Angered by Fascist Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930’s the people of Awi (Sebat Bet Agew) joined patriots who waged guerilla warfare against the invaders. The Sebat Bet Agew patriots used their rich tradition of equestrian skills to transport logistics for the war, according to Public Relation Head with Amhara State Culture and Tourism Bureau, Haileyesus Filate.
After the total defeat of the Italian army and withdrawal of Italy from the Ethiopian soil, the people of Awi established the Awi Sebat Bet Equestrian Association to commemorate the role of horses and St. George. According to Association President Tilaye Ayelew, the name of the association is also called Awi Sebat Bet Agew St. George Equestrians Association to remember the role of St. George during the war.
Awi Zone is one of the special zones in Amhara state found to the West of the State capital, Bahir Dar. The name Sebat Bet Agew (seven family of Agew) was derived from the name of seven brothers named Anksha, Banja, Kuakura, Chara, Metekel, Zegem and Azena who prayed for victory against the Italians and received a revelation from God to that effect, Tilaye told The Ethiopian Herald.
According to Tilaye the founding members of the association were only 25 people in 1940, but now the membership has reached 48,202 from nine woredas of Awi zone. The association has over 2000 committees at different structures that stretch from zonal to kebele level and the association is administered by elected central committee and a president. It has its own formal structure and legal recognition from government body.
Starting from 1940, the horse riding ceremony is being held continuously during the past 79 years with in the towns of Awi Zone woredas circularly.
Although the association was established to acknowledge the role of the horses during the Ethio Italian war, it is now undertaking various social responsibilities in the society. Among other things, it plays vital role in conflict resolution in the society, traditional court service which is more acceptable than the modern court system by the people of the area, solving social problems of the society and individuals cooperatively. Generally there is a strong social interaction among the members of the association which simplifies their day-to-day lives by solving problems through discussions, Haileyesus noted.
The anniversary of the association takes place on the 23rd of the month of Tir (January 30) which is the date dedicated to St. George, Tilaye and Haileyesus said. St. George was chosen as a symbolic patron saint by taking lesson from Emperor Menelk II who successfully fended off Italian occupation 40 years back at the Battle of Adwa by carrying the Arc of St George. Similarly founders of the Association also carried the Arc St. George to help them win their battle, according to Tilaye.
This year the Association has celebrated 79th anniversary during which more than 1040 horse riders staged a show in Injibara town, the capital of Awi Zonal administration, Haileyesus noted.
Until the 77th year celebrations were held in woredas circularly without fixed place. But, during the 77th anniversary, the association with the state Culture and Tourism Bureau decided to hold a permanent wrap up event at zonal level after the events in each woreda as usual.
Tilaye stated that anyone over 18 years old of both sexes can join the association even if he/she does not own a horse since it is a social interaction association of the people of Awi in reconciliation, funeral, and happiness. It is working for the peace of the society, the people, to develop love and social integration among the people of the society and the country, he added.
General Assembly of the Association convenes twice a year gathering central committee members of the nine woredas and discuses on the societal issues of the zone.
Considering its historic value, social roles and unique culture of the association and its activities the Association was ranked second in the 2018 Good Person of the year award from “history and heritage” category.
The Ethiopian Herald February 23/2011
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
