Abyssinian countries. Abyssinia - what country is this? Modern name - Ethiopia, characteristics and interesting facts about the country

Map of Abyssinia (ITU)

Abessinia (BESBE)

The main part of this country now consists of the present Abyssinian state occupies the middle part of a vast highland, filling the entire East Africa between the river basin The Nile and the shores of the Red and Arabian Seas, and in the south it begins with the volcanic chain of Kilimanjaro and Kenya, and in the north with the Nubian-Egyptian coastal chain it even reaches the Suez region. The physical structure of this state is of a remarkably unique character. It looks like a huge fortress on a rock, which from the west rises gradually, partly in the form of wide terraces, and from the east it suddenly breaks off with a sheer wall, inside it is cut by numerous, unusually deep and peculiarly meandering river valleys, between which countless flat hills seem like islands . These hills are often very rich in vegetation, but are for the most part treeless, and sometimes even completely devoid of trees. Their average height above sea level is 2000 meters, but towards the south this height increases. Actually, the core of this highland is the flat hills of Lasta with an altitude of 2000 to 3000 meters, the Vogger plateau, rising to 2500 meters, the Gojam and Shoa mountain groups with an altitude of up to 2650 m, and most of all the Simenskoye (Semien) plateau, which represents greatest height at 3100 m. On all these flat hills, in turn, rise countless isolated rocky masses with bare vertical edges, in shape similar to pyramids, columns, and often table mountains (the so-called. amba), often completely inaccessible, but sometimes also presenting a fairly extensive surface, well irrigated and covered with rich vegetation. In addition, mountain peaks rise above all the planes, sometimes in the form of round dome-shaped masses, sometimes inclined or overturned cones, sometimes resembling huge organs. Often also these mostly trachytic and basaltic masses are grouped into significant and seemingly isolated mountain ranges, the peaks of which partly reach the snow line and even go into the region eternal ice. The Simensky mountain range on the plane of the same name is distinguished by its completely alpine character, from the peaks of which Boagit rises to 4485 m, Selke to 4250, Abba Yared to 4563 m, and Ras Dazhan to 4680 m. Through this mountain range they lead from Tigre to Amgara the mountain passes of Selke (3768 m) and Savana (2890 m), while on Vogger the road from Adowa to Gondar leads through the Lamalmon pass with an altitude of 2600 m. From the east is the Abyss. The highland is bordered by a mountain range, the peaks are cat. rise to 2600-4100 m; other mountain ranges surround a middle plateau of 2100 m, on which Lake Tsana is located at an altitude of 1820 m. To the south of this lake, the Talbawaga Mountains rise 3,500 m high on the Gojam plateau, while from the east, the Kollo mountain mass rises in the Begemeder mountainous area.

Abyssinia owes the unique character of its soil to the strong volcanic activity, the center of which it served during the era of the Tertiary formation. The flat hills in the Tigris consist mainly of sandstone and limestone formations located on top of it. Shoa is dominated by trachytic stones, cut and covered by basalts. The latter rock also forms a significant part of the soil composition in the northern and western Amgar, especially in the flat Voggera upland and the Simensk mountain range, which consists exclusively of basaltic masses. In these volcanic formations, however, no trace of craters and lava flows is noticeable, while in the places located around them, even to the shores of the Red Sea, cone-shaped volcanic craters and lava flows are found. Currently, this once so strong underground activity has died out, with the exception of hot springs inland and rare eruptions on the shores of the Red Sea (Edd Volcano).

Eastern slope of the Abyss. The plateau is almost 12 times steeper than the western one. The high central part of the country is surrounded from the north and north-west, and, in all likelihood, from the south and south-west, by swampy, covered with dense virgin forests, abounding in elephants, predatory animals and various reptiles and, as a result, a sparsely populated country called Colla(that is, a hot country). It is 6 to 7 days' journey in width, with a descent into the water-rich areas of Valkaita and Waldubba. The areas located in the northeast are completely different from the plateau in nature. and the eastern part. Adjacent to the foot of the eastern chain of mountains from the south are the hot, monotonous plains of the Adal country, poor in water and vegetation, while from the north the steep slope of the plateau rises so sharply above Samgara, located by the sea, consisting of sandy and rocky plains, that already on the road from Massova inland near the village of Galai, only 70 kilometers away. from the sea coast, located at an altitude of 2600 m.

Except in the extreme southeast, down to the Indian Ocean, the Abyss. The plateau belongs to the river system. Nila. Its main rivers are tributaries of the Nile, into which they, however, flow only in Sudan and Nubia. The extreme, not yet explored south belongs, perhaps, to the upper reaches or at least some tributaries of the Sobat or Tilfi, which flows into the Nile at 9° north. latitude. The main rivers of Abyssinia proper are Abai, or Abbay, called in its lower reaches Bar-el-Atzrek, that is, the Blue River (see Nile), Atbara (see this next) and the tributary of the latter Takazza. The most significant river in the north. Abyssinia is Mareb (Marib), originating in the Gamazen region, flowing in an arc around the Serav plateau and in rainy years flowing into Atbara called Gasha, at 17° 15" north latitude. In Gamazenezh, near Mareb, it originates and Anseba, flowing at 16° 50" north. latitude in Khor Barku (see this next). In the southeastern part of the country, which, as is already known, does not belong to the Nile basin, on the border with Guraga, the river originates. Hawash, a wide and fertile valley of which for a considerable extent forms the border of Shoa with the region of the Galla tribes. In its lower course, the Havash flows through the land of the Adals and in the oasis of Aussa flows into Lake Abgebad. The sources, or at least tributaries of the river, also begin in the Guragi Mountains. Dshuba, forming southern border region of Somalia and flowing into the Indian Ocean near the town of Dshuba. All abyss. The rivers have the character of mountain rivers with frequent waterfalls and strong falls. Usually having very little water, during the period of tropical rains they overflow with water and rush through amazingly deep ravines. Another characteristic feature The thing about these rivers is that most of them, especially the larger ones, form large spirals in their flow, as a result of which vast expanses of land become surrounded by water like peninsulas.

The largest pool of fresh water in Africa is Lake Tsana, or Dembea, with an area of ​​3630 square meters. km (95 km long and 65 km wide). Of the many smaller lakes, the most important are Ashangi, or Tsado-Bari, Aussa and Assal lakes (see this next). Africa is especially rich in sources of clean and cool water, to which the higher areas owe their fertility. In addition, there are many hot springs, often of very high temperature, almost always located in groups, as, for example, in Samgar, south of Massova, along the edges of Lake Tsana and in the south-eastern part of Shoa, where the hot spring of Finie-Finie, in all likelihood, containing Glauber's salt, has a temperature of 63° R.

Due to its elevated position, A., although it belongs to tropical countries, is generally distinguished by a temperate and pleasant climate. Local residents distinguish three areas in terms of climate: 1) Colla, with an average altitude of 980 and 1500 m, with a temperature of 20-26° R. and magnificent tropical vegetation; 2) Vaina-Degas, located at an altitude of 1500 and 2900 m, the center of the country’s culture, with a temperature of 11 - 21 1/2 ° R.; 3) Degas, vast flat hills, poor in forests, rising to 2900-4350 m; During the day, the temperature here shows only 7-8° R., and at higher points it is often even below freezing point. The rainy season in lower areas lasts from April to September, and in higher areas from July to October. IN southern regions There are two rainy periods, from June to September and in January or February. In Degas at that time there is snow everywhere on the peaks, and the rivers are frozen. The snow line rises to 4300 m; on all higher peaks, such as, for example, in the Simensk mountain range, there is eternal snow. The regions of Kolla, Samgar and the country of the Adals have completely different temperatures. Here, for most of the year, there is terrible heat, becoming completely unbearable in the narrow river valleys. In Samgar, the air is mostly extremely dry, while in Kolla the atmosphere is very humid. In the deep, hot valleys of Mareb and Takazza, in the northwestern part of the country, Europeans cannot survive for long; Even for the inhabitants of the plateau, staying in these areas is very dangerous. The climate of Massova is also harmful. The difference between high and low areas is manifested not only in climatic terms, but also in the nature of the plant and animal kingdom. In general the country is very fertile. While in higher areas, for example. in Shoa, on the highest points of Lasta, the flora consists only of heather and lichens, in the low-lying parts, in the valleys of Mareb and Takazza, it is distinguished by the most luxurious tropical character. Here there are impenetrable virgin forests with gigantic trees; Baobab, ebony, gum, Brussopecia papery, etc. grow here, and fruit trees include bananas and date palms. In addition to many medicinal plants, cotton paper, indigo in the wild, durra and dagussa (a favorite local drink is prepared from the grains of the cat), saffron, sugar cane, etc. grow here. The vast mountainous areas of the south in Enerey, Cafe and Gurag are covered with huge plantations of wild coffee (which, according to some, got its name from Kafa). In higher areas, European cereals, grain plants and legumes, grapes, oranges, lemons, peaches and apricots grow. The less significant forests in the low and middle parts of the plateau consist largely of the wild Muara olive tree; needles are often found, according to b. parts from surname Juniperus, also excellent cedars. In addition, there are sycamores of various genera, and Podocarpus.

