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 reserving 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 has 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.

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, this 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.

Geographically, Blin is situated between the highland and lowland of Eritrea which represent the Christian and Moslem cultures, consecutively. Hence, Blin forms 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 Tigrinya). Blin themselves worship both religion and is not a factor of division within the Blin people.