Stories from Eritrea
Personal stories from contributing readers and chronologically ordered major historical events in the history of Eritrea.
~ Tell Your Story
![The amazing story of a mysterious limping donkey in a village in the highlands of Eritrea who was fondly celebrated by his community.]()
The Limping Donkey
I sat outside my grandparent’s home in Adi Mengonti, with my cousin Andé. It was a late June afternoon, during the rainy season in the…
![A young boy from Asmara remembers the day EPLF freedom fighters liberated his city, heralding the independence of Eritrea from Ethiopia after 30 years of war.]()
The Hum Across Town
I was hurriedly munching on my qtcha and shahi (flat bread and tea) breakfast in the kitchen. It was an early Friday morning in May. I was…
![The history of Eritrea is complex, fascinating, mesmerizing and gripping. Those that lived through it should tell their stories. Zantana works towards accomplishing that.]()
Extraordinary Stories
Every day we are making history. Let’s tell them. Soon they may be forgotten. Eritrean history is so complex, full of dramatic events, laden…
![The story of an Eritrean freedom fighter on a night mission into the city of Asmara where he was forced to confront his strong emotions of longing and nostalgia]()
Heaven - so close, yet so far away
Genet Teklemariam, Genetey The street was devoid of people. Here and there, moving dark shadows of the stray dogs could be faintly seen. In…
![Translation of the Song - "Libey" (My Heart) by Bereket Mengesteab; Bereket sings for Eritrea as a young weyzerit (Miss) raised in places throughout the country]()
Song - "Libey" (My Heart) by Bereket Mengesteab
Bereket sings romantically for Eritrea as a young weyzerit (Miss) raised in places throughout the country that he describes artfully and…
![Song - "ዓደየ ዓደየ" My Country, My Country by Yishak Tewoldemedhin; a beloved children's song written by one of Eritrea's prominent educators]()
Song - "ዓደየ ዓደየ" My Country by Yishak Tewoldemedhin
Memhr Yishak Teweldemedhin, one of Eritrea’s prominent educators during the Italian and British colonial era This was a beloved children’s…
![Woldeab Woldemariam wrote a warm letter as a eulogy for his friend and comrade Ibrahim Sultan remembering their eventful struggle for Eritrean independence.]()
Woldeab's Letter to Ibrahim
Woldeab Woldemariam wrote a warm letter as a eulogy for his friend and comrade Ibrahim Sultan remembering their eventful struggle for…
![Where is Eritrea? How did it come to be a country? Key events in the ancient, colonial and revolutionary History of Eritrea.]()
Key Historical Events to Demystify Eritrea
Where is Eritrea? Eritrea is in North East Africa in the area known as the Horn of Africa. It has 600 miles of coastline along the Red Sea…
![In 1994, young Selamawit Alazar wrote this moving poem for her uncle Haddish Afeworki who fell on the battlefield for the liberation of Eritrea. It was featured in the Eritrea Profile newspaper.]()
On the Battlefield
Fallen hero Tadesse/Haddish Afeworki, Gagget - Sahel, July 14, 1979 I wrote this poem in memory of my uncle, Haddish Afework, whom I never…
![The flag-Raising ceremony Of the new nation of Eritrea at the United Nations in New York on May 28, 1993.]()
Flag-Raising Ceremony Of Eritrea at the United Nations
Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali speaking at the flag raising ceremony of Eritrea with representatives of the Provisional Government…
![EPLF forces moved into the capital city of Eritrea, Asmara, liberating Eritrea from the Ethiopian military rule after a 30-year bloody armed struggle.]()
Eritrea's Liberation Day - a Victorious ending to Armed Struggle
EPLF forces moved into the capital city of Eritrea, Asmara, liberating almost all of Eritrea from the Ethiopian military regime after a 3…
![The Massacre at Massawa]()
The Massacre at Massawa
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![The Massacre at Afabet]()
The Massacre at Afabet
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![Offensive by Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front forces to liberate Massawa, Eritrea, and cut off the supply route to Asmara, facing the entrenched Ethiopian army and its naval force.]()
The Battle of Massawa - Operation Fenql
EPLF fighters look out to sea as Ethiopian soldiers surrender After the annihilation of the Nadew Command at Afabet, EPLA, the military wing…
![The formation of Ginda Front where EPLF made the stand to block all Ethiopian Army's attempts to break through to retake the port city of Massawa.]()
Formation of the Ginda Front
EPLF armored division fighters in battle The Ginda Front Following the successful conclusion of Operation Fenkil and the liberation of…