No less rich and fauna Abyssinia, very similar to the fauna of Senegambia. On the rich pastures of the plateau, countless herds of bulls (including the Sanga bull breed with colossal horns), goats and sheep (with long wool, especially in Begemeder) graze freely. Excellent horses are found on the flat hills of Begemeder and Lasta. Antelopes of various species are also very numerous. Camels are found only in Samghar and the country of the Adals. In the lowlands there are elephants, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses, wild boars and all kinds of predatory animals, of which the hyena also lives in higher places. Lions and panthers are found in Samghar. Jackals, leopards, lynxes, bears, wild cats and foxes are found everywhere, and in southern Abyssinia the civet civet, important for trade, is also found. Crocodiles, large snakes and all kinds of reptiles hide in the swampy places of the valley. Locusts often ravage the country, and the bite of the tsalzalia fly in rainy season can be fatal to livestock.

Mineral wealth countries are very significant, but they are still little exploited. The main products of mining are iron, copper, coal, sulfur and salt, the latter is found only in the Taltal valley and around Lake Assal.

Population of Abyssinia V last centuries thanks to internal strife, human trafficking, famine and pestilence (cholera), it has significantly thinned out and amounts to only 3-4 million people. The Abyssinians themselves, who form the core of the population, have dark skin and are beautifully built. The original Cushitic population, remnants of which were still preserved in Agave, was already early pushed aside by Semitic newcomers, who became the rulers of the country and bearers of native culture. Their dialects dominate the country. In the northeast, the Tigrean language has established itself, which has two different dialects and originates from the old Hessian, or Ethiopian, language, which was once the state and literary (church) language of the ancient kingdom of Aksum; in the south and southwest the Amgar dialect dominates, now serving as the universal state language. The Agaves (see this next), especially those who live in Agaumeder and Lasta, speak a language belonging to the Cushitic root. Related to them in language are the Falashas (see this next) in the Simen Mountains and in many other places; they present themselves as descendants of the Levites and in their cult and character are in many ways reminiscent of the Jews. All deeper areas are currently occupied by the Galla tribe (see this next), which in the 16th century. penetrated into the Abis. from the depths of Africa and gradually spread throughout Enarea, Damot, Gojam, Shoa, Angot, Amgara and Wegemeder. The slopes of the plateau between Massova and Zulla are occupied by the Shogo, or Sago, tribe, who have a special language. They differ from the Afars, who are divided into various tribes and to which belong the Danakils, the main inhabitants of Samgara, and the Adals on the south-eastern outskirts, while the hot lowlands in the west and north-west are occupied by semi-wild Shankals, who, like the Kunams and Bareans, belong to the Negro race. The main occupations of the residents are the cultivation of grain plants, tobacco and cotton paper and cattle breeding. The industry consists of tanning leather and parchment, making cotton paper, making goat hair carpets, and working iron and copper. Trade is negligible. Relations with the Nile countries are carried out along 3 routes of communication, ending in Gondar. For foreign trade, the main point is Massova (Egyptian), now an Italian port on the Red Sea. International trade almost exclusively in the hands of Muslims and Banyans, but in Lately European merchants also appeared in Massova. The means of exchange in harbors are the so-called. Theresienthalers, while inside the country - pieces of cotton paper and salt tiles (called “amule”).

By religion, the inhabitants of Abyssinia, with the exception of Muslims in Samgar and the country of the Adals and the pagan part of the Galla tribe, belong to the Christian faith (see Ethiopian Church), although Christianity is only purely external. In some border areas, Islam in the 19th century. made great progress. The noble and wealthy class of the population spends all its time in idleness or internecine wars, and leaves household chores to women and slaves. The treatment of the latter is gentle, but the treatment of enemies is the most barbaric. The people in general are richly gifted intellectually, but have greatly declined due to the complete lack of public safety and order.

Ancient history of the Abyssinians has a fabulous character. The first historical news about the Kingdom of Aksum dates back to the 1st century AD. Christianity penetrated here around 350 and in the following centuries gradually spread throughout the main parts of the state. The flourishing Christian state, which at one time reached Suakim in the north and Enarea in the south, was gradually, however, compressed on all sides by Islam, which inflicted great losses on it at the end of the Middle Ages. They responded even more harmfully to this kingdom, which in the 16th century. already consisted of only one plateau, the attack of the Galla tribe, which produced terrible devastation and, having settled among the Christian population, forced it to completely decline. With Europe since the Abyssal Crusades. sovereigns always had some relations; They came into closer contact at the end of the 15th century. with Portugal. The combined efforts of the Portuguese and the Jesuits, of whom the former rendered great services to the Abyssinian state during the war with the Mohamedans and Gallas, finally succeeded in converting royal family into Catholicism and introduce a union of the old local church with the Catholic one. But this union resulted in internal turmoil, since the people did not want to leave their old faith; King Socin himself had to agree to concessions, but peace was restored in some way only when his successor began to expel or execute Catholic priests in 1632. Little by little, however, the rulers of the individual provinces became completely independent, so that the emperor, who bore the title of Negus ( negûsa-nagast- king of kings), from the second half of the 18th century. became completely powerless. A. broke up into many larger or smaller possessions, in fact completely independent. The most significant of these states are Tigre (see this next), Amgara (see this next) and Shoa (see this next); in addition, in the south there are also the possessions of Enareus, Kafa, Gurage, Vollamo and Kambat.

Warriors of Abyssinia, early nineteenth century

In the middle of the 19th century. in Tigris the governor (Dedshashmach) Ubiye ruled, in Last - Ali-Gas Farras, in Gojam - Gushu, in Damot - Berry, etc., while Ras-Adi, who in Gondar ruled the old regions of Amgara as the emperor's governor , who was only the shadow of the sovereign, in Shoa and Ifat Sagela-Selaze was a completely independent sovereign. Around 1850, Gushu and Kasa, the ruler of Western Amgara, rebelled against Ras Ali. Ras Ali at first managed to reconcile with Gush and even induce him to act together against Kasa, but in 1852 they were both defeated by the latter; Ras Ali had to flee to Gojam and the lands of the Gauls. After this, Casa turned against Ubier in November 1853, who at first even inflicted several defeats on him, but on February 5. 1855 was defeated at Deraski and taken prisoner. Two days after this victory, Casa forced himself to be crowned emperor of Abyssinia and took the name Theodore II (see this next). Even in the same year, he took advantage of the anarchy that prevailed in Shoa to subjugate that country as well, so that, despite frequent uprisings, he managed to assert his power over the whole of Abyssinia as far as Abbai. Setting out to restore the Christian abyss to its former strength. state and destroy Islam, he initially ruled with caution and moderation, introduced many reforms under the leadership of the Englishmen Shawden and Bell, tried to attract European technicians and artisans to his country and generally introduce European civilization into it. But he turned his main attention to supplying his troops with the best weapons. But, having lost both of his leaders in the fight against the rebels in the city, he began to fall more and more into bloody tyranny. The huge army that he supported (up to 150,000 people) in a short time absorbed all the forces of the population; the provinces began to rebel one after another, sometimes even several at a time. Although he suppressed these uprisings with terrible cruelty, already in 1863 many of his lands were completely devastated, and his army was significantly thinned out. Irritated by the unsuccessful outcome of his attempts to conclude an alliance with the European powers against Egypt, Theodore began to hate the Europeans, whom, in essence, he could not do without. When Captain Cameron, appointed English consul, arrived in Abyssinia in October 1862, he immediately sent him back to England with a letter to Queen Victoria, containing a request for help. The Frenchman Bardel was sent to Napoleon III with the same instructions. But when Cameron returned without an answer in June 1863, and Bardel in September. the same year he brought a letter, although in a friendly tone, but containing a refusal and, moreover, not from the emperor himself, but from his minister Drouin de Luis, the anger of the Negus fell first of all on the missionaries, whom he suspected of spreading bad rumors about him . He ordered two of them (Stern and Rosenthal) to be chained, and the other three (Flad, Steiger and Brandes) to be taken prisoners to Gondar. The same fate soon befell both Cameron himself and his retinue, and Bardel. The latter, together with some missionaries, was taken to the Magdala fortress and shackled hand and foot. Then English The government, which received news of Cameron's imprisonment in March 1864, finally decided to respond to Theodore's letter and entrusted the delivery of this response to the English assistant. Colonel Miriwether's resident in Aden, Gormuzd Rassam (born in Mossul of Christian parents). The latter arrived in Massowa already on June 23, 1864, but only in July 1865 received permission to arrive in Abyssinia, and only because Theodore’s failure in his campaign against Shoa, which ended in the loss of this kingdom and a significant part of the army, forced him to be more compliant . Rassam Jan 25 1866 gave Theodore the queen's letter in his camp at Damot. This letter at first satisfied him, he even wrote a letter of apology to the queen and ordered all the prisoners in Magdala and Gaffat to be handed over to Rassam. But when April 12. all the Europeans began to prepare to leave with Rassam, he again ordered them to be captured and did not agree to release them until the English. the queen will not send him good technicians. For this purpose, Flood was sent to London.

