481 years ago today the defeat of Imam Ahmad Ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi, also known as Ahmed Gragn “The Left Handed” marked a significant event in the history of the Horn of Africa. The contending forces of the coastal tribal chiefs ruled by various Emirs and Sultans and the forces of the Solomonic Dynasty of Abyssinia had been going head to head for at least a decade prior to the advent of the boy that would become known as Ahmad Gragn. Despite that, the war that ended his reign would only last approximately 3 years and can be counted starting with the sack of Zeila by Zara Yacob, a testament to the difference made by advances in military tech of the era.
Today the animosity between the modern state of Somalia and Ethiopia, pertaining the MoU signed with the administration of Muse Bihi, can draw confusion as to the nature of modern Somalia which must be investigated further. The historical links between Eastern Ethiopia and the Somaliland region are deeply rooted in centuries of cultural exchange, trade, and migration. Stretching back to ancient times, the interactions between the peoples inhabiting these regions have shaped their identities, economies, and social structures since records began.
As primarily pastoralist, the people of the the coastal regions of the horn would hardly lose out anything more than man power and livestock in battle. However, the civilised nation of Abyssinia experienced a devastation unlike any to its infrastructure and social fabric as a result of the war. This makes the rise and fall of the Ottoman-backed Imam one of the most significant events in Abyssinia’s history with broad regional and perhaps even global implications vis-a-vis the rise of Islam in East and Central Africa.
The beheading of Ahmed Gragn at the Battle of Wayna Daga in 1543 at the hands of Emperor Gelawdewos who was supported by small Portuguese contigents, halted the advance of the Adal Sultanate and preserved the independence of the kingdoms along with their languages and cultures for generations to come. Imam Ahmed Gragn led several campaigns against the Abyssinians, seeking to expand the Adal Sultanate's territory and impose Islam on the ancient society of Christian highlanders known as Abyssinia.
Though credit for the defeat of the Imam goes to the man in charge with defending the faith, Emperor Gelawdewos, his father- the legendary Lebna Dengel deserves the lion share of the credit for his incessant and unyielding leadership under the most duress Abyssinia or its predecessor of Axum had ever endured. Lebna Dengel was able to liberate Abyssinia from Ottoman control by securing Portuguese support through fervent leadership and diplomacy. His heir was left with the job of rallying the people behind the Portuguese battalions that arrived shortly after his passing.
If the Ottomans had truly been in control of the Red Sea, Gelawdewos would not have been able to receive the arms shipment by the Portuguese or any contingents for that matter. This is testament to Abyssinia’s historical control of the Red Sea under its various Red Sea lordships who would usually sport the title King of the Sea (Bahre Negash). However, trade played the biggest role in connecting these coastal regions to Abyssinia. Harar, Zeila and Berbera for example made up some of the most crucial routes into the sea that were used for maritime trade across the Indian Ocean.
Goods from the interior, including coffee, ivory, and gold, were traded for spices, textiles, and other commodities from distant lands. This trade network extended inland, reaching Amhara- the heart of Abyssinia. Over the centuries, migrations driven by various factors, including conflicts, droughts, and opportunities for trade, have shaped the demography of the region. This movement has contributed to the blending of languages, customs, and traditions, creating a complex and interconnected social fabric.
The rallying of the people under the banner of Christianity to resist Ahmed Gragn's invasion, portraying the conflict as a religious struggle between Christianity and Islam was able to garner widespread support from its more ancient and established popular base in the Abyssinian highlands. The victory at the Battle of Wayna Daga was perceived as a triumph of Christianity over Islam, cementing Ethiopia's identity as a Christian stronghold on the global stage.
Indeed, the attempt that was made to wipe out Abyssinian culture was a wake up call for the Amhara nobility who would adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach to global affairs as a consequence. The militarisation of Amhara society, in fact, is arguably the result of this most vicious attempts at genocide. The rise of the proxy-war era that ensued thereon has eternally alarmed the Abyssinians. Furthermore, the Solomonic Dynasty’s efforts to mobilize under the authentic tradition of Orthodox Christian Secularism may well have served to avert the expansion of the Ottoman brand of Secularism particularly popular in the West.
It is therefore not a stretch to claim that Abyssinia prevented the Turkish caliphate from essentially taking over the old world. In alternative history this would have led to the capitulation of the Portuguese Christian world order which was the foremost power of the epoch and as a result, may well have led to the fall of Christianity in the rest of Europe and totally changed the course of history. The British Monarchy, which was in its infancy at the time, may well have included names such as Bilal, Emir of Edinburgh - if it wasn’t for the feats of the Abyssinians.
The Portuguese military intervention in support of the Solomonic Dynasty created diplomatic ties that lasted for several centuries. This relationship facilitated the exchange of goods, technology, and cultural practices between Africa and Europe. The defeat of Ahmed Gragn had broader implications for regional politics in the Horn of Africa. It returned the coastal regions to pre-Ottoman status as tributaries to Abyssinia paving the way for the rise of the Ethiopian Empire as it would be called. An era of geopolitics based on interest rather than identity would also arise out of it much to the dismay of the principled Orthodox nation.
The defeat also reshaped the balance of power among the various polities in the region, influencing subsequent conflicts and alliances. Overall, the defeat of Ahmed Gragn was a pivotal moment in the history of Abyssinia and a star-studded feat of the Amhara Kings, symbolising the resilience of the Solomonic lineage and creed. Despite the challenges and conflicts that the people of the horn have been subjected to though, their links remain untarnished. Today, these connections highlight the enduring bonds that transcend fallacious narratives of temporary rulers, alas Harar is still standing.
It is with this history in mind that we can be confident that relationship between the people of Somalia, Somaliland and Abyssinia will survive yet another case of foreign interference induced hate and confrontation. We are talking specifically Houthis in Yemen, the Arab League, Gaza and U.S interest in Israel. The broader geopolitical context of today that is warranting the need for modern Ethiopia to have access to a port or to the sea are obvious for anyone that follows the news. Thus all that remains to be said is that the Ancient Society shall persevere to see another day, or shall we say, another century.
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