Balaw
Regions with significant populations | |
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Languages | |
Arabic | |
Religion | |
Sunni Islam | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Other Beja |
Balaw (or Belew) is an Arabic speaking nomadic tribe of Beja and Bedouin ancestry inhabiting the area of western and southern Eritrea.[1]
The origin of the Balaw is thought to be somewhere along the Suakin area of eastern Sudan. During the second wave of the Beja migrations into Eritrea, the Balaw people, a then predominantly Christian group of mixed Beja and Bedouin ancestry, entered the country between the 12th and 15th centuries CE. Some groups continued down the coast up until Zeila where they influenced the political and social configurations and attained positions of political preeminence.[2][3]
For centuries, the Na’ib family of Balaw origin controlled the region. They lived in towns like Arkiko and Massawa and several villages. The Balaw were scattered across Eritrea and mixed with other tribes. They were the ruling class of the Bani Amer until they were replaced by a Ja'alin family from Eastern Sudan. Since the 16th century, their main center was Arkiko. The Turks recognised their power and appointed their chief as the Na'ib of the Habesh Eyalet. Because of their influence and control over the Samhar region, the Balaw played a major role in local history. During the Egyptian occupation, a member of the Na'ib family was made the Sirdar of the troops in Massawa. The Balaw of Samhar also helped spread Islam in Eritrea. They were granted land in the highlands by the Ras of Tigray, which became centres for Islamic teaching. Their agents traveled widely, collecting tribute and trade dues.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Mukhtar, Ismael Ibrahim (2023). Milestones in the History of Islam in Eritrea. FriesenPress. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-0391-8538-8.
- ^ "The ancestors of the Tigrinya people". Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ Red Sea Citizens Cosmopolitan Society and Cultural Change in Massawa. Indiana University Press. 6 July 2009. p. 36. ISBN 978-0253220790.
- ^ Trimingham, J. Spencer (2013-09-13). Islam in Ethiopia. Routledge. p. 169. ISBN 978-1-136-97022-1.