Then, at the insistence of Miriweter, the English. the government decided to take military expedition with the aim of freeing captured Europeans, Bombay was made the basis of military operations, and Sir Robert Napier was appointed chief of the expedition. In the bay of old Adulis (Annesleybai), near the village of Zulla, the entire Anglo-Indian army, consisting of 16,189 people, who had arrived from Bombay, gathered. all kinds of weapons, with 45 elephants and other beasts of burden, a huge baggage train, telegraph lines for 450 English. miles and equipment for installing pumps, etc. 3 Jan. 1868 Napier arrived in Zulla. The road went from Komail to Senafe, over 100 km from the sea coast, specially developed by sappers. For the remaining 490 km of the route to Magdala, main stations were established at Adigerat and Antalo, which were fortified along with Senafe. 9 Apr. 1868 3500 people English troops stood on the banks of the river. Beshilo, overlooked by the Magdala fortress, where Theodore was then with captured Europeans. 10 Apr Cannonade began from the fortress, and 5,000 Abyssinians armed with matchlock guns and 1,000 spearmen under the command of their leader Gobriya rushed down the mountain and attacked the British. But the superiority of the latter's weapons helped them gain the upper hand, and the Abyssinians had to retreat with great damage. Then Theodore made an attempt at reconciliation and, at the request of Napier, sent all the captured Europeans to England. camp. But reconciliation did not take place, and on April 13. A general assault was carried out on the fortress, which was taken without great losses. Theodore took his own life with a pistol shot. His wife, named Toronech, who was held captive in Magdala, together with her seven-year-old son, surrendered to the protection of the British. Soon after this, she died on the way to Tigre, her homeland, and Napier took her son to England, where he was educated. Fortress April 17 was razed to the ground, after which the British set off on their way back and by the end of June 1868 there was not a single English soldier left on the African coast.

After the removal of the British, the struggle of the three main leaders, Kaza from Tigre, Gabatse from Lasta and Menilek from Shoa, began for supreme power. Kaza found support from the British; to win them over, he abolished the duties and granted one English. company large expanses of land for growing cotton, coffee, indigo, etc. He managed to defeat Gabatse in July and take him prisoner, after which on January 21. 1872 he was solemnly crowned Emperor of Abyssinia in Aksum and took the name John. Although he still had to deal with unrest in own country, nevertheless, during the attack of the Egyptians, he discovered great strength thanks to the leadership of the Englishman Kirkam and gained respect in the country as a defender of Christianity against the Mohammedans. In the summer of 1872, Munzinger captured the regions of Menza, Bilen, Takue, Bejuk and Marea in favor of Egypt, and in the fall of 1875, the Khedive sent an expedition of 30 thousand people to conquer Gamazen, while at the same time another Egyptian detachment was supposed to capture Garar and the lands Somalia and Danakil and from here provide assistance to the ruler of Shoa Menilek against John. But Menilek refused, however, to enter into an alliance with the infidels, and the Egyptians, who had already managed to penetrate far into Gamazen, were defeated first on November 18, 1875 at Mareb near Gundet, and again on March 5-7, 1876 at Gura, and the Abyssinians, fanatized by the clergy, they exterminated them en masse. Countless booty from rifles and cannons went to the winners. After long negotiations, a peace was finally concluded at the beginning of 1879, according to which John ceded the border province of Kereni to Egypt, for which the latter, in turn, had to pay John $8,000 annually. Subsequently, Menilek had to recognize his supreme power, and the Mohammedans throughout the state were subjected to severe persecution. General Kirkum died in the summer of 1876 on the way to England.

After the fall of Egyptian rule in Sudan, Admiral Gevett on behalf of the English. government and Mazon Bay on the Egyptian side, on June 8, 1884, concluded an agreement with the emperor in Adowa, according to which all goods, including weapons and military supplies, were to be freely exported and transported to Abyssinia under the protection of England through Massova, Bogos lands should were returned to Ab., and the Egyptian garrisons of Kassala, Amediba and Sengit were allowed free passage through A. As a result of this agreement, the Abyssinians again occupied the Boghos lands, but they were unable to capture the border points of the Egyptian province of Kassada, because the leaders of these areas, fearing the domination of A. , preferred to join the troops of the Mahdi. But King Menilek, in alliance with John, recently waged happy wars in the south of his state with the Ghana tribes and in the city again took possession of the long-lost provinces of Enarea, Gojam and Caffa. He also tries to support Christianity here and prohibits the trade in slaves. Since Italy 27 Feb. 1885 established itself in Massova, it joined the Gevett agreement, but John did not recognize Massova for it and did not give up the idea of ​​​​taking it himself in order to acquire a harbor for A. on the Red Sea. At the beginning of 1884, an Italian embassy headed by Major General Pozzolini was sent to John's court. This embassy was partly intended to regulate trade relations between Italy and Africa, and partly to achieve greater security of relations on its eastern border. 2 Dec. 1885 The Italians accepted Massova into their administration, after which Egyptian officials and troops retired to Suez. The Italian commander-in-chief, Major General Genet, fortified the city on the land side and supplied it with a garrison of 3,000 people. In addition, a detachment of bashi-bazouks of 1000 people transferred to the Italian service from the Turkish, who occupied the nearest villages, and to protect trade roads, fortified posts were built on the hills and occupied by Italian troops. Precautionary measures were also taken to protect the troops from harmful influence terrain and climate, but despite these measures, the garrison suffered greatly from malignant fevers and lack of water. In January, the Abyssinian troops under the command of General Ras-Alula moved to Massowa, and this advanced detachment was followed at a distance of 9 days by the Negus himself with even larger forces. Ras Alula attacked the Italians returning from forward posts on the heights of Sagati. detachment (612 hours and 50 bashi-bazouks) January 25 and 26 Jan. after a stubborn battle he defeated it. The Abyssinians suffered heavy losses, but captured all the guns and many weapons. Only 82 wounded Italians were saved at Massova, with only 1 officer among them. Back at the end of January, reinforcements were sent from Italy to Massova. A new fortification of Santi was erected, and the Italians managed to annex Massova to Italy, which was officially announced on July 18.

In addition to the works of the Abbadi brothers (see this next), Geiglin (see this next) and Munzinger (see this next), the following are important for the study of Abyssinia. essays:

• Ludolf, “Historia aethiopica” (Frank., 1681; to it “Commentarius”, 1691, and “Appendix”, 1694);
• Brousse, “Travels to discover the source of the Nile” (5 vols., Edinb., 1790; in German trans. Volkmann, 5 vols., Leipz. 1790-92);
• Zalt, "Voyage to Abyssinia" (Lond. 1814); Combe and Tamizier, “Voyage en Abyssinie” (4 vols., Paris, 1835-37);
• Rüppel, "Reise in A." (2 vols., Frankf. 1838-40); Isenberg and Krapf, “Journals detailing their proceedings in the Kingdom of Shoa” (Lond., 1843);
• Harris, “The Highlands of Ethiopia” (3 vols., London, 1844; German translation in 2 vols., Stuttg. 1845-47);
• Lefebvre, “Voyage en Abyssinie” (6 vols., with atl., Paris 1846-50);
• Ferret and Galinier, “Voyage en Abyssinie” (2 vols., Par., 1847-48);
• Krapf, “Reisen in Ost-Afrika” (2 vols., Tubing., 1859);
• Stern, “Wanderings among the Falashas in Abyssinia” (Lond., 1862);
• Brem, "Ergebnisse einer Reise nach fiabesch" (Gamb., 186Z);
• Backer, "Die Nilzuflüsse in A." (German translation by Steger, 2 vols., Braunschw. 1868);
• Octane, “The Abyssinian expedition and the life and reign of King Theodore” (Lond., 1868);
• Blanc, “Narrative of captivity in Abyssnia” (Lond., 1868);
• P. Andre, “A., das Alpenland” (Leipz., 1869);
• Flood, "Zwölf Jahre in A. oder Geschichte des Konigs Theodoros II und der Mission unter seiner Regierung" (Basel, 1869);
• Waldmeyer, "Eriebnisse in A." (Basel, 1869);
• Stern, “The captive missionary” (Lond., 1869);
• Plyden, “Travels in Abyssinia” (Lond., 1868);
• Dufton, “Narrative of a Journey through Abyssinia” (Lond., 1867);
• Ressem, “Narrative of the British mission to Theodore” (Lond., 1869);
• Blandford, “Observations on the geology and zoology of Abyssinia” (Lond., 1870);
• Lejean, “Voyage en Abyssinie, exécuté de 1862-64” (from atlas., Paris, 1873);
• Merkham, “A history of the Abyssinian expedition” (London, 1869);
• f. Seckendorff, “Meine Eriebnisse mit dem engl. Expeditionscorps in A." (Potsd., 1869);
• Rolfs, “Im Auftrage Sr. Maj. des Konigs von Preussen mit dem engl. Expeditionscorps in A." (Brehm) 1869;
• Gollan and Gozier, “Record of the expedition to Abyssinia” (2 vols., London, 1870; official communication);
• Raffray, “Afrique orientale. Abyssinie" (Par., 1876);
• Mayo, “Sport in Abyssinia, or the Mareb and Takazze” (Lond., 1876);
• Michel, “Report on the seizure by the Abyssinians of the geological and mineralogical reconnaisance-expedition” (Cairo, 1878);
• Matteucci, “In Abyssinia” (Mil., 1880);
• Vigoni, "Abyssinia" (Milan, 1881);
• Wenstanley, “A visit to Abyssinia” (Lond., 1881);
• Rohlfs, "Meine Mission nach A." (Leipz., 1883);
• Hartmann, “Der Weltteil Afrika in Einzeldarstellungen. I. Abessinien" (Prague, 1883).

