The New Face of Agaw People History, values and Culture Advocator, Selim Adhana is filling the gap which was almost on the verge of extiniction in promoting the Agaw People of Eritrea. This noble initiative is taking tract among Eritreans, especially among the Bilen speaking communities to re-connect with their ancient civilization.
Agaws are part of the great Cushitic Civilization who dominated the Horn of Africa and North Africa. Before the Romans conquest of Cush Kingdom, Agaws were the most powerful people of the horn of Africa.
Together with the Bejas(another strong Cushitic group), the Romans were unable to defeat them in their conquest to control Nubia. To acknowledge their bitter defeat, they described the Cushitic as headless people – commonly called the Blemmyes in western literature and mythology.
Selim Adhana is one of the few self-educated Eritreans in Agaw history. Currently, he is working with his people to awaken them.
Selim Adhana is from Bet Terqe (see the chart below) of the Bilen speaking strong Community of Eritrea who lives around the second largest and famous city of Eritrea, KEREN.
Selim Adhana is now working with Bet Terqe Community to awaken his people. He is ready to work with all Agaws of the horn of Africa in general, and Eritreans in particular.
He has done extensive research and written many pieces about Agaw history, culture, and values.
I am(the author of this article) also from Agaw family descendant. I am learning many things about Agaw people from people like Selim. I hope I will also contribute my share.
According to Selim, most Eritreans are Agaws, especially those who live in the highland of Eritrea and along the Red Sea Coast. Together with other Kushitic language speakers, Selim Adhana has a greater vision to unite Eritreans as ONE FALIMY.
The most vivid reference history of the Agaws is the last kingdom they had established in today’s Ethiopia – the Zagwe Dynasty, in Lasta. Before its destruction, Zagwe Dynasty controlled the day – to – day activities of the Kushitic people through a decentralized system of self-autonomous local polities. These polities had laws which were separated from religion.
Today, Lalibela is the monumental landmark and legacy of the Agaw kingdom.
Many are misunderstanding his struggle at this days. But, soon he will get many people who support his struggle and vision.
I wish him good luck.