![Ethiopian soldiers rounded up all the residents of She'eb in the center of town and massacred 400 of them - most of them women and children]()
The Massacre at She'eb
Massacre at She’eb Ethiopian soldiers arrived at She’eb led by tanks. They rounded up all the villagers for a meeting in the center of town…
![The Massacre at Shebah]()
The Massacre at Shebah
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![The Battle of Afabet brought about the annihilation of the Ethiopian Army's Nadew Command. EPLF's growing military prowess and strategic acumen became evident.]()
The Battle of Afabet – EPLF Operation to Destroy Nadew Command
In March 1988, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) launched a major offensive against the Ethiopian army’s Nadew Command at Afabet…
![Capacities of EPLF and Ethiopian Armies at the Battle of Afabet when EPLF launched an offensive to destroy Nadew Command]()
Capacities of EPLF and Ethiopian Armies at Afabet
EPLF freedom fighters on the march with a tank unit Once the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) had decided to launch an offensive to…
![EPLF's battle plan to completely encircle and annihilate the Ethiopian Army's Nadew Command at the Battle of Afabet]()
EPLF's Battle Plan Against Nadew Command
Map showing the battle plan of EPLF’s military operation to destroy Nadew Command In a massive military operation, the Eritrean People’s…
![EPLF daringly planned to destroy Nadew Command after meticulous intelligence gathering and diversionary operations behind enemy lines]()
EPLF's Strategy to Destroy Nadew Command
EPLF freedom fighters looking out from trenches In the early months of 1988, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) was meticulously…
![The Massacre at Mogoraib]()
The Massacre at Mogoraib
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![33 military aircraft were destroyed in 18 minutes by elite EPLF commando unit at the Ethiopian Air Force base at Asmara Airport.]()
EPLF Commando 18 Minute Operation at Asmara Air Force Base
The plan of the EPLF commando attack on Asmara Air Force base in 1984, the 18 minute wonder At least 30 military aircraft were destroyed in…
![Abdullah Idris and his group staged a coup against the ELF leadership accusing them of defeatism and handing over their arms to the Sudanese Army. Melake Tekle resisted arrest and was killed.]()
Coup within ELF led by Abdullah Idris and the Death of Melake Tekle
Melàke Tekle, ELF security chief Abdullah Idris and his group staged a coup against the ELF leadership accusing them of defeatism and…
![Ethiopian Derg Government 6th Military Offensive Against EPLF]()
Ethiopian Derg Government 6th Military Offensive Against EPLF
story_coming_soon Ethiopian Derg Government 6th Military Offensive Against EPLF
![The Ethiopian Derg government launched the multi-faceted Red Star Campaign in Asmara, Eritrea, to annihilate the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front "once and for all."]()
Asmara Manifesto and the Launch of the Red Star Campaign
Mengistu Hailemariam, Chairman of the Ethiopian Derg, the ruling military council The Red Star campaign was officially launched after a two…
![The Ethiopian Derg Army launched its 5th campaign aiming to split EPLF's defense lines for double-encirclement and cut supply lines to the Nakfa Front in July 1979.]()
Ethiopian Derg Government 5th Military Offensive Against EPLF
EPLF freedom fighter looking out from a shell-proof dugout The Ethiopian military Derg regime launched its fifth major offensive against the…
![The Ethiopian Derg Army launched its 4th campaign aiming to break EPLF's fortified positions in a frontal attack at the Nakfa Front on March 30, 1979.]()
Ethiopian Derg Government 4th Military Offensive Against EPLF
Trenches at Nakfa Front The fourth invasion against the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) took place from March 30 to April 11, 197…
![The Ethiopian Derg Army launched its 3rd campaign at Genfelom and Emahmime, with reinforcements from Asmara, Agordat and Massawa. Nakfa Front was established.]()
Ethiopian Derg Government 3rd Military Campaign Against EPLF
Battle map of the 3rd Ethiopian military offensive campaign against EPLF and the establishment of the Nakfa Front The third offensive…
![With a 3-month preparation, the Ethiopian Derg army launched its 2nd military campaign to annihilate EPLF in central highlands of Eritrea.]()
Ethiopian Derg Government 2nd Military Campaign Against EPLF
Battle map of the 2nd Ethiopian military offensive campaign against EPLF that forced EPLF to retreat toward Sahel The Ethiopian army…
![The multi-pronged, 1st campaign of the Ethiopian Derg army against Eritrean liberation fronts of ELF and EPLF started on June 13, 1978. Asmara was captured.]()
Ethiopian Derg Government 1st Military Campaign Against EPLF
