How Nationalism is Built: The Case of Tigray

Nationalism is a powerful and often emotional force that binds a people together through shared identity, history, culture, and sometimes, resistance. It is not a static idea but one that is built and reinforced over time through collective experience. We could possibily construct or reconstruct a route to nationalism in Tigray.

1. Historical Foundations of Tigrayan Identity

A core component of nationalism is a shared history that binds a people together. For Tigrayans, our sense of nationhood is deeply rooted in the region’s historical significance. Tigray was home to the Aksumite Empire, one of the greatest ancient civilizations in Africa, is home of Emperor Yohannes, and Ras Alula.

Tigrayans today see ourselves as heirs to this legacy, linking our modern identity with historical achievements or we should. This historical pride creates (or should create) a strong sense of continuity and reinforces the distinctiveness of Tigray. Tigray has always been at the heart of Ethiopian civilization.

2. Culture and Language: Anchors of Tigrayan Nationalism

Culture and language are the living expressions of a nation’s identity. In Tigray, the Tigrinya language and being home and the first champions of both Christianity and Islam faiths  are integral to the formation of Tigrayan nationalism. Language, particularly, is a powerful tool in nation-building because it not only facilitates communication but also transmits cultural values, historical knowledge, and national symbols.

Tigrayans, we have long maintained our distinct cultural practices despite attempts at assimilation by the Ethiopian state and by Amharanization. Traditional music, religious festivals, and centuries-old literature written in Ge'ez (the ancient liturgical language of even the Ethiopian Orthodox Church) are essential in preserving a collective identity. These cultural elements form the fabric of Tigrayan nationalism. Kudos to the formation of separate, Tigrayan religious institutions. 

4. Genocide, Resistance, and the Rise of Modern Tigrayan Nationalism

War has always played a significant role in the construction of nationalism, and Tigray is no exception. The genocidal war, which began in November 2020 between Tigray and the Ethiopian federal and regional forces as well as international forces, to name one - Eritrean forces, has deeply intensified Tigrayan nationalism. Facing what we perceive as an existential threat, Tigrayans have come together with a renewed sense of identity and solidarity.

The atrocities committed against civilians in Tigray—including massacres, weaponized rape,, and the deliberate starvation of the population—have galvanized nationalist feelings. These brutal realities have not only sharpened the division between Tigray and the Ethiopian state but have also reinforced the idea that Tigray’s survival depends on unity and resistance. Tigrayans increasingly view our fight as one for sovereignty and survival, positioning Tigray as a nation within a state, separate from the Ethiopian project.

5. Memory and Martyrdom: Reinforcing Tigrayan Nationalism

Nationalism thrives on collective memory, particularly the memory of past struggles and sacrifices. For Tigrayans, the memory of martyrs who died in the fight against the Derg, and more recently in the genocidal war against Ethiopian and Eritrean forces (again amongst other international forces), plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary nationalism. Tigrayans see ourselves as descendants of a long line of fighters who have stood up against external oppression.

Memorialization of these figures and the collective trauma experienced in the current genocidal war have intensified nationalist fervor. This sense of martyrdom is deeply embedded in Tigrayan society, reinforcing the idea that our people have long been fighting for justice and autonomy. 

6. The Role of Media in Shaping Tigrayan Nationalism

In the modern era, media and communication play an increasingly important role in the construction of nationalism. Social media platforms have allowed Tigrayans both within the region and in the diaspora to tell our own stories, share our suffering, and amplify our calls for international solidarity. The power of digital platforms in fostering a shared narrative cannot be underestimated, as they connect Tigrayans across borders and foster a unified voice for Tigray's cause.

Furthermore, the international media’s coverage of the humanitarian crisis in Tigray has put the region's plight on the global stage, albeit inadequately. This external recognition has to a certain extent validated Tigrayan nationalist narratives of victimization, resilience, and resistance against Ethiopian and Eritrean aggression.

7. Nationalism as a Force for Survival and Autonomy

The culmination of Tigrayan nationalism is the desire for self-determination and autonomy. While the TPLF previously supported a federalist system within Ethiopia, the ongoing war has led to increasing calls for full independence from Ethiopia. In fact, the TPLF mobilized based on independence during its fight against the Derg only to later liberate the whole of Ethiopia. The genocidal war has made many Tigrayans question whether coexistence within a multi-ethnic Ethiopian state is feasible, particularly given the deep scars of the genocide.

This shift reflects the fact that nationalism, once constructed, can evolve in response to changing political realities. As the occupation and the atrocities continue, Tigrayan nationalism should take on a sharper tone, focused on survival and the pursuit of an independent Tigrayan state that would protect our culture, history, and future from external threats.

Conclusion

Nationalism is built through a complex interplay of history, culture, political struggle, and collective memory. In Tigray, these elements have coalesced to create a strong sense of identity that has been further reinforced by recent genocidal war and suffering. Tigray’s nationalism is not just a response to current events but is deeply rooted in our history, cultural distinctiveness, and political struggles for autonomy. As the Tigray genocide evolves, so too should the nationalism that binds our people together— towards a future where Tigray seeks full sovereignty and recognition as a nation in its own right