Hitory of Gojjam Agaws: Struggle for autonomy and identity (1300 to 1936)

Abstract

Abstract

This study investigates the historical trajectory of the Gojjam Agaw people, an ancient ethnic group in Ethiopia, emphasizing their struggle to maintain autonomy and cultural identity amidst state centralization and Christianization efforts during the medieval period. The objective is to illuminate the challenges faced by the Agaw in preserving their distinct heritage in the context of external pressures. To achieve this, a comprehensive methodology was employed, utilizing both primary and secondary sources gathered from the researcher’s senior essay, MA thesis, and dissertation focused on Gojjam Agaw history. The analysis includes historical accounts of the 14th-century attempts by Amde-Tsion to conquer the Agaw and highlights the intensified threats following the establishment of Gonder as the Ethiopian state’s capital in the 17th century. Results indicate that from the reign of Susneyos (1607-1632) to Iyasu the Great (1682-1706), the Gonderine kings engaged in persistent military campaigns that led to the integration of the Gojjam Agaw into the expanding Christian state. Despite their eventual subjugation, the Agaw continued to contribute economically to Gonder, supplying vital resources such as cattle and agricultural products. In conclusion, this paper enhances the understanding of ethnic identities in Ethiopia, illustrating how the Gojjam Agaw retained elements of their identity despite historical challenges. It serves as a foundational resource for future ethnographic research in Ethiopia, contributing to a broader comprehension of cultural resilience.