Shewans have a phrase for Menz. They call it ye Amara menech, “the source of the Amhara.” It is a big claim for a small, cold district at […]
Culture
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How Shewan Society Worked: Church, Iddir, Hospitality and Craft
Kings and capitals make the headlines of history. Ordinary life in Shewa was held together by quieter things: the parish church and its calendar, neighbours who owed each […]
Landmarks
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Addis Ababa as a Shewan City: Entoto, the Palace and the Choice of a Capital
Addis Ababa is now one of the largest cities in Africa, and it is easy to forget where it came from. It was not a colonial port or […]
Landmarks
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Ankober: The Mountain Capital of Shewa
You reach Ankober from Debre Birhan across a high, bare plateau. Then the ground ends. The escarpment drops away thousands of feet towards the Afar lowlands, and on […]
History
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The Line That Held: Negasi Krestos to Sahle Selassie and the Shewan State
Most royal houses are remembered for their battles. The Shewan house deserves to be remembered for something harder: it kept a state running, generation after generation, in a […]
History
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What Shewa Actually Was: The Reach of a Civilization Before It Was Reduced
Ask an older Shewan where Shewa is and you will rarely get a line on a map. You will get a list of places. Menz and Tegulet in […]
Culture
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The Rich Heritage of Shewa Society: An Exploration of Culture and Tradition
Situated in the central highlands of Ethiopia, the Shewa region is more than just a geographical location. It is the cradle of a vibrant society that has contributed […]
Landmarks
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Historical Places of Shewa: A Journey Through Time
Shewa, situated in the heart of Ethiopia, holds a treasure trove of historical sites. From its ancient royal capitals to its religious sanctuaries, Shewa stands as a testament […]
History
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Yekuno Amlak and the Shewa Dynasty
Born into the heartland of Bete Amhara, Yekuno Amlak ascended the Ethiopian throne from 1270 to 1285. Revered for his foundational role in establishing the Solomonic dynasty, he […]
Profile
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Profile: Emperor Menelik II
Emperor Menelik II, born Sahle Maryam (17 August 1844 – 12 December 1913), was one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated rulers, remembered predominantly for his military triumphs, substantial expansion […]