The Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) is one of the nine states of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). With a total population of nearly 20 million, it’s the largest state in Ethiopia.
While its origin is debated, the name Amhara is generally believed to have come from the word amari, meaning “pleasing, agreeable, beautiful and gracious.” Amhara is widely considered to be the cradle of human civilization, and a place many of the earliest humans called home.
The region’s history is rich with mysticism and legends dating back to the rise of Christianity and Islam. The people of Amhara can trace their roots back to Menelik I, the son born to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. The Ark of the Covenant, the vessel that housed the Ten Commandments, is said to rest in one of the region’s churches.
In the Middle Ages, Amhara was the high seat of Ethiopia’s central state. Many edifices from that medieval civilization still remain today, such as the famous Lalibela rock-hewn churches and the Fasil Palace.
Today, the Amhara region is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Ethiopia. It is home to Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, as well as the Blue Nile and the highest peak of the Semien Mountains. Its people are a diverse mix of individuals who are proud of their history, their culture and their country.
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