Battle map of the multi-pronged, first military campaign of the Ethiopian army against Eritrean freedom fighters of ELF and EPLF on June 1…
![In mid-1978, the Eritrean revolution faced a decisive moment when the military balance of power shifted. A strategic withdrawal was made.]()
The Retreat of ELF and EPLF from Eritrean towns
EPLF freedom fighters - Tegadelti - marching up a hill In mid-1978, the Eritrean revolution faced a critical juncture. The military balance…
![EPLF attempts to take Massawa.]()
First EPLF Attack To Take Massawa
EPLF freedom fighters attack Massawa through the flat salt processing fields of Salina, severely exposed to direct enemy fire EPLF freedom…
![The 2nd Massacre at frontmatter]()
The 2nd Massacre at Hirgigo
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![The Massacre at Hirgigo]()
The Massacre at Hirgigo
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![Following the assassination of a collaborator by ELF freedom fighters, an Ethiopian general orders the massacre against the residents of Agordat.]()
The Second Massacre at Agordat - Black Sunday
The town of Agordat (Aqurdet) As the frustration of the Ethiopian government grew over their failed attempts to control Eritrean freedom…
![The Massacre at Asmara and Surrounding Villages]()
The Massacre at Asmara and Surrounding Villages
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![The Massacre at Wokidiba]()
The Massacre at Wokidiba
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![The Massacre at Asmara]()
The Massacre at Asmara
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![General Aman Andom, the Eritrean-born chairman of the Military Derg (council) and acting Head of State of Ethiopia was Killed by the Derg over critical disagreements over the path forward after the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie I.]()
Gen. Aman Andom was Killed by the Military Derg
General Aman Michael Andom, Chairman of the Provisional Military Administrative Council, the Derg, and acting Head of State of Ethiopia in…
![The Massacre at Om Hajer]()
The Massacre at Om Hajer
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![The Massacre at Keren]()
The Massacre at Keren
Freedom fighters hanged in town square in Keren, 1965
![At Ona, more than 800 residents and people who fled from the Ethiopian army's bloody raids of the surrounding villages, notably Besikdira, were massacred.]()
The Massacre at Ona
An Ethiopian soldier looks on as a village burns Following the Ethiopian army’s village raids and killing of civilians from surrounding…
![Ethiopian soldiers rounded up the entire village of Besikdira, forced the people into the local mosque, shot into them until almost all of them, including the elderly, women and children were dead.]()
The Massacre at Besikdira
Besikdira mosque ruin, the site of massacre As the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF a.k.a Jebha) was growing and its activities in northern…
![The Massacre at Elabered]()
The Massacre at Elabered
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![The Massacre in Hazemo]()
The Massacre in Hazemo
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![The first ever organized open-confrontation battle between Eritrean freedom fighters and regular Ethiopian army took place at Togoruba.]()
The Battle of Togoruba
ELF fighters who participated in the Battle of Togoruba The first ever organized open-confrontation battle against a regular Ethiopian army…
![A bomb attack on high-level Ethiopian officials was carried out by ELF fighters in Agordat at a gathering to promote Ethiopia's forced annexation of Eritrea.]()
Bomb Attack by ELF Fighters At Agordat
The town of Agordat (Aqurdet) On July 12, 1962, a fateful event occurred in the Eritrean town of Agordat (Aqurdet) that would greatly…
![Hamid Idris Awate led the first attack on Ethiopian posts heralding the beginning of the armed resistance for Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia]()
Beginning of the Armed Struggle
Hamid Idris Awate started the armed resistance for Eritrean independence against the Ethiopian government On September 1, 1961, eleven…
![Mahber tyatr Asmera (Mat'A) or Asmara Theater Association was founded by interested citizens to push for an Eritrean cultural and national renaissance.]()
Asmara Theater Association (Mat’A) Founded
Mat’A members performing Mahber tyatr Asmera (Mat’A) or Asmara Theater Association was founded by interested citizens to push for an…
![Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) was founded in Cairo by the former Chairman of the General Assembly, then exiled, Idris Mohammed Adem along with other intellectuals.]()
Eritrean Liberation Front was Founded
Former Chairman of the General Assembly, Idris Mohammed Adem founded the ELF Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) was founded in Cairo by the…