Addition

Abessinia. - After the conclusion of peace with the Italians (), the northern border of A., separating it from the Italian colony of Eritrea, was precisely defined. In the west, the countries under Abyssinian influence reach the shores of the White Nile, in the east they are in contact with French, Italian and English colonies; in the south they are not clearly marked, but approximately reach 6° N. w. The space of A., together with the province of Garar and the countries dependent on it (Kaffa and others), is determined to be 540,000 square meters. km, according to the calculation of the Swiss engineer Ilga, who was under Negus Menelik, at 2,500,000 sq. km. The population is considered to be 4,500,000, and according to Ilg - approx. 15 million The country's foreign trade is developing, but quietly: imports in the city were estimated at 14 million Germans. Mar., and exports (gold, ivory, leather, paper fabrics, honey, wax, gum, coffee, etc.) - 10 million Mar. The railway, which is supposed to connect the interior of the country with the French port of Djibouti, is open for 306 km to the city. Telegraph lines- 800 km. The capital of A. Addis Ababa is connected to the city of Gharar by telephone. The main monetary unit is the silver beur, which is equal in value and weight to the Laventine (Maria Theresa) thaler that circulates in Austria; Coins of the same value as the thaler with the image of a negus are also minted, as well as silver and copper small change coins (gyosh, 1/20 bera). A large shopping center is the city of Garar (35 thousand inhabitants); the remaining cities are insignificant.

Writer. Cecchi, “Da Zeila alle Frontière del Caffa” (Rome, 1887); Paulitschke, “Harar” (Lpts., 1888); Levasseur, “La superficie et la population de l’Ethiopie” (in “Bull. de l’Inst. internat, de Statist.”, Rome, 1888); Massaja, “I miei 35 anni di missione nell’alta Etiopia” (Milan, 1886-95); M ünzenberger, "A. und seine Bedeutung für unsere Zeit" (Freiburg, 1892); Glaser, "Die Abessinier in Arabien und Afrika" (Munich, 1895); Combes, “L’Abyssinie en 1896. Le pays, les habitants, la lutte italoabyssine” (Paris, ); Sambon, "L'Esercito Abissino" (Rome, 1896); Ilg, “Das Aethiop. Heerwesen" (in the publication "Schweiz. Monatsschrift für Officiere aller Waften" for 1896); Graf Gleichen, “With the mission to Menelik, 1897” (Lond., 1898); Baratieri, "Mémoires d'Afrique, 1892-96" (Lond., 1899).

History A.- In March, the Abyssinian Emperor John fell in battle with the Mahdists. His nephew Mangasha was supplanted by the king of the province of Shoa, who was crowned Emperor of the Abyssinians under the name Menelik II. In May, he concluded the Treaty of Uccheli with the Italians, who, moving inland from Massova, occupied Asmara; under this treaty, Menelik ceded all of Eritrea to the Italians and recognized Italy's protectorate over Abyssinia, for which Italy recognized him as the Abyssinian emperor. Since then, A. had her own permanent diplomatic representative in Italy (first Menelik’s nephew, Ras Makonen). Having finally triumphed over Mangasha and other rivals with the help of the Italians, Menelik decided to get rid of their tutelage and turned on his own various offers to the European powers. Italy saw this as a violation of the treaty; commander of the Italian troops in Eritrea, Gen. Baratieri moved to the city of A., occupied Kassala, then Adigrat and to the city of Aduya (in Tigris). In December, the advance detachment of Italian troops was defeated at Amba-Alaji; Major Galiano's detachment was besieged in Macalla and forced to surrender on January 20, 1896. With a 26,000-strong army, General Baratieri attacked Menelik’s camp on March 21, but was completely defeated by three times the strongest enemy; more than 4,000 Italians fell on the battlefield, 2,000 were captured. On the Abyssinian side, no more than 3,000 people fell. This caused the fall of the Crispy Ministry; peace was concluded in Addis Ababa (October 26), according to which Italy renounced any protectorate over Abyssinia, and A. freed Italian prisoners, with the condition of payment for their detention in captivity; The borders between Africa and Eritrea were precisely defined and have remained unchanged since then. Since then, A. has stood at a height that she had not previously achieved. On several occasions European powers, including

We learn materiel. We bring to your attention a brief illustrated history of brotherly Ethiopia according to Lonely Planet (translated, with additions). The turbulent history of the people of Ethiopia is replete with unexpected turns, dramatic dilemmas and bloody wars. Oddly enough, this is somehow reminiscent of the history of the Slavs, seemingly so distant geographically and genetically. But most importantly, both of them continue to develop, tempering in the crucible of global and regional cataclysms.

3.2 million years BC
Lucy meets her end and awaits discovery and glory for more than three million years underground. Ethiopia uses it as the foundation for its claim to be the birthplace of humanity.

3500-2000 BC
The ancient Egyptians traded with the country of Punt, which many scholars place somewhere on the Eritrean or Somali coast.

2000-1500 BC
Somewhere in Northern Ethiopia, the Ge'ez language developed, the predecessor of Arabic and Amfaric - the modern state language of Ethiopia. Surprisingly, Ge'ez is still spoken by priests in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

1500-400 BC
A civilization develops in Northern Ethiopia under strong Arab influence. The first capital of the state, Yeha, is being built. However, its founder remains unknown. Historians still have not figured out who was more important: either Yeha and Africa ruled Arabia, or vice versa.

955-587 BC
The Holy Ark of the Covenant, made by Moses to contain the Ten Commandments, disappears from Jerusalem at some point during this period.

400 BC – 200 AD
The Aksumite kingdom is formed, it flourishes on trade along the Red Sea and the rich natural resources. The first mention of it is found in the book “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea” (first century AD).

200-500 gg
The great Aksumite kingdom reaches its apogee, controlling the lands from the Nile to Arabia. It is considered one of the most powerful powers of the Ancient World.

300-325 gg
The Great Obelisk in Axum collapsed. This catastrophic event marks the end of the era of paganism and the emergence of Christianity in Ethiopia.

400-500 years
The famous “Nine Saints” arrived in Northern Ethiopia. This was a group of Christian missionaries who spoke Greek. Christianity is strengthening as the main religion throughout the region.

615 g
The daughter of the Prophet Mohammed and his follower escape from Arabia to avoid execution. They bring Islam to Ethiopia. Some believe that the Christian king allowed them to stay because he thought they were persecuted Christians.

640-750
The Aksumites lose control of trade in the Red Sea, and their kingdom ceases to exist. Ethiopia begins a long period of “time of troubles” about which almost nothing is known.

1137–1270
Out of the “troubled times” of Ethiopia emerges the Zagwe dynasty, which, with the help of divine powers, produces the incredible churches of Lalibela, hewn from a stone monolith.

1165-1670
Rumors are circulating throughout Europe about Prester John, a powerful Christian king ruling Ethiopia. As this rumor heats up, it claims that he will help the Christians of Europe retake the Holy Land.

1270 g
Emperor Yekuno Amlak, declaring himself a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, founded the Solomonid dynasty. She will remain in power for the next 500 years. Ethiopia enters the well-documented Middle Ages.

1400 g
The French aristocrat Duke de Berry sends the first embassy to Ethiopia. In turn, the Ethiopians go to Europe, where many remain in churches, especially in Rome. Contacts are being forged in an attempt to counter the increasingly threatening Muslim superpower.

1400-1600
The birth of the national epic of Ethiopia, Kebra Negast. Exactly when this happened remains controversial.

1490-1529
Mahfouz declares jihad against Christian Ethiopia and begins a series of religious wars, the bloodiest in the country's history. His heir, Ahmed Gragn the Left-Handed, ultimately defeats the emperor. The state was on the verge of complete destruction.

1529-1542
Ahmed Gragn Left-Handed continued his military expansion and by 1532 captured most of eastern and southern Ethiopia. In 1542, near Lake Tana, he defeated the allied army of the Ethiopians and Portuguese.

1543-1559
Emperor Galavdevos, with the help of the Portuguese, eventually defeated and destroyed the Muslim invader Ahmed the Left-Handed. Fighting continues until Galavdevos himself is killed in an attack on the city of Harar.

1550 g
Oromo nomads from Kenya begin a wave of migration north. For another 200 years, the country plunges into an era of intermittent armed conflicts. It was during these times that Harar was surrounded by a wall.

1582 g
Most of Christendom adopts the updated Gregorian calendar, but Ethiopia retains the Julian calendar. Today he is seven years behind.

1629 g
Emperor Susenyos converts to Catholicism in order to obtain military assistance from the Portuguese, and tries to force the people to follow his example. His subjects are dissatisfied, a civil war begins, in which about 32,000 people die.

1636 g
Emperor Fasiladas establishes Gondar, the first permanent capital since Lalibela. In addition, he expels all foreigners from the country and closes the borders tightly. New capital blossoms and Ethiopia enters its new golden age.

1706-1721
The court of Gondar is plunged into turmoil, because intrigues, conspiracies and political assassinations become something of a hobby for courtiers.

1755-1855
Emperor Iyasu II dies and the central government of Gondar quickly collapses. Ethiopia slides back into a state of disintegration, followed by a century of continuous civil war and robbery.

