The Amhara People

The Amhara people are one of the major ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They primarily inhabit the Amhara Region, which is located in the northern part of the country. The Amhara have a rich history and have played significant roles in Ethiopia’s cultural, political, and social development.

They speak Amharic, which is an Afro-Asiatic Semitic language which is also one of the five official language of Ethiopia.

The majority of Amhara people adhere to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. However, there are also Muslims and followers of other faiths within the Amhara population.

The Amhara have a rich cultural heritage with ancient traditions, music, dance, and literature. They’ve contributed significantly to Ethiopian art, including religious paintings and manuscripts.

Historically, the Amhara people have played a significant role in Ethiopian Empire. They’ve been involved in various political and cultural movements, and their monarchs have ruled Ethiopia for centuries. The Ethiopian monarchy was based in the region predominantly inhabited by the Amhara.

Traditionally, the Amhara society is organized around extended families and local communities.  They recognize kinship with household relationships being primary. They have a hierarchical social structure, and respect for elders and customs is highly valued. Their music consisted of mostly religious and secular folk songs and dances.

Amongst the most important traditional instrument of the Amhara is the Begena, a large ten-string lyre solely devoted to the spiritual part of Amhara music. The Amhara marriage is called Semanya or Kal Kidan, an eight bond marriage that also allows for divorce. Other forms of marriage includes Qurban, a church celebration.

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