![The Eritrean flag with the green olive wreath on a sky-blue background was banned by the Ethiopian government further eroding the autonomy of the Government of Eritrea.]()
Eritrean Flag was Banned
The flag of the Federal State of Eritrea, 1952 By 1958, the Eritrean Parliament had become dominated by supporters of the Union with…
![The clandestine Harekat Tahrir Eritrea, Mahber Shob'Ate or Eritrean Liberation Movement (ELM) was established in November 1958 by five young Eritrean exiles in Port Sudan.]()
Eritrean Liberation Movement (ELM) Established
Founders of ELM: Mohamed Said Nawud, Saleh Ahmed Iyay and Yasin Aqeda. Others include Idris Mohammed Hassan and Said Sabr Harekat Tahrir…
![The rise and convergence of activism of Eritrean students in Cairo and Eritrean soldiers serving in the Sudanese army for Eritrean independence.]()
The Convergence of Student Activism and Military Resistance
Former Chairman of the General Assembly, Idris Mohammed Adem who was asked to lead the movement for Eritrean independence in exile The…
![Woldeab Woldemariam, a leading figure in the movement for the independence of Eritrea, started radio broadcasting from exile in Cairo having survived many assassination attempts at home.]()
Woldeab Woldemariam Started Radio Broadcasting from Cairo
Woldeab Woldemariam Woldeab Woldemariam, a leading figure in the movement for the independence of Eritrea, started radio broadcasting from…
![A 25-year lease is signed between the governments of the United States and Ethiopia to establish a military communications base at Kagnew Station in Asmara.]()
Kagnew Station Leased to U.S. for 25 Years
Asmara Kagnew Station satellite dish, 150ft high weighing 6000 tones A 25-year lease is signed between the governments of the United States…
![Woldeab Woldemariam was severely wounded after a 7th assassination attempt that left him hospitalized for 5 months. He left for exile to Sudan soon after.]()
Woldeab Woldemariam Severely Wounded After 7th Assassination Attempt
Woldeab Woldemariam In 1953 a 7th attempt was made on Woldeab Woldemariam’s life. He suffered severe injuries that left him hospitalized for…
![The Syndicate of Free Eritrean Workers was Founded and Woldeab Woldemariam was elected its president. It was the first trade union organization in Eritrea and one of the first in Africa.]()
The Syndicate of Free Eritrean Workers was Founded
Woldeab Woldemariam, founder and elected-president of the Syndicate of Free Eritrean Workers On November 16 1952, the Syndicate of Free…
![Tedla Bairu was elected as Chief Executive of the Government of Eritrea, under the federal Imperial Ethiopian Crown]()
Tedla Bairu Elected As Chief Executive of Eritrea
Tedla Bairu, the first Chief Executive of the Government of Eritrea, under the federal Imperial Ethiopian Crown
![Emperor Haile Selassie ratified the Federal Act, federating Eritrea with Ethiopia per UN resolution in the Throne Room of the Imperial Palace in Addis Ababa.]()
Federal Act Federating Eritrea with Ethiopia Ratified
Emperor Haile Selassie with Ato Tedla Bairu, Chief Executive of the Government of Eritrea The federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia was…
![The first election in the history of Eritrea was held by memebers of the public to elect their representatives in the National Assembly]()
Eritreans Voted For Representative Assembly
Eritreans in line to vote for Representative Assembly The first election in the history of Eritrea was held on 26 March 1952 when a…
![A group of Eritrean students in Cairo, Egypt, formed a pivotal organization that would shape the course of Eritrea's revolutionary history.]()
Eritrean Student Movement in Cairo
Said Hussein, a dynamic leader of the Eritrean students’ movement for independence in Cairo, Egypt The Eritrean Students Club was…
![British Campaign Successfully Ended Shifta-Related Violence that became rampant with the unrest and division within the Eritrean society on deciding the future of the colony of Eritrea]()
British Campaign Successfully Ended Shifta-Related Violence
Lt. David P.P. Cracknell with Eritrean police troops British Campaign Successfully Ended Shifta-Related Violence that became rampant with…
![Following the passing of the UN resolution to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia, Anze Matienzo arrived in Eritrea to oversee the transition to federation.]()
Transition to Federation - U.N. Commissioner Anze Matienzo Arrived
U.N. Commissioner Anze Matienzo arrived to oversee the federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia, seen here meeting Eritrean representatives After…
![UN Resolution 390 A (V) passed to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia. This was a U.S. sponsored compromise to find a middle ground between full union with Ethiopia and full independence ignoring the majority wish of Eritreans.]()
