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Top Celebrities with Amhara Heritage

The Amhara ethnic group is one of the largest and most influential ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They have produced many notable individuals who have excelled in various fields, including entertainment, politics, and academia. Here is a list of 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Amhara ethnicity:

  • 1. Haile Selassie – Known as the last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie played a significant role in Ethiopian history. He was an influential leader and a symbol of Ethiopian nationalism.
  • 2. Abebe Bikila – An Olympic marathon champion, Abebe Bikila was the first Ethiopian to win a gold medal at the Olympics. He achieved this feat by running barefoot in the 1960 Rome Olympics.
  • 3. Aster Aweke – A renowned Ethiopian singer-songwriter, Aster Aweke is known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She has been a prominent figure in Ethiopian music for decades.
  • 4. Daniel K. Akamine – Daniel K. Akamine is an Amhara-American astronaut who flew on several NASA Space Shuttle missions. He played a crucial role in space exploration and scientific research.
  • 5. Lemlem Tesfaye – Lemlem Tesfaye is a prominent Ethiopian actress known for her roles in Ethiopian films and drama series. She has become one of the most recognizable actresses in the country.
  • 6. Meles Zenawi – Meles Zenawi was the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until his death in 2012. He was a key figure in Ethiopian politics and played a significant role in the country’s development.
  • 7. Zeritu Kebede – Zeritu Kebede is an Ethiopian singer and actress. Her music blends various genres, and she has gained popularity both in Ethiopia and internationally.
  • 8. Abebech Gobena – Abebech Gobena is a renowned humanitarian and founder of the Abebech Gobena Children’s Care and Development Association. She has dedicated her life to helping vulnerable children in Ethiopia.
  • 9. Yared Negu – Yared Negu is a young Ethiopian musician who rose to fame through his music videos and songs. He has gained a large following and is considered one of the most talented young musicians in the country.
  • 10. Assefa Chabo – Assefa Chabo is a prominent Ethiopian academic and historian. He has made significant contributions to Ethiopian history and culture through his research and writings.
Bete Amhara (Amharic: ቤተ አማራ,  Ge'ez: ቤተ ዐምሐራ, translation: "House of Amhara") was a historical region located in north-central Ethiopia, covering most of the later Wollo Province, along with significant parts of North Shewa. The state had 30 districts, including Ambassel, Lakomelza, Laikueyta, Tatakuyeta, Akamba, Ambassit, Atronsa Mariam, Genete, Feresbahir (most probably located in the northern part of Dessie, where there is a small lake called Feres Bahir or Bahir Shasho), Amba Gishen, Gishe Bere, Wasal, Wagada, Mecana-Selasse, Tabor, Tedbaba Mariam,  Zoramba, Daje, Demah, Ephrata and Ewarza. The region is the source of much of Ethiopia's clothing, eating culture, language, and education.

Most Famous Amhara People

Amhara’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Amhara community is one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, making up approximately 27% of the country’s total population. With a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries, the Amhara people have contributed significantly to Ethiopian history and identity. Here are three well-known historical inheritances associated with the Amhara heritage:

  • Religious Traditions: The Amhara community has played a crucial role in the spread and preservation of Orthodox Christianity in Ethiopia. They were instrumental in establishing and promoting the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is one of the world’s oldest Christian denominations. With a deep-rooted devotion to their faith, the Amhara people have built numerous churches, monasteries, and cultural institutions that continue to serve as important religious and historical sites.
  • Language and Literature: Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, is primarily spoken by the Amhara community. This Semitic language boasts a rich literary tradition that has produced iconic works of poetry, folklore, and historical writings. The Amhara people have a deep appreciation for their language and actively promote its preservation and continued use in education, media, and cultural practices.
  • Empire Building: Throughout history, the Amhara community has played a central role in the formation and expansion of Ethiopian empires. The Gondar Empire, founded by Emperor Fasilides in the 17th century, marked a significant period of Amhara influence and power. The empire’s capital, Gondar, became a flourishing cultural and political center known for its impressive architecture, including the famous castles and churches that still stand today.

