Tigrinya Cultural Orientation TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: PROFILE ................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 Area .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Major Rivers ............................................................................................................................ 2 Major Cities ............................................................................................................................. 3 Asmara .............................................................................................................................. 3 Nakfa ................................................................................................................................ 3 Massawa ........................................................................................................................... 3 History ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Ancient Times .................................................................................................................. 4 Decline of the Empire ....................................................................................................... 5 19th and Early 20th Centuries .......................................................................................... 5 Post-Independence Era ..................................................................................................... 6 Government ............................................................................................................................. 7 Media ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Economy .................................................................................................................................. 8 Agriculture ........................................................................................................................ 9 Industry ............................................................................................................................. 9 Service Sector ................................................................................................................. 10 Ethnic Groups ........................................................................................................................ 10 Tigrinya Christians ......................................................................................................... 10 Jabarti (Jeberti)—The Muslim Tigrinya ......................................................................... 11 CHAPTER 1: ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 2: RELIGION ............................................................................................................ 13 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 13 Orthodox Christianity ..................................................................................................... 13 Islam ............................................................................................................................... 14 Religion and Government ...................................................................................................... 15 Law and Religion ................................................................................................................... 16 Influence of Religion on Daily Life ....................................................................................... 17 Religious Holidays/Events ..................................................................................................... 18 Eastern Orthodox Christian Church ............................................................................... 18 Muslim Holidays ............................................................................................................ 20 Buildings of Worship ............................................................................................................. 21 Churches ......................................................................................................................... 21 Mosques .......................................................................................................................... 22 Behavior in Places of Worship .............................................................................................. 22 © DLIFLC | i Tigrinya Cultural Orientation Church Etiquette ............................................................................................................. 22 Mosque Etiquette ............................................................................................................ 23 CHAPTER 2: ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 25 CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONS ....................................................................................................... 26 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 26 Codes of Politeness ................................................................................................................ 26 Dress Codes ........................................................................................................................... 28 Hospitality and Gift Giving ................................................................................................... 30 Eating Habits and Cuisine ..................................................................................................... 30 Favorite Pastimes ................................................................................................................... 32 Nonreligious Celebrations ..................................................................................................... 32 Dos and Don’ts ...................................................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER 3: ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 34 CHAPTER 4: URBAN LIFE ........................................................................................................ 35 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 35 Urbanization Issues ................................................................................................................ 35 Urban Work Issues ................................................................................................................ 36 Healthcare .............................................................................................................................. 37 Education ............................................................................................................................... 39 Restaurants ............................................................................................................................. 40 Marketplace ........................................................................................................................... 43 Street Vendors ................................................................................................................ 45 Urban Traffic and Transportation .......................................................................................... 46 Cars ................................................................................................................................. 47 Street Crime and Solicitations ............................................................................................... 49 Beggars ........................................................................................................................... 49 Crime .............................................................................................................................. 49 CHAPTER 4: ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 50 CHAPTER 5: RURAL LIFE ........................................................................................................ 51 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 51 Land Distribution ................................................................................................................... 51 Rural Economy ...................................................................................................................... 53 Gender Roles ........................................................................................................................