UN Resolution 390 A (V) passed to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia
UN Resolution 390 A (V) - federatation of Eritrea with Ethiopia Following the adoption of UN Resolution 390A(V) in December 1950, Eritrea…
![Abdulkadir Kebire, pioneer of the movement for independence of Eritrea from Ethiopia, was fatally wounded by Unionist sympathizers' attack in Asmara.]()
The Assassination of Abdulkadir Kebire
Abdulkadir Kebire Abdulkadir Mohamed Saleh Kebire, the brilliant politician and well-respected pioneer of the movement for Eritrean…
![The Four Powers Commission arrived in Eritrea and found Eritreans divided on independence with most highland Christians favoring Union with Ethiopia while Muslims preferring independence.]()
The Arrival of the Four Powers Commission in Eritrea
Main leaders of the victorious Four Powers: Churchill (Great Britain), Truman (USA) and Stalin (USSR) at Postdam Conference in Germany, 194…
![On Feb 10, 1947, the Paris Peace Treaty outlined that the fate of Eritrea was to be decided based on the findings of a new Commission, the Four Powers Commission.]()
Paris Peace Treaty - Commission to Decide Eritrea's Future
Churchill, Truman and Stalin at Postdam Conference in Germany, 1945 The Paris Peace Treaties were signed between victorious Allied powers…
![Al-Rabita Islamia, or the Muslim League party, was officially formed in a ceremony in Keren at the gathering of Islamic community leaders from many parts of Eritrea.]()
The Formation of the Al-Rabita Islamia
Standing from left: Mohammad Seid Abera, Adem Qusmulah, Ibrahim Sultan, Seid Saleh, unknown, Mohamadnur (Megeften); Sitting from left…
![Negusse the Tyrant]()
Negusse the Tyrant
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![The arrival of COI in Eritrea]()
The arrival of COI in Eritrea
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![The Unionist Party, whose mission was the union of Imperial Ethiopia with the former Italian colony of Eritrea, was founded by Tedla Bairu.]()
The Unionist Party was Founded by Tedla Bairu
Tedla Bairu founded the Unionist Party
![Following the failure of the Bet Giorgis Conference to unite the "self-determination" movement, Ibrahim Sultan founded the Eritrean Muslim League, or "al-Rabita al-Islamia" in Arabic.]()
Eritrean Muslim League was Founded By Ibrahim Sultan
Ceremony of the foundation of al-Rabita al-Islamia. From left to right standing: Mohammed Seid Abera, Adem Qusmulah, Ibrahim Sultan, Seid…
![The Bet Giorgis Conference was organized by Eritrean Unionist and pro-independence activists to find common ground following concerning domestic and international events.]()
Bet Giorgis Conference (ዋዕላ ቤት ጊዮርጊስ)
Organizers of Conference of Bet Giorgis: Weldeab Weldemariam, Omer Qadi and Gebremesqel Woldu The Bet Giorgis Conference, better known as…
![Sudanese British soldiers killed 46 Eritrean civilians while wounding 70 others in Asmara following a clash in a liquor shop. A 3-day mourning was declared by the British administration.]()
Massacre in Asmara by Sudanese British Soldiers
British Empire’s Sudan Defence Force On the day of “Eid Al-fetir”, Sudanese British soldiers and some Eritrean Christians from the highlands…
![The newspaper Dimtsi Ertra (Voice of Eritrea) announced the formation of the Association for the Union of Ethiopia and Eritrea]()
The Formation of the Association for the Union of Ethiopia and Eritrea
The newspaper Dimtsi Ertra (Voice of Eritrea) announces the formation of the Association for the Union of Ethiopia and Eritrea
![After WWII was over, economic depression set in. The British dismantled and salvaged many Eritrean factories and transportation infrastructure. Lawlessness and anti-Italian banditry (shiftanet) became rampant.]()
Postwar Depression and British Dismantling of Infrastructure
La Teleferica: The Asmara-Massawa cableway; dismantled and sold for scraps After WWII was over, economic depression set in. The British…
![Ibrahim Sultan led the movement to emancipate the Tigre serfs from the Shemagulle feudal landowners. He founded the Emancipation Movement of the Serfs (Harakat Tahrir al Aqnan)]()
Ibrahim Sultan Founded Self-Emancipation Movement of the Serfs
Sheikh Ibrahim Sultan Ibrahim Sultan led the movement to emancipate the Tigre serfs from the Shemagulle feudal landowners. He founded the…
![The Love of Country League was formed to bring awareness to the suffering of Eritreans under the un-removed Italian officials under the British administration.]()
The Formation of the Love of Country League (ማሕበር ፍቕሪ ሃገር)
Some of the founders of the Love of Country League: Woldeab Woldemariam, Gebremeskel Woldu and Ibrahim Sultan The Love of Country or Nation…
