqīh, Richard Pankhurst, 2003 Sihab ad-Din Ahmad bin 'Abd al-Qader's account of the early sixteenth century Jihad, or holywar, in Ethiopia, of Imam Ahmad bin Ibrahim, better known as Ahmad Gran, or the Left handed, is an historical classic. The Yamani author was an eyewitness of several of the battles he describes, and is an invaluable source. His book, which is full of human, and at times tragic, drama, makes a major contribution to our knowledge of a crucially important period in the hisoty of Ethiopia and Horn of Africa. 'Futuh al-Habasa, ' or 'Conquest of Abyssinia' - which undoubtedly reflects the situation as it seemed to its Yamani author at the time of its composition. The forces of Imam Ahmad bin Ibrahim had occupied the greater part of Ethiopia. The resistance of Emperor Lebna Dengel had virtually come to an end, and many Christians had chosen to convert to Islam. The victorious Imam's regime seemed there to stay. This was, however, far from the end of the story. The Imam was killed in battle on February 21, 1543, whereupon his army almost immediately disintegrated. Those of his soldiers who could do so made their way back to the East. Not a few Muslim converts reverted to their former faith. The Futuh thus refers to a relatively short, though crucially important, period in Ethiopia's long history. The book is nevertheless valuable, in that its author was an eye-witness of many of the events he describes, and writes, as far as we can judge, with a degree of objectivity rare for his time. What people say about this book: This book is the first ever complete English translation of the Arabic account on the campaigns of Imam Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Ghazi (popularly known as Gran) as written by the Yemeni jurist, Shihab al-din Ahmad b. Abd al-Qadir b. Salim b. Uthman (also known as Arab Faqih)... it is a welcome addition to the rich corpus of Arabic literary and historical sources relevant to the sixteenth-century Ethiopia and the Horn. It is particularly useful for English-speaking researchers and established scholars who cannot read either the Arabic text or the authoritative French translation prepared by Rene Basset...both Stenhouse and Pankhurst, and the publisher, deserve high commendation, respectively, for producing such a valuable work that represents a major contribution to the history of Ethiopia and the Horn, and for making it available to the wider English-speaking readership and scholarship. -- Hussein Ahmed is a Professor of History at Addis Ababa University. He is a leading historian of Islam in Ethiopia. * * * In the history of conflict in Africa and beyond, few stories of drama and human tragedy equal Imama Ahmad's conquest of the Christian kingdom of Ethiopia (1529-1543). His short lived spectacular victories and determination to replace Christianity by Islam and the remarkable survival of Christianity in Ethiopia is a story of epic proportions which still generates strong emotion among both the Christian and the Muslim population of Ethiopia. In other words, Imam Ahmad's jihadic war besides being legendary was a major turning point... This is truly a wonderful work, which is destined to remain an indispensable source for the history of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa during the first half of the tumultuous sixteenth century. Anyone interested in understanding the intensity and brutality of religious war will be rewarded by reading this classic. -- Mohammed Hassen is an Associate Professor of African history at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He is the author of The Oromo of Ethiopia: A History 1570-1860. |
ali birra history in amharic: Addis Ababa Esubaew Meaza, 2015-04-10 Addis Ababa: the new flower of Africa, is a coffee table book about Addis Ababa, and the tourist attractions of Ethiopia. |
ali birra history in amharic: Oromay Bealu Girma, 2021-03 This is the first complete English translation of Bealu Girma's classic. Originally published in 1983 in Ethiopia, the novel served as a critical account of the Red Star Campaign, the Communist Derg government's attempt at a final comprehensive victory over the secessionist rebellion in Eritrea. A passionate and turbulent story of love and war, Oromay mocked high-level members of Ethiopia's communist regime and criticized the Derg's actions in Eritrea. The criticism contained in this incisive political allegory put Bealu in considerable danger owing to the repressive environment in which it was published. The novel was almost immediately banned after publication. Government officials attempted to confiscate all available copies but bootleg versions continued to circulate. In the aftermath, Bealu was fired from his job in Ethiopia's Ministry of Information and a few months later disappeared. It is generally believed that he was abducted and killed on the orders of government officials in retaliation for Oromay. Bealu's life had a dramatic arc of its own. Born in rural Ethiopia to an Ethiopian mother and Indian father, he was a graduate of Addis Ababa University and later studied journalism in the United States. In addition to serving as editor of several of Ethiopia's most respected magazines and newspapers (including Addis Zemen and The Ethiopian Herald) he also worked as a civil servant in Ethiopia's Ministry of Information. This position allowed him access to government officials during both the Imperial and Communist governments. Prior to Oromay, he wrote five other popular and critically-acclaimed Amharic-language novels: Beyond the Horizon, The Bell of Conscience, The Call of the Red Star, Haddis, and The Author. His integrity as a journalist, courageous criticism of repressive regimes, and martyrdom to the cause of literary freedom make him a significant figure in modern Ethiopian history and Amharic literature. |
ali birra history in amharic: The Galla of Ethiopia George Wynn Brereton Huntingford, 1955 |
ali birra history in amharic: Roots of Black Music Ashenafi Kebede, 1995 This authoritative and fascinating study of the origins of black music reflects the author's own life experiences growing up in Ethiopia, fieldwork in Africa, and a wealth of research in the US. Tracing the development of songs, instrumental music, dance, blues, and jazz, the book includes biographical sketches of some of the most outstanding musicians of Africa and North America. Essential for all with an interest in black music. |
ali birra history in amharic: Ideology and Elite Conflicts Messay Kebede, 2011 Why did reasonable demands of Ethiopian masses for change lead not only to the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie, but also to a radical revolution that caused civil wars, economic decline, secession, and ethnic politics, all in the name of socialist equality and freedom? The answer of the book is that elite conflicts over scarce resources promoted mutually exclusive struggles for power, and so mobilized ideologies suitable for zero sum politics, of which radical revolutions are typical expressions. |
ali birra history in amharic: The Prester John of the Indies Francisco Alvares, 1961 |
ali birra history in amharic: Dressing Modern Like Our Mothers Peri Marka Klemm, 2022 Oromo women live as traders, wood carriers, shepherds, and farmers in and around the ancient trade center of Harar, Ethiopia. They have lived with the uncertainties of drought, famine, war, and political unrest for several generations and experienced poverty, disease, and severe restrictions in personal freedom. These same women, both young and old, adorn themselves with an array of body modifications and supplements. What is it about the objects and practices themselves that appear to hold such significance? This rich ethnography illustrates why Oromo women decorate their bodies in particular ways and why they invest so much time and effort in doing so-- |
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