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An Armenian Involvement in Mid-Nineteenth-Century Ethiopia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2019

David W. Phillipson
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Abstract:

Two Armenian ecclesiastics from Jerusalem, Isaac and Dimothéos, visited Abyssinia in 1867–1869. The latter’s detailed account of their journey was promptly published, grandiloquently dedicated (with formal permission) to Queen Victoria. The journey has nonetheless received little attention from historians, and the reasons it was made have been poorly understood. An intention to seek release of Europeans imprisoned by King Tewodros (Theodore) of Ethiopia was overtaken by events, the captives’ release being achieved by an expedition from British India before the Armenians arrived. Emphasis was consequently placed on involvement with local politics and ecclesiastical intrigue, both of which are discussed in this paper.

Résumé:

Deux ecclésiastiques arméniens de Jérusalem, Isaac et Dimothéos, ont visité l’Abyssinie entre 1867 et 1869. Le récit détaillé de leur voyage écrit par Dimothéos fut rapidement publié et grandiloquemment dédié à la reine Victoria (avec une permission formelle). Le voyage a néanmoins peu retenu l’attention des historiens et les raisons pour celui-ci ont été mal comprises. Leur première intention était de demander la libération d’Européens emprisonnés par le roi d’Éthiopie Tewodros (Théodore). Celle-ci est devenue cependant caduque après la libération des captifs par une expédition d’Inde britannique. Cet article se penche ensuite sur le rôle joué par ces deux Arméniens dans la politique locale et les intrigues ecclésiastiques.

Type
Journeys and Sources
Information
History in Africa , Volume 46 , June 2019 , pp. 137 - 145
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2019 

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