![British Abyssinian Campaigns - World War II offensive against Italy to take over Eritrea and Ethiopia in East Africa.]()
Britain defeated Italy in Eritrea (WW II - Abyssinian Campaigns)
Abyssinian Campaigns: British WWII offensive to push Italy out of Eritrea and Ethiopia The British army under the command of General Platt…
![Railway Reaches Agordat]()
Railway Reaches Agordat
Map of the Italian-era Massawa-Agordat-Bisha railwayMap of the Italian-era Massawa-Agordat-Bisha railway
![The 125km-long railway connecting Massawa to Asmara was completed by colonial Italians in Eritrea. It is considered an engineering feat for scaling the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley in quite a short distance in one of its sections.]()
Massawa-Asmara Railway Completed
Massawa-Asmara railroad Station at Asmara Although the Italians were not the first to build a railway in the area known today as Eritrea…
![The Treaty of Addis Ababa was signed between Ethiopia's Menelik II and the Italians, recognizing colonial Eritrea, sovereign Ethiopia and the abrogation of the Treaty of Wuchale.]()
Treaty of Addis Ababa
Emperor Menelik II with entourage The treaty of Addis Ababa which was signed between Ethiopia under Menelik II and the Italians states the…
![The Battle of Adwa, fought between the Ethiopian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy, won by the former, decided the territories of Eritrea and Ethiopia]()
The Battle of Adwa
The Battle of Adwa The Battle of Adwa was fought between the Ethiopian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy near the town of Adwa, Ethiopia, in…
![Degiat Bahta Hagos Aba T'mer (ባህታ ሓጎስ) of Segeneiti who had previously opposed Abyssinian encroachment into his territory, rebelled against Italian Occupation. He is considered a symbol of resistance to foreign domination.]()
Bahta Hagos Rebellion Against Italian Occupation
Degiat Bahta Hagos of Segeneiti Degiat Bahta Hagos Aba T’mer (ባህታ ሓጎስ, ኣባ ጥመር) was Dejazmach of Akele Guzay, and retrospectively considered…
![Italy declared the formation of its new colony of Eritrea on the Red Sea, taking territories the weakened Egyptians occupied and expanding to the central highlands. Eritrea got its name from the Erythraean Sea or Red Sea.]()
Eritrea was Declared as the New Italian Colony
Italian map of the Colony of Eritrea Italy declared the formation of its new colony of Eritrea as the Egyptian power on the lower Red Sea…
![The Treaty of Wuchale, between Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia and Italy, deciding the territories of Eritrea and Northern Ethiopia was signed.]()
Treaty of Wuchale
Treaty of Wuchale between Emperor Menelik and the Italians Treaty of Wuchale (or, Treaty of Ucciale; in Italian, Trattato di Uccialli) was a…
![The first Eritrean soldiers in the Italian colonial army known as Ascari were recruited. More than 130,000 Ascari would have served in the Italian army by 1941.]()
First Eritrean Ascari Recruited
Eritrean Ascari in the Italian Colonial Army The first Eritrean soldiers in the regular Italian colonial army known as Ascari were recruited…
![A reinforcement battalion of 500 men under Colonel Tommaso De Cristofori en route to the garrison at Saati was ambushed by Ras Alula's men at Dogali and annihilated.]()
The Battle of Dogali
On his own initiative, Ras Alula Engida, then governor under Emperor Yohannes IV, attacked the Italian-controlled town of Sahati/Saati on…
![Ras Alula of Abyssinia ordered a bloody raid on the Nara and Kunama ethnic groups, looting and pillaging their territory following his failed siege of Kassala.]()
Ras Alula Massacred the Nara and Kunama in Eritrea
Ras Alula Engida After the failure of his siege attempt of Kassala, the Egyptian garrison town on the Sudanese border in the western…
![On 5 February 1885, Italian troops under Admiral Caimi landed at Massawa as the Egyptians withdrew from the lower Red Sea. They pushed advance posts into the interior of modern-day Eritrea.]()
Italian Troops Landed at Massawa
Landing of goods and quadipeds at Massawa On 5 February 1885, Italian troops under Admiral Caimi landed and occupied Massawa. They pushed…
![Italy continued to expand its hold from the southern Red Sea of the Afar Sultanate and eventually occupied Massawa with no resistance from the Egyptian occupiers.]()
Italy Occupied Massawa
Sketch of Massawa at the end of 19th century Italy continued to expand its hold and occupied Beilul, north of Assab, in January 1885. All…
![Ras Barya’u of Tigray was sent by Emperor Yohannes IV to subdue Raesi Woldemichael of Mereb Mellash who rebelled against the emperor. Ras Barya'u was killed in the battle and his army defeated.]()
The Battle at Bet Meka’e, Asmara, with Ras Barya’u of Tigray
Raesi Woldemichael Solomon Having spent some years up in Bogos with the Egyptians following the threat of Ras Alula’s arrival in Hamasien…
