Irob people
The iRob ( Ge'ez: ኢሮብ ʾ iRob, also Erob ) are an ethnic group that inhabit the same mountainous highland region in the north-eastern Tigray region of Ethiopia. They speak Saho, are predominantly Christian (Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church and Ethiopian Catholic Church ) and most of them farmers. Although the boundaries of the Irobland to a certain degree are identical to those of iRob Woreda, it borders the following regions: Dabri - Mela in the north, Hado in the east, the Afar region in the east and south, and Shoumezana Gulomahda in the west and Saesi Tsaedaemba in the south. The largest neighbor, the Saho and Muslims, then Muslim Afar, the rest are Christian Tigray.
History
The traditional center of iRob is Alitena. They lead back to one man: Sum, son of Neguse Worede - Multiply, the oral tradition of according Tsira'e in Kilite Awla'elo, a part of the Tigray Region, over 700 years ago immigrated to the Irobland.
Despite their relatively small population, were the iRob pioneer of regional and national policy in Ethiopia. Since the Zemene Mesafint the family of Shum Agame Woldu dominated the tigrayanische policy. At this dynasty Dejazmach Sabagadis, Shum Agame Desta, Ras Sebhat Aregawi and many more including belonged to Emperor Yohannes IV
During the Italian invasion, irobische patriots under the leadership of Dejazmach Ayele Sebhat and Dejazmach spot Sebhat involved. It has been reported, as they attacked an Italian convoy and almost aufrieben which was advancing from southern Eritrea ago via Danakil - Somalia to reach the edge of the highlands of Abyssinia. on the anti- Italian resistance movement from its base in Mount Asimba from.
At other times played many Irobs, such as Tesfay Debassay, a leader of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party ( IHAPA ), an important role in the struggle against the feudal regime under Emperor Haile Selassie and later against the dictatorial military junta led by Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam.
In addition, the Irobland served, especially around Assimba and Aiga, as a base for several Ethiopian revolution movements, including the rPrP and the Tigray People's Liberation Front ( TPLF ). In Aiga found important battles take place during the Eritrea - Ethiopia war (1998-2000) that eventually led to the withdrawal of Eritrean forces from the region.
Society and Culture
The iRob divided into three major subgroups, including Are ( houses): Adgadi - Are, Buknaiti -Are and Hasaballa. The Adgadi -Are and Hasballa are predominantly Orthodox Christians, while the Bouknaiti -Are are predominantly Catholic.
The economy of the iRob based primarily on agriculture, including livestock. The region is also known for its excellent honey. The Miess / Tej (honey wine ), which is made from the honey of this region is praised throughout the region for its quality.
In general, the iRob are a bicultural society. With their Saho -speaking neighbors they share a common language and certain social structures, such as a clan system called " Mela " or the title " Ona " for the regional leader. Many other cultural practices, such as wedding ceremonies, clothing, dance and food, but more closely resemble their Tigringa speaking neighbors.
Nevertheless, the iRob also have distinctive customs. They know, for example, a erarbeitendes poems tell by the name " Adar ". The men of the iRob know a dance / step routine with the name " Hora " and " Alkafo ", which was traditionally danced in preparation of fights and can now be seen especially during weddings and related ceremonies.