1855
Kassa Hailu proves to be more cunning, faster, and more unprincipled than his rivals, resulting in him ascending the throne as Emperor Tewodros. He unifies feudal Ethiopia and embarks on ambitious programs to modernize the country.

1855-72
Tewodros builds numerous roads, creates regular army and establishes Amfaric language ahead of Ge'ez as the means of daily communication. But in the end he makes the mistake of sending a group of British subjects who visited his court to prison.

1872-76
Kassa Merch helps the British remove Tewodros, wins the competition with the heir apparent Emperor Tekla Giyorgis and becomes Emperor Johannes.

1875-76
The Egyptian army attempts to invade the country, but Yohannes organizes effective resistance and is victorious.

1888
The Italians import cattle, from which an epizootic plague begins. This is compounded by a severe, prolonged drought and a locust invasion. As a result, a famine begins throughout the country, which lasts four years.

1889
Emperor Menelik, who follows Johannes, signs a treaty of friendship with Italy and transfers to it the region that is now Eritrea. In the same year, the construction of Addis Ababa, which means “New Flower,” begins, and it becomes the capital.

1896
Emperor Menelik amazes the world by defeating the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa. The 1889 Treaty of Friendship is annulled, Italy recognizes the independence of Ethiopia, but holds tightly to Eritrea.

1913-16
Emperor Menelik dies. The reins of government pass to Lij Iyas. But he is soon replaced by Menelik's daughter, Zewditu, who rules with the help of a regent, Ras Tafari Makonnen.

1915
Thanks to two enterprising engineers with shoemaking skills, construction is completed railway from Addis Ababa to Djibouti. Before giving them carte blanche for a strategic construction project, the emperor checked whether these two could make shoes for him in one night while locked up. The guys did not disappoint. As a result, the economy of all of Ethiopia, and especially the capital, benefited greatly from its access to the sea.

1930
After Zewditu's death and years of careful maneuvering, Ras Tafari receives the crown as Emperor Haile Selassie and the title of God's Chosen.

1931
Ethiopia receives its first written Constitution, which gives the emperor almost absolute power. Even the body of Haile Selassie is declared sacred.

1935
Italian invasion of Ethiopia. The use of prohibited chemical weapons - mustard gas, and systematic bombing of civilian targets, including Red Cross hospitals, lead to the death of 275,000 Ethiopians. Italian losses amount to 4,350 people.

1936
The Italians capture Addis Ababa, Selassie flees the country. Mussolini triumphantly declares: “Ethiopia belongs to Italy!” The King of Italy is made Emperor of Ethiopia.

In June, Haile Selassie appealed to the League of Nations for help, but the League lifted sanctions against Italy.

1937
The 1,700-year-old Aksum obelisk is being dismantled and transported to Italy. In 1998, Italy agreed to return it, but the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea prevented this operation until 2003.

1940-50
The first to appear in Ethiopia National Bank, a new national currency (birr), the first university and the first (and only) national airline - Ethiopian Airlines.

1941-42
The armed forces of the British Commonwealth, together with the Ethiopian army, liberate the country from Italian occupation. Haile Selassie regains his throne and Ethiopia regains its independence. In subsequent years, the country modernized rapidly.

1960
In Ethiopia, dissatisfaction with the autocratic rule of the emperor is growing. His bodyguards prepare a plot, but it is suppressed by the army and air force.

1962
The headquarters of the Organization of the African Union is established in Addis Ababa. Haile Selassie unilaterally annexes Eritrea. Eritrean separatists begin a brutal guerrilla war.

1972-74
A terrible famine hits the country, killing about 200,000 people. This turns the population against the emperor even more, and student protests begin in the streets.

1974
After years of growing discontent and intensifying street protests, Haile Selassie was unceremoniously dethroned from the imperial throne on September 12. On December 20, the communist organization “Derg” (in Amharic - council, committee, namely the temporary military administrative council) announces the creation of a socialist state in Ethiopia.

1975
The last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, dies under investigation. The cause of death is unknown, but many believe that he was personally suffocated with a pillow by Mengistu, one of the leaders of the Derg. The Tigrayan People's Liberation Front is founded in northern Ethiopia. He begins an armed struggle for autonomy. The objects of the first attacks of his fighters are a prison and a bank, which they robbed.

1976-90
The collectivization of agriculture begins, mass resettlement of tribes is carried out, placing them in villages. One of the declared goals of all this is the fight against hunger. Most experts agree that the effect was the opposite.

1977
Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haili Mariam becomes the leader of the Derg. He turns to, among other countries, the Soviet Union and Cuba for help.

1977-78
In the south, the Somali army invades the Ogaden region to support ethnic Somali unrest and seize that part of the country. In the end, Somalia is defeated by the Ethiopians, but only thanks to strong military support Soviet Union and Cuba. During these same years, the Derg began brutal persecution of dissidents. Thousands of people are dying from this “red terror”.

1984
Israel carries out Operation Moses: in six weeks it secretly evacuates 8,000 Ethiopian Jews to their historical homeland by air.

1984-85
In the hills of Ethiopia, nearly a million people are dying of hunger. The causes of famine are both climatic and political. Considerable assistance is provided by various charitable organizations headed by the famous rock musician Bob Geldof (starring in the film “The Wall” Pink Floyd).

1991-93
The USSR ceases to exist. Accordingly, the partisans come out of hiding and defeat the Derg. The experiment with communism in Ethiopia ends, Mengistu Haile Mariam flees to Zimbabwe to another bloody dictator Mugabe, where he remains to this day, enjoying life.

1992
The remains of Haile Selassie are discovered hidden under a concrete slab in the toilet of the royal palace. In the end, eight years later they are reburied in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. There are far fewer mourners than the funeral organizers predicted, only a few thousand

1993
As a result of the referendum, Eritrea gains its long-awaited independence. Relations between neighbors are excellent at first.

1995
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is proclaimed and elections are held. Former guerrilla commander Meles Zenawi becomes prime minister.

1996
The Italian Defense Minister is eventually forced to admit the use of mustard gas during the Abyssinian campaign.

1997
Eritrea abandons its common currency with Ethiopia - the birra - and introduces its own - the nakfa. This leads to aggravation of relations between neighbors.

1998-2000
The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea are waging war over a strip of barren, barren land. By the end of hostilities, 70,000 people are dead and tens of thousands are displaced.

2000-01
A peace agreement is signed between Ethiopia and Eritrea and a demilitarized zone is established along the borders under UN supervision.

2001
Two Ethiopian scientists discover fossilized remains believed to be human, 5.8 to 5.2 million years old. They were tentatively named the subspecies Ardipithecus ramidus kadabba.

2002
A monument to Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin is unveiled in Addis Ababa (a bronze bust by sculptor A. Belashov, a gift from the Moscow Government). The poet's poems are read in Russian and Amfaric languages, the monument is consecrated by the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Abuna Paulos. This is the first and only monument to Pushkin in Africa, but it is most likely located in Ethiopia historical homeland his ancestors.

2005
After the May 15 elections, the opposition accused the authorities of fraud. Mass protests end tragically when government troops open fire on unarmed protesters. Thousands of people, including opposition politicians, journalists and newspaper editors, are being arrested by the police.

2006
Construction begins on the giant Jibe III Dam, the largest in Africa. Its environmental and social impacts are controversial and debate is raging on this issue.

2006-09
Ethiopia invades Somalia to destroy the Islamist alliance. His regular units have been defeated, but the Ethiopian army is mired in guerrilla warfare and, in the end, in 2009 she was withdrawn. During these same years, tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea again reached a boiling point, and both sides began massive troop movements to the border. Fortunately, mutual claims can be resolved peacefully.

2007
In September, Ethiopia officially celebrates the Millennium, the dawn of a new millennium, according to its archaic Julian calendar.

2008
The mandate of UN troops in the demilitarized zone is running out after "disruptive restrictions" imposed by Eritrea. After the peacekeepers leave, the two nations watch each other nervously. At the same time, separatist guerrillas are becoming more active in northern Ethiopia.

2012
Mengistu Haile Mariam announces that he has begun writing his memoirs. In 2012, a preliminary version appeared on the Internet in the form of a leak.

2011
At the end of the year, the Ethiopian army, allied with the African Union coalition and Kenyan troops, again invades Somalia. This is an attempt to support the Somali government in its armed fight against al-Shabaab insurgents.

2012
Prominent Ethiopian journalist Iskander Nega is being jailed for 18 years for violating anti-terrorism laws after he published an article questioning arrests on a similar charge.

Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Abune Paulos died in July. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who dominated the political scene throughout the region for more than 20 years, died in August. His successor is Haile Mariam Desalein.

The story continues during our journey around.

General information

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is a country in the northeast. In the past it was called Abyssinia.

The capital of Ethiopia is the city of Addis Ababa (translated from Amharic as “New Flower”).

The area of ​​the country is 1.13 million square meters. km.

Ethiopia is one of the ancient states not only Africa, but also the entire Middle Eastern region (Kush, Aksumite civilization, Meroe, etc.). The country of Kush was mentioned in the Old Testament, and even the Byzantines were amazed at the greatness of Aksum.

The only country on African continent, which was able to maintain independence during the era of colonial redistribution: Ethiopia defended independence from British claims and was able to defeat troops in the Battle of Adua.