![Shalleqa Alula of Abyssinia was promoted to Ras by Emperor Yohannes IV and assigned governorship of Mereb Mellash to tame the rebel Raesi Woldemichael of Mereb Mellash, current-day central Eritrea.]()
Shalleqa Alula Promoted to Ras to Govern Mereb Mellash
Ras Alula Engida With the failed campaign of Ras Barya’u at Bet Meka’e, having failed to control Raesi Woldemichael’s revolt in the central…
![Raesi Woldemichael Solomon consolidated power in the highlands of Eritrea by defeating Degiat Hailu who was favored by Emperor Yohaness IV of Abyssinia at the Battle of Wekidiba]()
Raesi Woldemichael Solomon Consolidated Power In Eritrean Highlands
Raesi Woldemichael Solomon, ruler of Mereb Mellash Raesi Woldemichael Solomon (Aba Gomida) of Hazzegga (Eritrea) became the Governor of…
![At the Battle of Gura'e, Egyptian fortress at Gura'e was attacked by the Abyssinian army under Emperor Yohannes IV.]()
The Battle of Gura’e
Gura’e, the site of one of two major Egyptian forts, was attacked by an Abyssinian army under Emperor Yohannes IV. The Egyptians were…
![Egyptian forces, moving further inland, were ambushed by the Abyssinian army at a narrow pass at Gundet; with many dead, they were forced to retreat back to Keren and Massawa]()
The Battle of Gundet
Ismail Pasha, Khedive of Egypt and Sudan To fulfill Ismail Pasha of Egypt’s plan to conquer territories around the source of the Nile, which…
![Ismail Pasha of Egypt fortified the garrisons at Massawa, Keren and Hrgigo to put his expansive plans into action and invade Abyssinia-controlled fertile highlands and the Barka delta]()
Egyptians Fortified Massawa, Keren and Hrgigo
Massawa Ottoman walls Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt and the grandson of Mehmet Ali Pasha of Egypt, wanted to expand his empire further…
![Italian missionary Giuseppe Sapeto purchased the Port of Assab as Italy joins the European "Scramble for Africa", racing to acquire land on the Red Sea coast of Africa]()
Italian Purchase of the Port of Assab by Giuseppe Sapeto
Italian Lazarist missionary turned explorer Giuseppe Sapeto After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the Scramble for Africa was in full…
![Gen. Napier's British Expedition against Tewodros II of Abyssinia landed at Zula (Eritrea) for provoking Queen Victoria. Kassa Mercha became Emperor Yohannes IV upon Tewodros' demise by aiding the expedition.]()
British Expedition Against Emperor Tewodros II of Abyssinia
The Battle of Magdala, the British against Emperor Tewodros of Abyssinia Kassa Hailu of Dembiya (Lake Tana area) rose to power during the…
![Degiat Hailu of Tsazzega and Degiat Woldemichael of Hazzega started vying for control of Hamasien and their feud carries on for 20 years.]()
Degiats Hailu and Woldemichael feuded to Rule Mereb Mellash
Young chiefs Having come from the two powerful houses of Hazzega and Tsazzega, who descended from the same ancestry several generations back…
![Having had lost his rule over Massawa because of the resurgence of the Wahhabi rebellion against the Ottomans, Mehmet Ali Pasha was given back his position to rule Massawa]()
Second occupation of Massawa by Egyptians
Mehmet/Mohammad Ali Pasha, khedive or viceroy of Egypt, with his modern navy fleet After Mehmet Ali Pasha won the Ottoman-Saudi War in 181…
![Dejazmach Wube continued his 6-year long, brutal military administration in highlands, constantly raided lowlands, used divide-and-rule strategy and sought French and British support.]()
Dejazmach Wube Intensified His Ruthless Rule
Dejazmach Wube Hailemariam of Tigray Dejazmach Wube continued his 6-year long, brutal military administration in the highlands. He…
![The Egyptians fortified the city of Kassala and raided the surrounding region subjugating the Beni Amer people.]()
Egyptian fortification of Kassala and the Subjugation of the Beni Amer
Fortified Kassala, Sudan, in the 19th century The Egyptians fortified the city of Kassala and raided the surrounding region subjugating the…
![Father Giuseppe Sapeto arrived in the southern coastal areas of Denkalia and established an Italian Catholic Missionary]()
Father Giuseppe Sapeto founded Catholic Missionary
Italian Lazarist missionary Giuseppe Sapeto Father Giuseppe Sapeto arrived in the southern coastal areas of Denkalia and established an…
![Dejazmach Wube of Semien dominated Mereb Mellash with ruthless miltary raids and pillaging for 8 years.]()
Dejazmach Wube of Semien dominated Mereb Mellash
Dejazmach Wube Hailemariam of Semien During the “Age of Princes” (ዘመነ መሳፍንት), the Abyssinian Emperors were reduced to nothing more than…
![Egyptians raid western lowlands for lucrative slave trade and taxation through their garrison at Kassala raiding the lands of the Beni Amer, Nara, Kunama and Bilen.]()
