After Adwa
The year 1896 was a decisive one in Ethiopian history and of great significance for the African continent as a whole. The prominent African-American historian, Professor Molefi Asante, states that “…After the victory over Italy in 1896, Ethiopia acquired a special importance in the eyes of Africans as the only surviving African state from colonization.”
Adwa is where Ethiopians fought the decisive “Battle of Adwa” against an invading Italian force and eventually defeated the Italian army.
122 years on, these images document the anniversary of the battle commemorated in the small town of Adwa, that continues to hold historical significance, as well as in the capital Addis Ababa.
Metasebia Gonche and Haimanot Teferra, both 27, showed up early to mark the commemoration of 122th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A marching band awaits to perform at the 122nd commemoration of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A marching band awaits to perform at the 122nd anniversary of the commemoration of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A man imitates Emperor Menelok II of Ethiopia as patriots look on during the 122nd anniversary of the commemoration of the Victory of Adwa. Menelik led Ethiopian troops against the Kingdom of Italy in the First Italo-Ethiopian War. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A woman holds the Ethiopian flag as she sings a song at a rally to commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa.
March 02, 2016, Adwa,
March 02, 2016, Adwa,
Families of patriots and a few living patriots who fought the second Italo- Ethiopian war ( 1935 - 1939) observe the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
Medals awarded to a patriot for his participation of the war during the Italian occupation to colonize Ethiopia. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa.
A youth art group performs battle songs Ethiopian warriors used to sing to mobilize people to join a battle at the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A young woman performs bare-feet a song Ethiopian warriors used to sing to mobilize people to join a battle during the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
“My father was the one who served during the battle in 1935” said Basha Mebratu (left). “My fathers’ name is Kiros” he added, wearing what was his fathers’ service uniform. Basha Mebratu was among the very few standing patriots that turned out during the commemoration of the Battle of Adwa. Because of age, most of them have passed on. 02 March 2016, Adwa.
Women gather to mark the 120th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2016, Adwa
An art group performs battle songs Ethiopian warriors used to sing to mobilize people to join a battle at the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A youth art group performs battle songs Ethiopian warriors used to sing to mobilize people to join a battle at the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. Women played a key role in fighting during the battle with Italians.
02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A young woman carries a traditional food container- "Agelgil", which is used to hand over food to warriors. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
An elderly man awaits the start of a rally in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2016, Adwa
Negus Tamiru, 23, from Debre Markos, holds the flag as he observes the 122nd anniversary of the commemoration of the victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018 Addis Ababa
School girls in Adwa carry a slogan at a rally to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Victory of the Battle of Adwa. 02 March 2016, Adwa
Clergy from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church carry -the Tabot during the commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2016, Adwa
A crowd looks on as the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa is underway. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
Families of patriots and a few living patriots who fought the second Italo- Ethiopian war ( 1935 - 1939) observe the commemoration of the 122nd anniversary of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa
A young man from a youth group enacts a battle song the Ethiopian warriors used to sing for the thousands that gathered during the 122nd anniversary of the commemoration of the Victory of Adwa. 02 March 2018, Addis Ababa