Why the name Ethiopia does not always ring a bell to others like ቆምጬ❗️
Posted: 13 Mar 2026, 15:04
Historically, the areas south, southwest, and southeast of Shewa (Amhara region) were generally not considered part of the core medieval "Ethiopian Empire" or "Abyssinia" (centered in the northern highlands) before Emperor Menelik II's expansion in the late 19th century. These territories were often autonomous, independent kingdoms or tribal lands, such as the Kaffa or Oromo Gibe states, and were incorporated into the modern Ethiopian state between the 1870s and 1890s.
Historical Core: Before Menelik II (reigned 1889–1913), "Ethiopia" or "Abyssinia" typically referred to the highlands of Tigray, Gondar, Gojjam, and northern Shewa.
Expansion: Menelik II significantly expanded the empire's borders to the south, southeast, and southwest, incorporating regions like Hararghe, Wolayita, and Gurage, which had not previously been under a unified, centralized Ethiopian rule.
Terminology: The term "Abyssinia" (Habesha) often excluded these peripheral areas, which were later integrated into the modern Ethiopian nation-state.
When we talk about modern Ethiopia, we mean a country in renaissance where all ethnics are equal and respected and somehow connected. All cultures having equal value. All languages considered as a rich heritage.
EThnics don’t relate to the “Ethiopia” concept ቆምጬ envisages as this is an internal colonial concept mostly referring to the old abyssinia it’s name deliberately inserted into holly books, connected to fairytale Menelik I son of Solomon, to convince and subdue others. Mostly used in northern regions.
To put painful history to rest, the name ethiopia and all the paraphernalia including the flag may have to be retired in favor of new renaissance names and symbols
Historical Core: Before Menelik II (reigned 1889–1913), "Ethiopia" or "Abyssinia" typically referred to the highlands of Tigray, Gondar, Gojjam, and northern Shewa.
Expansion: Menelik II significantly expanded the empire's borders to the south, southeast, and southwest, incorporating regions like Hararghe, Wolayita, and Gurage, which had not previously been under a unified, centralized Ethiopian rule.
Terminology: The term "Abyssinia" (Habesha) often excluded these peripheral areas, which were later integrated into the modern Ethiopian nation-state.
When we talk about modern Ethiopia, we mean a country in renaissance where all ethnics are equal and respected and somehow connected. All cultures having equal value. All languages considered as a rich heritage.
EThnics don’t relate to the “Ethiopia” concept ቆምጬ envisages as this is an internal colonial concept mostly referring to the old abyssinia it’s name deliberately inserted into holly books, connected to fairytale Menelik I son of Solomon, to convince and subdue others. Mostly used in northern regions.
To put painful history to rest, the name ethiopia and all the paraphernalia including the flag may have to be retired in favor of new renaissance names and symbols