Egyptians Raid Western Lowlands
Mehmet/Mohammad Ali Pasha, khedive or viceroy of Egypt Egyptians raid western lowlands for lucrative slave trade and taxation through their…
![Naib Yahya of Hirgigo rebelled against the Egyptian rule under Ibrahim Pasha after he was dismissed from his position forcing the Egyptians to negotiate a truce.]()
Naib Yahya Rebelled Against Egyptian Rule
Town gate of the Ottoman harbor of Massawa on the Red Sea, Eritrea Following the death of Tusun Pasha, son of the Viceroy of Egypt Mehmet…
![Mehmet Ali of Egypt took the administration of the Eyalet of Habesh including the port of Massawa, eroding the power of the local Naib nobility, after he defeated the Saudis who led the Wahhabi uprising in the Arabian Peninsula.]()
Mehmet Ali of Egypt took Massawa
Mehmet/Muhammad Ali Pasha, khedive or viceroy of Egypt, with his modern navy fleet The Ottoman Eyalet or province of Habesh, the area…
![Ottoman Turks appoint the Naib to govern the Coastal plains while the highlands remained under the Abyssinian-supported Bahri Negassi]()
Ottoman Turks Appoint the Naib to Govern Coast
Ottoman Massawa Ottoman Turks turks appoint the Naib to govern the coast while the highlands remained under the Abyssinian-supported Bahri…
![Bahri Negassi Yeshaq revolted against Abyssinia; Midri Bahri was devided into Ottoman-controlled coast and Abyssinia-controlled highlands]()
Bahri Negassi Yeshaq Revolted Against Abyssinia
Bahri Negassi Yeshaq Revolted Against Abyssinia Although Bahri Negassi Yeshaq enjoyed good relations with Emperor Galawdewos of Abyssinia…
![Bahri Negassi Yeshaq fought back the invading Ottoman Turks by leading the local peasantry recapturing Debarwa, the capital of his kingdom of Medri Bahri.]()
Bahri Negassi Yeshaq Fought Back Turkish Invasions
Ottoman cavalry on the attack When the Ottoman general Ozdemir Pasha, who had been made governor of the Ottoman province of Habesh, crossed…
![Massawa was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1557. The Ottomans made it the capital of Habesh Eyalet with the intention of expanding further inland into Medri Bahri.]()
Ottoman Turks Occupied the Harbor of Massawa
Suleiman I, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire Massawa was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1557. The Ottomans made it the capital of Habesh…
![After the alliance with the Funj of Sudan and together defeating their Belew rulers, the Beni Amer led by Amer Kunu form a confederecy]()
Beni Amer Confederecy Formed
Beni Amer men The Beni Amer people are said to have come from the intermixing of the Cushitic Bejas and the Tigre people about 600 years ago…
![Bahri Negassi Yeshaq, the medieval ruler of the kingdom of Medri Bahri in present-day Eritrea, joined the Abyssinian Empire and the Portuguese to defeat Ahmad Gragn/Gurey of Adal]()
Bahri Negassi Yeshaq Fought Against Ahmad Gurey
Ahmed Gurey’s (Grangn) marauding army attacked Abyssinia and Medri Bahri Bahri Negassi Yeshaq was Bahri Negassi, or ruler of the medieval…
![Portuguese expedition forces led by Estêvão da Gama arrived at Massawa. At the request of the Abssinian Emperor, expeditionary force of 400 men under Cristóvão was sent to fight back Ahmed Gurey of Adal. Bahri Negassi provided assistance.]()
Portuguese Forces Landed at Massawa
Estevao Da Gama, son of Vasco Da Gama, with a Portuguese ship Portuguese expedition forces led by Estêvão da Gama, son of Vasco Da Gama…
![Ahmed Gragn/Gurey al-Ghazi of Adal, current day Somalia, conquered northern Abyssinia and Medri Bahri reaching the central highlands of modern Eritrea.]()
Ahmed Gragn Conquered Northern Abyssinia and Medri Bahri
Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi (also known as Ahmed Gragn/Gurey, meaning ‘the left-handed’) Ahmed Gragn/Gurey al-Ghazi of Adal, current day…
![Bahri Negassi Dori Fegaga Yohannes ruled Medri Bahri, the central highlands of modern-day Eritrea up to the Red Sea coast, from his capital at Debarwa.]()
Bahri Negassi Dori Fegaga Yohannes
The Kingdom of Bahri Negassi as shown on a map of the Ottoman Empire Bahri Negassi Dori Fegaga Yohannes ruled the central highlands of…
![Portuguese travler and priest, Francisco Alvarez, arrived at Debarwa and met with Bahri Negassi Dori, king of Medri Bahri.]()
Portuguese Traveler Arrived at Debarwa
Book by Father Francisco Alvarez on his travels to Abyssinia in search of Prester John, a legendary Christian patriarch, presbyter and king…
![Ottoman Empire expands further south in the Red Sea to control the trading routes and posts in the Arabian peninsula and the shores of northeastern Africa.]()
Ottoman expansion in the Red Sea
The Ottoman Empire, the Red Sea and Kingdom of Bahri Negassi After the war between Ottoman Turks and the Mamluks of Egypt for the domination…