Until the 70s of the 20th century, the monarchy was the Ethiopian Empire, ruled by the Solomon dynasty, which traced its family back to the biblical King Solomon. The last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I, was deposed during the people's democratic revolution on September 12, 1974 (he died or was killed in prison a year later).

With the abolition of the monarchy, the country began to focus on the socialist path of development. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the entire socialist camp, people's liberation movements (fronts) of national minorities, supported by a number of Western and Arab states, came to power. As a result of a coup d'etat in the early 90s, the province of Eritrea separated from the country. Ethiopia began to develop along the capitalist path of development.

Currently, the country is divided into autonomous states created by nationality: Amhara, comprising the former provinces of Shoa, Gojam and Gonder; Oromia, Afar, Tigray, Somali-Ogaden, Gambela, southern territories and federal cities: Addis Ababa, Harer and Dire Dawa.

After Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia, the country lost access to the Red Sea. Although, during the war of the 90s, Ethiopian troops captured the coast in the Aseba area, but under pressure from the “Western community” they were forced to ingloriously return to their previous borders.

Currently, external relations are carried out through Djibouti and ports in northern Somalia, which are not controlled by the central government.

In the north, Ethiopia borders with Eritrea, in the west with Sudan, in the south with Kenya, and in the east with Djibouti and Somalia. The border with Somalia has not yet been completely demarcated.

A country of amazing natural and cultural contrasts. The land of incense and the birthplace of coffee, African savannas and snowy highlands. Ethiopia is the oldest agricultural region on the planet and the birthplace of many cultivated plants.

A great place for educational and ecological tourism.

Getting to know Ethiopia

For those who are preparing for a vacation to Ethiopia or are planning to make an independent trip to this country, the information posted on these pages will be interesting and useful.

To view more detailed information about the country (according to aspects that interest you - nature, weather, population, embassy addresses, currency...) use the left column of the menu of our website.

Using the catalog of hotels in Ethiopian cities (menu items Tourist Centers and Attractions), you can book a room in the place you like directly through our website.

For a more visual understanding of information about Ethiopia, the website has a Photo Gallery of the country.

So, let's go to Ethiopia!

Hot Ethiopia (in the recent past Abyssinia) is the last country where ancient Christianity has survived. Mysterious and completely different from others. Different nature, different people, different religion. And there wasn't even slavery there.

Where is Ethiopia located, on what continent. Statehood

The country of Ethiopia is located in Despite this location, the territory is landlocked. It borders Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. It is the most mountainous. It occupies a significant area, but plains and slopes are also present on its territory.

As for statehood, this country is a federal democratic republic headed by a president. The most common religion is Christianity.

Country Ethiopia: history, language, seas

Amharic is spoken in Ethiopia. You can also hear Arabic, Somali and English spoken here. The national currency is birr. The capital of Ethiopia is the picturesque city of Addis Ababa, the symbol of the city is the image of a lion.

There are many monuments to this majestic beast in the capital, and images of the lion can also be found on local currency and various emblems.

Until 1993, it had access to the Red Sea. But after the separation of Eritrea, she lost this privilege.

The territory where Ethiopia is located is historically ancient and unique. And even now, in our enlightened age, it is strikingly different from the rest of the world. There is no industry here, people plow with oxen, just like 2000 years ago, there is no light or water in the villages.

Climate of Ethiopia

The climate of Ethiopia is formed by two factors: subequatorial and equatorial. climatic zones, as well as its location in the Ethiopian Highlands. It was this combination that gave the area where Ethiopia is located a favorable mild climate, with sufficient rainfall and an average air temperature of +25...+30 °C.

Sudden temperature changes are unusual for this area, but the difference between day and night temperatures can be 15 degrees. Favorable weather are not present throughout sunny Ethiopia. Her eastern regions characterized by a hot and desert climate.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of Ethiopia is diverse. On its territory there are plants and animals that are characteristic of desert regions and tropical forests. Giraffes, hippos, lions, and elephants live here.

There are large numbers of rhinoceroses, antelopes, jackals, hyenas and different kinds primates. Many of these animals were subjected to total extermination, but this moment State policy is aimed at combating crimes against wildlife.

Sights of the country

Ethiopia is a picturesque, colorful country with a deep history. The most magnificent sights of this African land are the Rock Churches of Lalibela and the Dallol Volcano.

In the town of Lalibela, in northern Ethiopia, there are 11 rock-cut structures. This is a temple complex of the 12th-13th centuries, decorated with columns. The construction of the churches is solid, their roof is located at ground level, and the entrance is in a deep cave.

Unlike other African countries, Ethiopia has never been a colony, so foreign influence is kept to a minimum. Infrastructure and tourism here are poorly developed. The territory where Ethiopia is located does not use the Gregorian calendar, but the Coptic calendar. The time difference between these two time counting systems is 7 years 9 months and 5 days.

In addition, the Coptic calendar has 13 months, 12 of which last 30 days, and the last 5 days. This feature is adopted by travel companies, having come up with the slogan “Ethiopia - vacation of 13 sunny months.”

The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is in the same time zone as Moscow, but sunrise occurs at 0 o'clock. Many people who live where the country of Ethiopia is located do not know how to use a clock.

Note to tourists

The most convenient currency for traveling to Ethiopia is the dollar. They can easily pay in hotels, shopping centers, shops, restaurants, clubs and other places. Euros are not so popular in this country; they only need to be exchanged for the national currency in banks. You don’t have to rely on a visa-free regime; to cross the border you will need to obtain a visa in advance.

Unfortunately, street crime is rampant in Ethiopia. Sometimes whole gangs work. It is not safe to explore the outskirts of cities on your own and travel without a guide.

You should treat food with caution, and drink water only from sealed bottles; you should not even brush your teeth with tap water.

Basic moments

The territory of modern Ethiopia is included in the oldest region the formation of human ancestors: the age of stone tools discovered here is estimated at approximately 3 million years. In almost all eras of antiquity, the country was relatively densely populated, developed economically, and from the first centuries of our era powerful states existed on its territory. In the 4th–6th centuries, Ethiopia conducted brisk trade with the Roman-Byzantine Empire, India, and the countries of the Middle East. At the same time, Christianity penetrated here. Only for short periods did Ethiopia find itself under the rule of one or another European state (for example, at the end of the 19th century, Italy formed the colony of Eritrea, which lasted only a few years).

Western and central part country occupies the Ethiopian Highlands with an average altitude of 1800 m above sea level, although some mountain ranges and the peaks reach 3000 and even 4000 m. The highest peak in Ethiopia is Mount Ras Dashan (4623 m) in the Simen mountains. In general, the plateau is characterized by flat-topped mountains that look like giant tables. Cones of volcanoes, mostly extinct, rise above the plateau. Their dilapidated craters often form lakes surrounded by a border of tropical greenery. From the Red Sea to the south, Ethiopia is crossed by a fault zone (northern part of the Great African Rift system). In the deep Afar depression, separated from the Red Sea by the low Danakil ridge, at 116 m below sea level lies the salt lake Assale. Avash river valley and chain rift lakes (the largest is Lake Abaya), stretching towards Lake Rudolph in neighboring Kenya, separate the Ethiopian Highlands from the Ethiopian-Somali Plateau occupying the south-east of the country with prevailing heights up to 1500 m and individual peaks up to 4310 m (Mount Batu). Due to active faults, Ethiopia is characterized by increased seismicity: earthquakes up to magnitude 5 occur annually, and even stronger ones every five years. There are also many hot springs in the rift zone.

The largest river in the country is Abbay (Blue Nile). Flowing from Lake Tana, Abbay forms the large and picturesque Tis-Ysat waterfall, and then flows for 500 km in a canyon 1200–1500 m deep. Others large rivers, flowing into the Indian Ocean, Webi Shebeli and Juba, as well as another tributary of the Nile - Atbara.

The climate of Ethiopia is subequatorial hot, seasonally humid, in the northeast it is tropical desert and semi-desert. The Afar Depression is one of the hottest places on Earth (average minimum temperature 25 °C, maximum 35 °C), but in most of the highlands, due to the height, which softens the heat, average monthly temperatures range from 15 to 26 °C. Night frosts occur in the mountains. Moreover, on the coasts the hottest month is May, the coldest is January, and in the mountains it’s the other way around: the coolest month is July, the hottest are December and January. Rain falls mainly from July to September, although there is also a “small wet season” in March–April. The dry season lasts from September to February. Average annual precipitation - from 200–500 mm on the plains to 1000–1500 mm (even up to 2000 mm) in the mountains of the central and southwestern regions. The plains often suffer from severe droughts when there is almost no rain all year round.

A third of the country's territory is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts, the rocky deserts of the Afar depression and the Danakil desert are especially lifeless. In the east of Ethiopia there are grass savannas and forest savannas with umbrella-shaped acacias, and in the southwestern part of the country, in river valleys and in the mountains at altitudes of 1700–1800 m, tropical rainforests with palm trees, wild coffee trees, spurge trees, and sycamores grow (giant ficus). At altitudes above 3000 m, tropical analogues of alpine forests are developed. The fauna is still rich, despite the extermination of animals over the centuries: in the savannas there are elephants, zebras, antelopes, lions, servals, leopards, hyenas, and in the Danakil semi-desert - ostriches. The world of birds is especially diverse, and in the coastal waters of the Red Sea the fauna of coral reefs is of great interest. To protect the fauna, reserves and national parks have been created: on the Awash River, Lake Abiyata, Mannagesha Forest Park, etc.

