<
https://theconversation.com/ethiopias-war-in-tigray-risks-wiping-out-centuries-of-the-worlds-history-179829>
"The human carnage and heritage destruction in Ethiopia’s Tigray region that
began in November 2020 has been devastating. Thousands have been killed,
millions displaced and several historical monuments damaged by invading forces
in the East African country’s north.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a military campaign against the
Tigray People’s Liberation Front on 4 November 2020. As troops from the
Ethiopian military and Eritrea, as well as Amhara militia groups, brutally
attack civilians, they have also destroyed religious, historical and cultural
sites of immense value. Some of the damage to these sites has been documented
through calls made by Tigrayans using satellite phones.
The region’s heritage sites have been deliberately targeted. To appreciate the
weight of these attacks, the role and influence of the church in Ethiopia needs
to be understood.
The church underpins historical and modern claims of political and military
authority in Ethiopia. It has shaped community identity and informed cultural
narratives.
Therefore, the bombing and destruction of churches, as well as other religious
sites, strikes at traditional power structures. These sites are cherished,
multi-functional gathering places and sacred spaces. Looting and attacking them
is a grave dishonouring of cultural values."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
