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Regions with significant populations | |
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![]() | 4,483,776 (2007)[1] |
Languages | |
Tigrinya | |
Religion | |
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Related ethnic groups | |
Amhara • Argobba • Beta Israel • Gurage • Harari • Tigre • Tigrinya • Zay • other Habesha peoples[3][4] |
Tigrayans (Tigrinya: ተጋሩ) are a Semitic-speaking ethnic group indigenous to the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia.[5][6][7] They speak the Tigrinya language, an Afroasiatic language belonging to the Ethiopian Semitic branch.
The daily life of Tigrayans is highly influenced by religious concepts. For example, the Christian Orthodox fasting periods are strictly observed, especially in Tigray; but also traditional local beliefs such as in spirits, are widespread. In Tigray the language of the church remains exclusively Ge’ez. Tigrayan society is marked by a strong ideal of communitarianism and, especially in the rural sphere, by egalitarian principles. This does not exclude an important role of gerontocratic rules and in some regions such as the wider Adwa area, formerly the prevalence of feudal lords, who, however, still had to respect the local land rights.[5]
Tigrayans are branched out across the world in diaspora communities but are native residence of Tigray. Areas where Tigrayans have strong ancestral links are: Enderta, Agame, Tembien, Kilite Awlalo, Axum, Humera, Welkait, and Tsegede. The latter three areas are now under the de facto administration of the Amhara region, having been forcibly annexed by Amhara during the Tigray War.