Paper for Issue

BITU OF ETHIOPIA AND HIS HERESY

Abstract

Bitu is the only heretic of Ethiopian origin whose name and thoughts were mentioned in the Māṣḥāfā mǝśṭir (Book of Mystery), which provides extensive assertions in response of various heresies of individual heretics and religious sects from the perspective of Oriental Orthodoxy. His heresy relates to eschatology and severely contradicts some of the main concerns that the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church believes and teaches regarding eschatological doctrine. St. Giyorgis of Gaśśǝč̣č̣a (1364-1424 A.D), one of the scholars of his time and author of several theological and hymnal books, including the Māṣḥāfā mǝśṭir has disputed against him in public at the court of King Dawit II (1382-1413 A.D). The homily he later composed in response of Bitu's heresy reflects the main points of the debate. Correspondingly, the Vita, composed by later hagiographers to commemorate his apostolic mission, virtues, and scholarly achievements, gives important information on the background and end of the dispute. In a way, the story shows the dispute resolution and justice system of the time. Though, in present Ethiopia, little is known about Bitu’s identity and beliefs. The purpose of this article is to deal with the story and end of the controversy based on the witnesses of the sources mentioned earlier and related references. The eschatological teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church are also briefly discussed to provide a better understanding of the controversy.

A HISTORICAL INTERROGATION ON ‘BUDA-RELATED’ AILMENTS IN WALLO

Abstract

This article looks at the nexus between the indigenous cosmology and the different healing techniques that had been utilized to prevent and treat ailments caused by the evil-eye in Wallo, Ethiopia. In particular, it examines the existential and ingrained belief in buda-caused illnesses within the wider context of the history of Wallo. The study also shows how indigenous preventive and therapeutic modalities survived for several centuries, along with their role in explaining the inexplicable misfortunes that befell individuals whose suffering was believed to have emanated from the injurious stare of fellow human beings who were labelled as evil-eyed persons or buda in local parlance. Although noxious spiritual powers were held responsible for most human illnesses, the pervasive nature and purported capability of the buda as one of the causal agents of ill-health and death among the general public deserves closer examination. Documenting the history of the buda-complex contributes to our understanding of the indigenous belief system/s and the various methods applied in diagnosing and treating them and the various healing traditions being espoused and applied in Wallo. The study makes use of secondary written materials as well as primary sources, mainly manuscripts and oral informants.

POWER TRANSFER CONFLICTS: HISTORICAL, CONCEPTUAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES – ETHIOPIA

Abstract

A recent law enforcement campaign in Tigray Region raised the question as to why the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a leading member of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), failed to observe the Constitution, and why the current government used force instead of peaceful resolution. This article examines the transfer of power conflicts based on desk research, personal observations, political parties’ programs, parliamentary debates and speeches. The roots of conflicts in power transfer relate to historical absolutist governance traditions, despite challenges. Borrowed laws did not stop conflicts nor develop participatory governance. The current competitive politics and the market system may develop a homegrown legal culture in power transfer.

SOME NOTES ON THE ROLE OF THE ETHIOPIAN MILITARY REGIMENTS IN THE ANNALS OF INTERACTION OF PEOPLES AND CULTURES (14TH -16TH CENTURIES)

Abstract

The historic organization of the medieval Ethiopian military regiments awaits a comprehensive historical study. The present study examines the role of the Čäwa military regiments in stimulating cultural interaction among peoples of diverse identities across regions. The primary sources for the study are royal chronicles of Ethiopian emperors, hagiographies, missionaries' accounts and other contemporary sources. It is found that from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries, the Ethiopian Čäwa military regiments had exhibited three major experiences. These are the organization of a mixed ethno-religious and multi-lingual regiments, settlement of the Čäwa in newly integrated regions and remote frontiers and their intermingling with the local population. These long processes of interaction and cultural exchange have stretched to the shifting political geography of the Ethiopian state.