The Amhara community’s historical inheritances are integral to understanding the diverse cultural fabric of Ethiopia. Their contributions in religion, language, and empire building have left a lasting impact on the country’s identity and continue to shape its present-day society.

Amharas (Amharic: አማራ, romanized: Āmara; Ge'ez: ዐምሐራ, romanized: ʾÄməḥära) are a Semitic-speaking ethnic group which is indigenous to Ethiopia, traditionally inhabiting parts of the northwest Highlands of Ethiopia, particularly inhabiting the Amhara Region. According to the 2007 national census, Amharas numbered 19,867,817 individuals, comprising 26.9% of Ethiopia's population, and they are mostly Oriental Orthodox Christian (members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church).They are also found within the Ethiopian expatriate community, particularly in North America. They speak Amharic, an Afro-Asiatic language of the Semitic branch which serves as the main and one of the five official languages of Ethiopia. As of 2018, Amharic has over 32 million native speakers and 25 million second language speakers.The Amhara and neighboring groups in North and Central Ethiopia and Eritrea, more specifically the diaspora refer to themselves as "Habesha" (Abyssinian) people.Historically, the Amhara held significant political position in the Ethiopian Empire. They were at the origin of the Solomonic dynasty and all the Solomonic emperors were Amhara with the exception of Yohannes IV since the restoration of the dynasty in 1270.

Amhara People

Ethnic Factsheet: The Amhara People

Population 35 million
Region Amhara Region
Language Amharic
Religion Christianity (Ethiopian Orthodox)
Major Cities Bahir Dar, Gondar, Debre Markos
Traditional Attire White cotton dresses for women, white tunics for men
Amharas (Amharic: አማራ, romanized: Āmara; Ge'ez: ዐምሐራ, romanized: ʾÄməḥära) are a Semitic-speaking ethnic group which is indigenous to Ethiopia, traditionally inhabiting parts of the northwest Highlands of Ethiopia, particularly inhabiting the Amhara Region. According to the 2007 national census, Amharas numbered 19,867,817 individuals, comprising 26.9% of Ethiopia's population, and they are mostly Oriental Orthodox Christian (members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church).They are also found within the Ethiopian expatriate community, particularly in North America. They speak Amharic, an Afro-Asiatic language of the Semitic branch which serves as the main and one of the five official languages of Ethiopia. As of 2018, Amharic has over 32 million native speakers and 25 million second language speakers.The Amhara and neighboring groups in North and Central Ethiopia and Eritrea, more specifically the diaspora refer to themselves as "Habesha" (Abyssinian) people.Historically, the Amhara held significant political position in the Ethiopian Empire. They were at the origin of the Solomonic dynasty and all the Solomonic emperors were Amhara with the exception of Yohannes IV since the restoration of the dynasty in 1270.

The Ancient Heritage of Amhara Ethnic Groups

References to the Amhara Ethnic Group

The Amhara ethnic group is one of the largest and most influential ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They primarily reside in the Amhara Region, which is located in the northern part of the country. The Amhara people have a rich cultural heritage and have played a significant role in shaping the history of Ethiopia. If you are interested in learning more about the Amhara ethnic group, here are some references and resources that you can explore:

  • Books:
    • “The Amhara People: Proud, Rich in Spirit and Culture” by Hagos Gebrehiwet
    • “The History and Culture of the Amhara People” by Makonnen Tilahun
    • “Culture and Customs of Ethiopia” by Solomon Addis Getahun
  • Academic Papers and Journals:
    • “Ethnicity, Religion and Ethnic-Religious Cleavages Among the Amhara of Ethiopia” by Daniel Teferra
    • “Amhara Identity and Ethiopian Nationalism” by Bahru Zewde
  • Websites and Online Resources:

These resources provide insightful information about the Amhara ethnic group, their history, cultural practices, and their significant contributions to Ethiopian society. Whether you want to explore their traditions, religious beliefs, or political influence, these references will help you delve deeper into understanding the Amhara people and their role in Ethiopia.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Amhara individuals. Thank you for reading.

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