Debanma Introduction
Debanma is once again established to promote traditions, cultures, language, history, poetry,
story-telling, songs and way of life. The strength of Blin history so far depended on oral history,
story telling, poetry and songs. Debanma aims to conduct research at various levels in the
community history and development so as to collect data and document the relevant pieces of
information. In the last century Eritrea went through wars and continuous destruction of culture
and way of life. Although it will be so difficult to bring back the healthy social structure as it was
in the past, it is the responsibility of the present generation to pass those valuable traditions at
the verge of extinction to life. The 30 years war for independence in Eritrea caused far reaching
displacements and migration for generations of the Blin People A large number of young
people are now growing without any knowledge of their traditions and cultural heritages, which
has been passed mainly through oral communication from a generation to a generation.
Debanma, therefore, is to keep these history and cultural heritages of the Blin people alive. In
this instance, Debanma wishes to extend its invitation for all those who have contributed to the
Blin language and culture development to continue their good will to do so and also participate
in this website by sending information of relevance to enhance this noble cause.
Debanma is aware that there are a number of individual Eritreans and of other nationalities and
institutions who have been researching and collecting information about Blin. Therefore,
Debanma does wish to express its unlimited gratitude to all those who have been working hard
and contributing towards developing and preserving the culture and heritage of Blin. Thank you
all.
Background on Blin
Blin is one of the nine languages in
Eritrea and is spoken by around 5%
of the population. The Blin speaking
people inhabit in the central areas of
the country, in and around Keren, 91
km north of Asmara, the capital.
Despite, their being one of the
minority ethnic groups, the Blin
people have kept their language and
culture intact. However, the
inhabitants of Keren and environs
have had some of the most
devastating experiences during the
war of liberation (1961-1991).
Consequently, there has been a
massive displacement and
migration. Today, like the rest of the
people of Eritrea, Blin speaking
people find themselves scattered all
over the world. Many live in the Middle
East, Europe, North America and
Australia. So many still live in refugee
camps, the cities and towns in the
Sudan.
Blin is one of the nine languages in
Eritrea and is spoken by around 5%
of the population. The Blin speaking
people inhabit in the central areas of
the country, in and around Keren, 91
km north of Asmara, the capital.
Despite, their being one of the
minority ethnic groups, the Blin
people have kept their language and
culture intact. However, the
inhabitants of Keren and environs
have had some of the most
devastating experiences during the
war of liberation (1961-1991).
Consequently, there has been a
massive displacement and
migration. Today, like the rest of the
people of Eritrea, Blin speaking
people find themselves scattered all
over the world. Many live in the Middle
East, Europe, North America and
Australia. So many still live in refugee
camps, the cities and towns in the
Sudan.
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| © 2002 - 2008, Debanma Community U.K All rights reserved. |
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Geographically, Blin are situated between the highland and lowland of Eritrea which represent
the christian and moslem cultures, consecutively. Hence, Blin form a bridge between the
highland and lowland of Eritrea. Therefore every single Blin person is bound to speak two or
three Eritrean languages (Blin & Tigre or Tigrigna). Blin themselves worship both religion and it
is not a factor of division within the Blin people.
the christian and moslem cultures, consecutively. Hence, Blin form a bridge between the
highland and lowland of Eritrea. Therefore every single Blin person is bound to speak two or
three Eritrean languages (Blin & Tigre or Tigrigna). Blin themselves worship both religion and it
is not a factor of division within the Blin people.
Debanma.com
Make a donation to
Debanma website,
we need your help in
continuing this work.
No matter what size
donation,
Debanma website,
we need your help in
continuing this work.
No matter what size
donation,
The ‘Object’ (Aims) of Debanma Heritage
Forum.
To advance the education of the Blin people
who are from Eritrea, in particular the
children and the young people in subjects,
which may include the language and history,
traditions and cultural heritage of the Blin.
Forum.
To advance the education of the Blin people
who are from Eritrea, in particular the
children and the young people in subjects,
which may include the language and history,
traditions and cultural heritage of the Blin.
Furthermore, conduct research and documentation programmes and develop projects to
engage the community in activities of preserving their values and cultural heritages,
empower the younger generation to establish their identity, to integrate and contribute to the
well-being of societies they live in.
engage the community in activities of preserving their values and cultural heritages,
empower the younger generation to establish their identity, to integrate and contribute to the
well-being of societies they live in.