The Genealogy and Ethnic Identity of Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim Al-Gazi (Gragn) of Ethiopia: A Historiographical Reappraisal

Abstract

In Ethiopia, legend and folklore-based claims always confuse with historical fact. Until more primary sources are found, read and interpreted, uncertainties will remain. One of such historical controversies is the ethnic and social origins of Imam Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim Al-Gazi. Both Muslim and Christian sources forward their case/argument in order to support contemporary popular views. The objective of this paper is to weave available primary and secondary sources, which are pertinent to the genealogy of Imam Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim Al-Gazi. It is based on published and unpublished materials from the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) library. Accordingly, the existing sources are put together and critically reviewed, crosschecked and historically narrated. The paper offers interpretation that takes a different line of argument from the existing paradigm on the subject. Based on the analysis of the evidences, the paper argues that Imam Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim Al-Gazi has more of a Balaw and Afar ethnic background paternally and maternally respectively. What has been commonly argued as a Somali, Harla, a Harari or even an Oromo background are more of idea and claim than reality.