Jeberti
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| Jeberti | |
|---|---|
| Total population | (disputed) |
| Regions with significant populations | Middle East: n/a |
| Language | Arabic, Tigrinya |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
| Related ethnic groups | Agaw, Amhara, Arabs, Argobba, Beja people, Gurage, Oromo, Tigray-Tigrinya, Tigre |
The Jeberti (also spelled Jabarti, Jaberti, Jebarti) are a Tigrinya- and Arabic-speaking group mostly found in Eritrea with a wider diaspora community in neighboring countries, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula. There are also small numbers of Jeberti living in Ethiopia. Due to historic persecution, the Jebertis are attempting to achieve equitable recognition as an ethnic group in both Eritrea and Ethiopia. While the Jebertis in neighboring countries, facilitated by their shared religion, have largely assimilated into their respective countries and cultures. There is a tribe in Somalia that shares close lineage with the Jeberti called Darod.
[edit] History
Early in the history of Islam the Prophet Mohammed and his followers found sanctuary in the Kingdom of Aksum. When the Prophet returned to the Arabian Pennisula some of these refugees remained while some Aksumites converted to Islam. These people were called, Jeberti (the elect of God)[1]. One of their oldest settlements is said to be Negash, in the Tigray Region.
[edit] Religion
Jebertis are all Muslims and the term came to encompass all East Africa and, later, other Africans who have converted to Islam. Although this usage was later dropped as Islam spread across Africa, the original meaning is still evident as any Tigrinya or Amharic speaker who converts to Islam is called "Jeberti".[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Killion, Tom (1998). Historical Dictionary of Eritrea. The Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0810834375.
- ^ Trimingham, J (1965). Islam in Ethiopia. Frank Cass. ISBN 0714617318.
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