History of Islam & Inter-Religious
Relations in Bale, Ethiopia

By Terje Osteba
November 2005
Almqvist & Wiksell
ISBN: 9189652150
51 pages, 5 ¾" x 8 ¼"
$39.50 Paper Original

---

Islam emerged in Bale in the Medieval Age as the religion of the Bale kingdom, where its introduction and expansion are ascribed to the legendary Sheik Hussein. From the 15th century onwards, Bale became subject to a great deal of turmoil, through the conflicts with the Christian Amhara empire in the north and the Oromo migrations.

As a result, Islam in Bale declined, before it experienced a revival through the Islamization of the Oromo from the 18th century onwards. This revival was also characterized by the integration of Oromo religious elements into Islam.

The incorporation of Bale into the Christian empire by the end of the 19th century led to increased contact between Christians and Muslims, which due to the political circumstances was of an antagonistic character. In a bird's eye view, this research report outlines the history of Islam and inter-religious relations in this part of Ethiopia.

Religious History

Return to Coronet Books main page