Hadiya People | |
---|---|
Total population | |
6,269,382[1] (2007) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Ethiopia | |
Languages | |
Hadiyya | |
Religion | |
Islam, Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Halaba, Kebena, Oromo, Sidama, Kambata, Afar, Somali |
Hadiya (Amharic: ሐድያ), also spelled as Hadiyya, is an ethnic group native to Ethiopia in southern region who speak the Hadiyyisa language. According to a popular etymology, the name 'Hadiyya," means gift of god". it is mainly known for its Islamic influences in southern part of south shewa and west sharka[2] A historical definition of the Hadiya people based on the old Hadiyya Sultanate included a number of Ethiopian ethnic groups currently known by other names.[3][4] Currently, this historic entity is subdivided into a number of ethnonyms, partly with different languages and cultural affiliations. In his book "A History of the Hadiyya in Southern Ethiopia," Ulrich Braukämper reported that Leemo, Weexo-giira (Baadogo, Haballo, Bargaago, Waayabo, Hayyibba, Hoojje and Hanqaallo), Sooro, Shaashoogo, Baadawwaachcho, and Libido (Maraqo) Hadiyya, Endegang subgroups remain a language entity and preserved identity of oneness, the Hadiyya proper. The term Hadiya specifically designates the Qabeena people. Other ethnic groups such as Siltʼe, Wulbareg, Azarnat, Barbare, Wuriro, Wolane and Gadabano profess that they're the seven Hadiya clans. Hadiya people were fully Muslims until invasion of menilik II in 19th century that caused massive forced conversion to Christianity and increasing Protestant missionaries in late 19s.[5] Clans of Hadiya origin in Oromia, Sidama, Wolayta, Gurage, Tigray (Rayyaa, Azaaboo, and Ashaange), and Afar were completely absorbed by these nations. They were initially all inhabitants of a single political entity, a sultanate, which in the four centuries following its break-up in the mid-16th century fragmented into separate ethnic groups.[3][6]