Unit 7: Muslim Principalities in Ethiopia, 13th-16th C.

The Muslim Principalities

• The establishment of Muslim sultanates in Ethiopia and the Horn followed the introduction of Islam, with the Zeila trade route serving as a gateway to the interior.
• Several Muslim sultanates were formed, including Ifat, Fatagar, Dawaro, Dara, Bali, Hadya, Arbabini, Sharka, and Adal.

The Sultanate of Ifat

• The Sultanate of Ifat emerged in the mid-13th century, with Umar Walasma as its founder and the Walasma Dynasty.
• Ifat destroyed the Makhzumite dynasty in 1285 and became the strongest Muslim Sultanate in the region.
• Ifat controlled a vast territory, including the Zeila trade route, and became a strong rival to the Christian highland state.

Other Muslim Sultanates

• The Sultanate of Fatagar emerged in the 13th century, situated south of present-day Bulga around Shenkora.
• Dawaro was located between the middle Awash River and upper Wabe-Shebele, while Bali was located in the rich area south of the Wabe-Shebele.
• Dara probably existed between Dawaro and Bali states, and Arbabini was located between Dawaro and Hadiya.
• Hadiya was located to the west of Dawaro and Bali, with little known about its history.
• Sharaka was located in the present territory of Arsi, existing as a tributary to the Christian kingdom from the 14th century onwards.

Trade and Conflict

• Trade was a significant factor in the rise and development of the Muslim sultanates, serving as a source of livelihood.
• Long-distance trade was a source of great wealth, linking the peoples of Ethiopia and the Horn.
• The desire to monopolize long-distance trade and territorial expansion led to conflicts between the Christian kingdoms and Muslim principalities.
• Imam Ahmed ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi united the Afar, Argoba, Somali, Harla, and Harari communities, expanding to the Christian Kingdom and resolving material needs while keeping Islamic beliefs and practices intact.

The Sultanate of Adal

• The Sultanate of Adal was established in the highland districts around Harar in 1367 by a branch of the Walasma family.
• Adal became a centre of resistance against the Christian Kingdom until the second half of the 16th century.
• Imam Ahmed mobilized the pastoral communities, convincing them to unite and expand to the Christian Kingdom.
• The Christian Kingdom, led by Lebne-Dengel, initially retained its interest and advanced into Muslim territory, but Imam Ahmed's army fought fiercely, controlling territories including Bali, Dawaro, Fatagar, Sidama, Hadiya, and Kambata.