The Gap

Alkebulan: Understanding the origins behind Africa’s original name

Alkebulan: Understanding the origins behind Africa's original name

The term “Alkebulan” is said to be the first reference to the continent of Africa. Although the term’s origins are unknown, it is thought to have inspired and provided identity for the early generation of Africans.  

Therefore, Alkebulan’s enigmatic origins will be investigated in this article, along with the term’s effects on African identity and culture.

What is Alkebulan?

Alkebulan is a term that has been used to refer to the African continent and its people. It is believed to come from the ancient Egyptian name “Alkebu-lan”, which means ‘mother of mankind” or “garden of Eden.” The term has been used to describe the African continent for centuries and for many Africans, it symbolises a sense of pride and identity.

Alkebulan carries with it a sense of connectedness and unity among African people, even though many of the countries within the continent have different ethnic and cultural origins. It represents a shared history, culture, and heritage that can be traced back centuries.

Alkebulan fields

The term “Alkebulan” holds a deep and powerful meaning that resonates strongly with African people and their identity. It is a reminder of their proud and rich heritage and serves as a reminder to celebrate the positive and unique aspects of Africa. It is a unifying term that encapsulates the diverse and complex history of the African continent and its peoples.

ALSO READ: Top 10 African gods that our ancestors worshipped before civilisation

Alkebulan map

Alkebulan map
Alkebulan map

The Alkebulan map is an ancient map of Africa that was created by the Moors of Morocco during the Middle Ages. It is said to be the oldest map of Africa, as its earliest known version dates back to the 15th century. The map shows the continent in its entirety, with the Nile River running through its centre. The map is divided into several sections and features precise details of various locations.

The Alkebulan map is very different from the modern-day map of Africa found in textbooks today. Firstly, the Alkebulan map does not include the nations of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, or Libya. Secondly, the map does not divide Africa into countries, as current maps do. Instead, the map includes regions, cities, and towns that were prominent at the time it was in use. Additionally, the map includes geographical features such as rivers and mountains, as well as information about the flora and fauna of the continent.

Alkebulan origins

The history of Alkebulan is an ancient one, one that has been passed down for centuries and has inspired many cultures across the African continent. Alkebulan is an ancient African word meaning “mother of mankind” or “garden of Eden.” It is believed to be the oldest name for the African continent, used by many African cultures, including the Berbers of North Africa.

Alkebulan is said to be the birthplace of humankind, and its people are the original ancestors of all mankind. The ancient texts of the Nile Valley, such as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, tell a story of how the gods created man out of clay and placed him in the Garden of Eden. This Garden of Eden is said to be Alkebulan.

In the ancient African culture, Alkebulan is seen as a place of divine power and wisdom and is a symbol and reminder of the African people’s divine roots. It is a reminder of their connection to the spiritual world and the divine source of life.

Alkebulan people

It is a profoundly rooted African idea that is praised in literature, fine art, and music. There are festivities organised every year in several nations in Alkebulan’s honour. These celebrations serve as a means of reuniting with their ancestral home and paying homage to their common past.

Alkebulan is a place of symbolism, a reminder of Africa’s cultural, spiritual, and physical roots. It serves as a source of inspiration for African people and a reminder of their ancient and powerful cultural heritage.

ALSO READ: Top 10 most visited African cities

Africa origin theories

There are several theories as to how the name Africa came about. Some theories are specifically pointed towards languages and speculate that the name “Africa” was coined from Latin, Roman, Phoenician, or Greek words. Another theory as regards the name speculates Astrology as the influence to name Africa.

Latin Theory

One of the most popular theories is that the name Africa originates from the Latin word “Afer”,  which was the name of a tribe in North Africa. It is believed that the Romans used the term “Africaterra”, which means “land of the Afri,” to refer to the continent.

Roman Theory

The Roman theory is that the continent was named after the Roman general “Scipio Africanus”, but his name meant “Scipio of Africa,” which would mean the general was named for being from Africa. 

Greek Theory

This theory suggests that the word Africa is derived from both a Greek and Latin origin. The Greek word “Phrike”, meaning “cold and horror,” could have been used to refer to the continent.

Phoenician Theory

The fourth hypothesis states that the term “afar”, which means dust in Phoenician, is where the name “Africa” originates. Additionally, it has been linked to the Phoenician words: “fiqi” and “pharika”, which translate to “land of grain or fruit”.

Africa may have originated from the Phoenician word “faraqa” or “faraq”, which means “separation or dispersion,” according to another theory.

Why was Alkebulan changed to Africa?

Alkebulan women
Kunka Kebele women dancing before their Community Conversation, Gode, Somali region © UNICEF Ethiopia/2019/Tadesse

The name Alkebulan was used for centuries to refer to the African continent until the 19th century when it was replaced by the name Africa. 

The primary reason for this change was the growing influence of European imperialism in Africa. European explorers, traders, and missionaries began to enter the continent in the mid-19th century, and they began to refer to it as Africa instead of Alkebulan. This change was driven by the establishment of colonial powers in many African countries that wanted to erase African culture and history. 

Because so many books and articles on the continent were produced by Europeans, the word Africa then became widely known around the world. Alkebulan was replaced with this name, which was usually seen as being more “civilised”.

Conclusion

Whatever name you give the continent — Alkebulan or Africa — it is crucial to recognise that it is a remarkable region that has seen centuries of suffering, exploitation and oppression but whose people have persevered in the face of difficulty. This demonstrates their fortitude, bravery, and will to uphold their traditions, culture, and way of life.

Alkebulan serves as a reminder that whatever how hopeless things may appear to be, there is always a chance to recover stronger and more unified. It sends a message to the entire globe that against all obstacles, Africa will always be a place of harmony and love.

ALSO READ: Oldest countries in Africa, the world

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend