African Jerusalem

The concept of Zion is one of the most complex and multi-levelled in Ethiopian Orthodox thought. It condenses multiple meanings and expresses ideas connected with natural, architectural and celestial space, human and divine existence and sacred time. Most famously, Zion is associated with the traditions concerning the Solomonic dynasty, the Queen of Sheba, the Ark of the Covenant and the early capital city of Aksum. Indeed, numerous authors have made use of this familiar idea in the titles of volumes including, African Zion, The Two Zions, Between Africa and Zion, Daughter of Zion and the unforgettable words of the late Bob Marley, “Iron, Lion, Zion.”

In his lecture Prof Kaplan will try to point the way to some new directions in exploring this fascinating topic.