Most of the Ethiopian population (total - about 103 million people) refers to the Ethiopian race - as if intermediate between Caucasoid and Negroid. Fine features, wavy hair, high growth and chocolate-colored skin make most Ethiopians extraordinarily beautiful. The peoples of the country speak Semitic (these include the state language - Amharic) and Cushitic languages. Part of the population belongs to Negroid race. The Amhara and Oromo people make up 3/4 of the population. The two main religions are Islam and Christianity, but approximately 10% of residents adhere to local traditional beliefs. The main occupations are agriculture, cattle breeding, and crafts. Most residents build round huts with a cone-shaped thatch roof. Traditional clothing is preserved - long dresses and capes, often decorated with ornaments and rich embroidery.

The capital of the country, Addis Ababa, located at an altitude of 2400 m, is called the “city of eternal spring” due to its temperate climate all year round. The city was founded in 1885, but now it is dominated by modern buildings. Addis Ababa is famous for its huge bazaar. The second largest city, Asmara, is located in the north of the country. It is also considered the most comfortable and beautiful city in Ethiopia. Gondar (north of Lake Tana) Until the mid-19th century, it was the capital of the empire, as evidenced by the castles of the 16th–18th centuries; it houses a historical museum.

Cities of Ethiopia

All cities in Ethiopia

Sights of Ethiopia

All sights of Ethiopia

Story

The modern territory of Ethiopia belongs to the most ancient, East African, area of ​​the formation of humans as a biological species. The age of archaeological finds of the remains of Australopithecus and Homo habilis in Ethiopia is estimated at 2.5-2.1 million years. During the formation of the first state formations in Egypt and Mesopotamia, the settlement of Ethiopia by representatives of the Semitic-Hamitic, Nilotic-Cushitic and other linguistic groups began. The formation of the most ancient associations in the south of the Arabian Peninsula - the Hadhramaut, Qataban and Sabaean kingdoms - ca. 1000 BC e. accelerated the process of resettlement of part of the population from South Arabia (modern Yemen) to modern Eritrea and Northeastern Ethiopia. As a result, to 7th century BC e. these territories were included in the Sava kingdom. It was this circumstance that allowed early medieval Ethiopian propaganda to proclaim the Ethiopian royal family of the Solomonids as descendants of the Israelite-Jewish king Solomon and the biblical Queen of Sheba, known in the Ethiopian tradition as Makeda or Bilqis.

The ancient Greeks called all blacks in Africa, especially the Nubians, Ethiopians, but now this name is reserved for the territory also known as Abyssinia. It was here that at the beginning of our era, as a result of the unification of a number of small tribal formations known from the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e. A large kingdom of Aksum was formed, which reached its greatest prosperity in the 3rd-6th centuries. n. e. Aksum conducted active trade with Egypt, Arabia, Syria, Parthia (later - Persia), India, exporting ivory, incense and gold in large quantities. During its period of political dominance in the region, Aksum extended its influence to Nubia, South Arabia, the Ethiopian Highlands and northern Somalia. Since the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (IV century) The increased penetration of Christianity from Egypt, Rome and Asia Minor into Aksum begins, associated with the preaching of the teachings of Christ by Edessius and the first bishop of Abyssinia, Frumentius. The year 329 is considered to be the founding date of the Monophysite Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which remained dependent on the Egyptian Coptic Church until 1948. By the 6th century, Christianity established itself as the dominant religion in Ethiopia, which became the first Christian country in Tropical Africa. In 451, during the schism of the Christian Church, at the Council of Chalcedon, the Copts spoke out in support of the Monophysite trend, and representatives of the Ethiopian Church took the same position.

At the beginning of the 6th century, in order to take revenge for the oppression of the local Christian population by their rulers, the army of King Kaleb of Aksum invaded southern Arabia. Around the same time, Judaism began to penetrate into Ethiopia, which had a noticeable influence on the rituals of the Ethiopian Church; In addition, some Aksumites became followers of Judaism. (The descendants of these Falasha converts in the north of the country have now almost entirely emigrated to Israel. Their emigration began in the mid-1980s and ended in 1991.) Although the Aksumite ruler Armah provided refuge to the early followers of the Prophet Muhammad during the persecution of them in Arabia in the 7th century, the spread of Islam led to the isolation of the Aksumite kingdom. The Ethiopians hid behind their rugged mountains and, as Gibbon wrote, “slept for almost a thousand years, forgetting about the world around them, which also forgot about them.” However, many of the country's rulers tried to maintain ties with Western European Christian countries.

According to Ethiopian tradition, the genealogy of the imperial family goes back to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. It is believed that the hereditary right to the imperial throne of the Solomonic dynasty was interrupted for about two centuries by representatives of the Zague dynasty. At the end of the 13th century. The ruler of Shoa ascended the throne, proving his belonging to the Solomonids. This was followed by a period of religious and cultural revival, when royal chronicles and numerous works were created spiritual nature, the most significant of which was Cabre Nagast (Glory of kings), containing the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's journey to Jerusalem.

At the end of the 15th century. A small group of Portuguese and other Europeans, setting out in search of the kingdom of High Priest John, the stuff of legends in medieval Europe, arrived in Ethiopia. The Portuguese hoped to make this Christian country an ally in the fight against Muslims and the growing Ottoman Empire. After 1531, Ethiopia began to suffer one defeat after another from the army of Imam Adal Ahmed ibn Ibrahim, known as the Edge (Left-handed), and lost most of its territory, the emperor turned to Portugal for help. In 1541, a Portuguese detachment of 400 people, led by Christopher da Gama, the son of the famous navigator Vasco da Gama, landed in Massawa. Most of the detachment, including its leader, died in the battle with the Muslims. With the assistance of the surviving Portuguese, a new Ethiopian army was created, which was armed with muskets (until that time, only the warriors of the Edge had firearms). In 1543, this army defeated the enemy, and Ahmed Gran himself died in the battle.

Attempts by the Portuguese, and later by the Jesuits, to impose Catholicism on the population of the country led to numerous conflicts. Eventually in 1633 the Jesuits were expelled from Ethiopia. Over the next 150 years, the country was almost completely isolated from Europe. The foundation of the capital in Gondar dates back to this period, where several stone castles were built. In the middle of the 18th century. The emperor's power fell into decline, and the country was engulfed in feudal strife. In 1769, the English traveler James Bruce visited Ethiopia, trying to find the sources of the Nile. In 1805, the English mission acquired a trading port on the Red Sea coast. At the beginning of the 19th century. Other Europeans also visited the country. In 1855 Tewodros, one of the most capable military leaders of the time, seized the imperial throne, restored the power and authority of the supreme power and attempted to unify and reform the country.

After Queen Victoria did not respond to a letter sent to her by Tewodros for two years, several British officials were thrown into prison at Mekdel by order of the Emperor. All attempts to achieve their release through diplomatic methods led to nothing. In 1867, a military expeditionary force under the command of General Robert Napier was sent to Ethiopia to free the prisoners. Having disembarked from ships on January 7, 1868 in the town of Mulkutto on the shores of Zula Bay, Napier’s detachment, numbering more than 10 thousand people, moved through difficult mountainous terrain on a 650-kilometer journey to Mekdela. The British received aid and food from local residents dissatisfied with Emperor Tewodros, primarily the Tigrayans. Tewodros, whose power by this time had been shaken, and the ranks of the imperial army had thinned, was also advancing towards Mekdela from the other side. On April 13, 1868, this mountain fortress fell under the pressure of British troops. During the assault, not wanting to fall into the hands of enemies, Tewodros shot himself. Soon British troops left Ethiopia.

After the death of Tewodros, Yohannis IV, the ruler of Tigray, an ally of the British in their war with Tewodros, became emperor. His turbulent twenty-year reign began with the suppression of attempts by other claimants to seize the throne. Subsequently, Yohannis had many battles with external enemies: Italians, Mahdists and Egyptians. The Italians, who acquired the port of Assab back in 1869, in 1885, with the consent of the British, captured Massawa, which had previously belonged to Egypt. In 1884, Great Britain and Egypt promised the emperor that Ethiopia would receive the right to use Massawa, but the Italians soon closed access there and began to systematically move deeper into Ethiopia. In January 1887, the emperor's soldiers defeated the Italians at the town of Dogali and forced them to retreat. Then Yohannis entered into hostilities with the Mahdists, who continually invaded Ethiopia from the territory of Sudan. In March 1889 he was mortally wounded in one of the battles. Negus Shoa Menelik became the Emperor of Ethiopia, who for several years enjoyed the support of Italy. Shoah Menelik carried out successful military campaigns against the rebellious provinces and achieved significant consolidation of the Ethiopian state. During his reign, reforms aimed at modernizing the country began.

On May 2, 1889, shortly before the official act of coronation, Menelik concluded the Treaty of Uchchal with Italy, according to which the Italians received the right to occupy Asmara. Outwardly, very friendly relations were established between the two countries. However, the mentioned agreement became the source of many problems. The Amharic copy of the treaty provided that Ethiopia, if it deemed it necessary, could resort to the “good offices” of Italy in relations with other powers. The Italian text of the treaty stated that Ethiopia was obliged to do just that. In practice this meant full control Italy over Ethiopia's foreign policy. Using its text of the treaty, Italy declared that, based on the provisions of the General Act of the Berlin Conference of 1885, it has the right to establish its own protectorate over Ethiopia. The persistence of Italian diplomacy in defending a favorable interpretation of the Uchchala Treaty led to its denunciation by the Ethiopian side on May 11, 1893.

