A history of Bichena Giyorgis (Arogew Bichena*) Town: the former capital of Gojjam proper (c. 1670s to 1850s)

Abstract

In Ethiopia, many towns were established spanning centuries across different regions. Bichena Giyorgis town (also called Arogew Bichena or Old Bichena) is found in Enemay Woreda, East Gojjam Zone. Bichena Giyorgis town was founded during the reign of Atse Yohannes I (r.1667-82), yet its history is under-researched. Therefore, the current study attempts to explore the origins, development and functions of this town applying a historic research method. To this end, manuscripts, chronicles, European travel accounts and oral sources collected from informants were used. Existing data were selected, cross-checked, described and interpreted. Findings reveal that the foundation and development of Bichena Giyorgis town was attributed to its location, topography, hospitable climate and expansion of church education. Bichena Giyorgis was the capital of Gojjam proper from the late 1670s to the early 1850s. Bichena Giyorgis served socioeconomic and political functions, and it was the seat of power for Dejjazmach Wodaje Abedib, Dejjazmach Wolde Abib (d. 1752), Dejjazmach Yosedeq (r. 1752-58), Ras Haylu Yosedeq (r. 1759-95) and other provincial governors. The town was one of the regional market centers visited by merchants, artisans and customers from various parts of the country. Bichena Giyorgis was also a center of religious learning in Orthodox Christianity. Intensification of rivalries among members and power contenders of the ruling house of Gojjam and Damot, and the appearance of temporary seats of power ushered in the decline of Bichena Giyorgis in the early 1850s, and gradual rise of Menkorer (Debre Markos) as a regional capital.