| Total population |
|---|
| 217,000 |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Eritrea: 198,000 Ethiopia: |
| Languages |
| Religion |
| Related ethnic groups |
The Saho (Arabic: ساهو), sometimes called Soho,[1] are an ethnic group living largely in the Southern and Northern Red Sea regions of Eritrea, but some also live in adjacent parts of Ethiopia. They are predominantly Muslim. A few Christians, who are also known as the Irob, live in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.[2]
Exact numbers of Saho are difficult to estimate, since there has been no census in Eritrea since its founding (see Demographics of Eritrea). Estimates range from a low of 4% to as much as 10% of Eritrea's population - from 120,000 to 320,000 people.
The Saho people speak the Saho language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.
They have a system of clans - 11 at present - which are in turn divided into kinship groups. Clan loyalty is an important factor in Saho politics.
Contents |
Saho Communities
- Minifre, Arabicمنفري comprises sub groups of:
Gaaso Arabic قعسو clans comprise: • Shum Abdalla Gaisha • Yofish Gaisha • Shum Ahmad Gaisha • Hassan Gaisha • Silyan Gaisha • Asa-Ushmaal • Oni - Maal • Salmunta • Gadafur Dasamo clans comprise: • Abdallah Harak • Naefie Harak • Mosat Harak • Subakum Are • Daili Are • Kundes • Illaishe • Asa Bora Faqat Harak comprises: • Faqih Abubakar • Faqih Omar • Faqih Ahmad. Silaita clans comprise: • Hakatti Are • Qomma Are • Zella Are • Halato • Abbarior
- Idda (Ge'ez እዳ, Arabic إِدًّا, alternatively ادة or ادى), one of the earliest known Saho communities in Eritrea, also known as “Bado Ambalish” (Ge'ez ባዶ አምባልሽ, Arabic اصحاب الأرض, "friends of the land [Earth]") or "bearers of land".
- Asaworta, also known as the Assa-Awurta.
- Irob (Ge'ez: ኢሮብ ʾirōb, also spelled Erob), a Christian community in the highlands of the Tigray Region.
External links
External links
Footnotes
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