In 1895-1896, Italian expansion in the region continued with an attempt to increase colonial possessions at the expense of Ethiopia, but the Italian military campaign expeditionary force supported by Eritrean auxiliaries, ended in a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Adua. The Negus of Ethiopia was in a position where he could have tried to win back part of Eritrea, but chose a peace agreement.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a dynastic conflict took place in the country, the result of which was the installation of Emperor Haile Selassie on the throne, who carried out limited reforms in the country aimed at modernizing Ethiopian society.

In 1935-1936, Fascist Italy again invaded Ethiopia. The invaders had complete advantage in military terms, but still used chemical weapons several times. The League of Nations condemned the aggression sluggishly and was inconsistent in imposing sanctions, which Soviet historiography saw as important stage dismantling the collective security system in Europe. The Italian occupation of the country lasted until 1941, when the British army, supported by auxiliary forces recruited from the African colonies, retook Ethiopia and Eritrea.

After the war, Selassie continued to rule as an absolute monarch. By the beginning of the 70s, his position was criticized from all sides of the political space, and a large-scale famine in the early 70s, which led to large casualties, contributed greatly to further events.

In 1974, measures to improve the economy resulted in sharp price increases and led to mass protest demonstrations; the situation was exploited by a group of military men with Marxist political views, which was organized in the summer of the same year into a committee called “Derg”. He led the process of dismantling the monarchy, also known as the “creeping coup.” By mid-autumn, “Derg” had almost completely subjugated all administrative structures and proclaimed a course towards building a socialist society. From 1975 to 1991, the USSR and Eastern European countries provided comprehensive assistance to Ethiopia.

On August 25, 1975, deposed Emperor Haile Selassie I died under suspicious circumstances. In 1976-1977, the Derg strengthened its position by reprisals against opponents, both royalists and separatists, and the “leftists”; this campaign is also known as the "Red Terror". Mengistu Haile Mariam became the leader of the Derg at this stage.

Taking advantage of the country's difficult situation during this period, the Somali army intensively supported the separatist movement of ethnic Somalis in the country's southeastern Ogaden region, and in 1977-1978 attempted to annex the Ogaden by force. These events are known as the Ogaden War. Cuba, the USSR and South Yemen provided great assistance in the fight against the enemy of Ethiopia.

He was never able to accomplish the task of bringing Ethiopia out of a feudal society into a communist regime. Attempts to collectivize agriculture only led to its further degradation. In 1984, a famine broke out in the country, far surpassing in scope and number of victims the pandemic of the early 70s. Mengistu's government also failed to resolve the Eritrean issue; Despite large-scale military operations against the separatists, a decisive victory was never achieved.

In the late 80s, amid the growing crisis in the USSR, Mengistu's government found itself in a critical situation, and was eventually overthrown in May 1991 as a result of the activities of an alliance of rebel movements, in which Eritrean groups played the main role.

A group of rebel leaders came to power in the country, with the convictions of extreme left-wing Marxists, who began as supporters of Enver Hoxha, then changed their ideological orientation to a more liberal one. Since then, the country has been permanently led by a representative of this group, Meles Zenawi, first as president, then, after the introduction of a parliamentary republic, as prime minister.

In area foreign policy Zenawi's government allowed Eritrea to secede in 1993, but then there came a period of cooling in relations with the former allies who came to power in the new state. The nadir in relations between neighbors was reached in 1998-2000, when the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict broke out in the border zone, ending with a slight advantage for Ethiopia. The issue of the border between the countries still remains unresolved. In 1997, 2000 and 2006, Ethiopia also took an active part in the fate of Somalia. In the latter case, the Ethiopian army defeated the formations of local Islamists and installed a transitional government loyal to Ethiopia, led by Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, in Mogadishu.

Culture

Ethiopia is the only traditionally Christian African country. One of its main religions is Eastern Christianity (Ethiopian Church), the position of Islam is also strong in all peripheral regions. The Ethiopian Church adheres to Monophysitism.

According to the 1994 census: Christians - 60.8% (Orthodox - 50.6%, Protestants - 10.2%), Muslims - 32.8%, African cults - 4.6%, others - 1.8%.

For a long time, literature was created mainly in the Gyiz language and had mainly religious content. True, already at the end of the 13th century. The first royal chronicles appeared on parchment. In the 19th century The first works in the Amharic language were created, and shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, the first printing press appeared in the country. Not least in order to support the development of modern literature in the Amharic language, during his regency, Emperor Haile Selassie I founded the Byrkhan Enna Salam publishing house. ("Light and Peace"). Most literary works were characterized by a moralizing orientation. Many dramatic works were created after the country's liberation from Italian occupation, and they were staged either on the stage of the National Theater or by university students. In the early 1990s, Addis Ababa published three daily newspapers in Amharic and one in English.

The traditional fine arts of Ethiopia were predominantly Byzantine in style. After 1930, commercial art, focused on the needs of tourists, received significant development. Works of this kind often featured the plot of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon, and they were a series of popular prints, each of which complemented the other. Around the same time, artists began to paint the walls of taverns and bars with images of national heroes and saints.

The cuisine of Ethiopia is in many ways similar to the cuisine of its neighboring countries - Somalia and Eritrea. The main feature of Ethiopian cuisine is the absence of cutlery and plates: they are replaced by figs - the traditional teff flatbread. Another striking feature is the presence of a large number of spices.

Coffee is the pride of Ethiopia. Entire rituals have been developed here, similar to Chinese tea ceremonies, from roasting coffee beans to drinking coffee.

There are many vegetarian dishes in Ethiopian cuisine - there are many Muslims and Orthodox Christians here who observe strict religious fasts. In general, Ethiopian cuisine is distinguished by a wide variety of tastes and aromas, created through a unique combination of spices and vegetables.

Economy

The basis of the Ethiopian economy is low-income consumer agriculture. In the 70s the economic growth was no more than 5%. And revolutionary changes led to an even greater decline in GDP growth. The economic situation was also complicated by Ethiopia's loss of ports on the Red Sea. Severe droughts and crop failures led to a humanitarian catastrophe at the end of the 20th century. By the end of the 20th century, Ethiopia's economic situation began to improve. GDP growth was about 8% per year. Thanks to the easing of customs regimes, the level of investment in the country's economy has increased. The main investors are China, India and Saudi Arabia. The basis of economic development in last years are foreign loans and humanitarian aid.

Agriculture- the main industry of the Ethiopian economy, providing 85% of jobs. It provides about 45% of GDP and 62% of the country's exports. Coffee accounted for 39.4% of exports in 2001-2002. Coffee is Ethiopia's gift to the world. This country is the main producer of Arabica coffee in Africa. Tea is another important crop. Endowed with vast agro-climatic zones and diverse resources, Ethiopia processes all types of grains, fibers, peanuts, coffee, tea, flowers as well as fruits and vegetables. More than 140 varieties are currently processed in Ethiopia. Potential rainfed land is estimated at 10 million hectares. Livestock farming in Ethiopia is one of the most developed and numerous in Africa. Fishing and forestry are also significant industries. There is great potential for investment in these industries.

Ethiopia's varied agro-climatic conditions support the cultivation of a wide range of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Vegetable growing and flowers are the most dynamically developing sectors of the economy. In 2002, more than 29,000 tons of fruit products and 10 tons of flowers were exported. It is no exaggeration to say that the floriculture sector is the most attractive for investment in the entire Ethiopian economy.

Ethiopia is the largest country in Africa in terms of livestock population and is also among the ten largest in the world in terms of this indicator. There are 35 million cattle, 16 million sheep and 10 million goats in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has 3.3 million beehives and is Africa's leading producer and exporter of honey and beeswax. This industry provides excellent investment prospects.

Industry accounts for approximately 15% of GDP. The food, textile, leather, woodworking, chemical and metallurgical industries are mainly developed. During the first quarter of 2001, Ethiopia exported approximately 54.8 million birr worth of food products.

The financial sector is very underdeveloped, which slows down the country's development. There is no stock exchange in Ethiopia. Banking is underdeveloped.

Policy

Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic with a prime minister as the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Federal legislative power is concentrated in the hands of two chambers of parliament. The head of state is the president.

According to Article 78 of the Ethiopian Constitution, the judiciary is completely independent from the executive and legislative branches. However, according to foreign research reports, Ethiopia ranks 106th out of 167 countries in the ranking of democratic government. It is ahead of Cambodia, which is in 105th place; Burundi follows Ethiopia in 107th place.

Elections were held in June 1994 constituent Assembly, of which 547 deputies became members. In December of the same year, the assembly adopted the modern Constitution of Ethiopia. In May and June 1995, Ethiopia held its first popular elections for a national parliament and regional elections. However, most opposition parties decided to boycott these elections. As a result, the Ethiopian People's Democratic Revolutionary Front won. International and non-governmental observers concluded that the elections were conducted without irregularities, and opposition parties were able to participate in the elections if they so wished.