A chemical engineer has put forward a compelling new theory suggesting that the Biblical Garden of Eden may have been located in Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, rather than the traditionally assumed Middle East.
Mahmood Jawaid, based in Texas, argues that Eden was situated in Bahir Dar, a lush and fertile region in northwestern Ethiopia near Lake Tana—the source of the Blue Nile. This challenges the long-standing belief that Eden was in Mesopotamia, largely based on the presence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq.
Drawing from both the Bible and the Quran, Jawaid analyzed descriptions of Eden, its rivers, and the story of Adam and Eve. His 2025 study, though not peer-reviewed, suggests that the Blue Nile could be the river Gihon mentioned in Genesis. He also notes that Lake Tana’s outflows split into several streams, potentially aligning with the four rivers described in the Biblical account: Gihon, Pishon, Tigris, and Euphrates.
Jawaid’s theory also incorporates insights from human evolution, proposing that Adam may have originated from early hominids like Homo habilis or Australopithecus in the East African Rift Valley near Olduvai Gorge. He suggests that Adam and Eve were then placed in the elevated paradise of Bahir Dar before descending to the Rift Valley—a concept echoed in the Quranic term “habata,” meaning descent.
The Ethiopian Highlands, sitting around 6,000 feet above sea level, are rich in vegetation and wildlife, with a temperate climate and flowing rivers—features that align with scriptural descriptions of Eden as a place of abundance and comfort. Jawaid emphasizes that the Gihon is said to encircle the land of Cush, a term historically linked to Ethiopia, reinforcing his claim that the Blue Nile is the Gihon.
In his reconstruction, Lake Tana represents Eden itself, while the Garden lies just south of it, near Bahir Dar—interpreted as “east of Eden” in Biblical terms. He also draws a symbolic connection between the volcanic ridges surrounding Lake Tana and the “flaming sword” mentioned in Genesis, which guarded the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve’s expulsion. Jawaid suggests that these volcanoes could metaphorically represent the fiery barrier described in scripture.
The study highlights the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity, referencing the work of Virginia Morell, who described Bahir Dar’s gardens as vibrant and fragrant, filled with bougainvillea, hibiscus, frangipani, and a variety of birds. Dense papyrus stands line parts of Lake Tana’s shore, and the area is shaded by fig, mango, acacia, and eucalyptus trees.
Jawaid concludes that Bahir Dar’s climate, fertile land, and abundant water make it an ideal candidate for the earthly paradise described in religious texts. He notes that the Quran describes Eden as a place shielded from heat and hunger—qualities that match the Ethiopian Highlands perfectly.
You must be logged in to post a comment.