Eritrea Agordat History: An Overview



Eritrea is a small African country located on the Red Sea, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. It is home to a rich and diverse culture and history, with its capital in Asmara. Agordat is a city located in the western part of Eritrea, and its history is intertwined with that of the country as a whole.

Agordat was founded in the late 19th century by the Ottoman Empire. It was initially used as a military outpost and an administrative center, but it soon grew into a bustling commercial hub. The city was a major trading center and was home to a number of ethnic groups, including the Tigray, Afar, and Tigrinya people.

In 1941, the British occupied Agordat and the surrounding area as part of their campaign against the Italians during World War II. During this period, Agordat was the site of a number of battles between the British and the Italians. The British eventually won the battle and the city was returned to Eritrea in 1947.

In the 1950s, Agordat was a major center of the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and its struggle for independence from Ethiopia. The city was a key base for the ELF and was the site of several important battles and skirmishes. In 1961, the ELF declared Agordat the capital of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF).

The EPLF held Agordat until 1991, when Eritrea gained its independence after a 30-year struggle. Since then, Agordat has become a major economic center and a popular tourist destination. It is home to a number of historical sites and monuments, such as the Agordat Monument and the Agordat Cathedral.

Agordat is an important part of Eritrea's history and culture. Its long and varied history has shaped the city and the country as a whole. From its beginnings as an Ottoman outpost to its role in the struggle for independence, Agordat has been an integral part of Eritrea's past and present.