Fitawrari Qolech

Qolech
Fitawrari
Personal details
Borncirca 1850
Harar
Diedcirca 1930
Harar, Ethiopian Empire
Occupation
  • Military officer
  • diplomat
  • court official
Military service
Allegiance Ethiopian Empire
Years of service
1890–1926
Battles/warsMenelik's Expansions

First Italo-Ethiopian War

Fitawrari Eshetu "Qolech" Bergualu (Amharic: እሸቱ "ቆለጭ" በርጓሉ; ; c. 1851 – 12 December 1926) also known by his nickname Qolech was an Ethiopian military commander.

Military career

He served in various military campaigns during the first First Italo-Ethiopian War under Ras Mekonnen, later Governor of Harar, and the father of future emperor Haile Selassie.

Later career

As a close and trusted officer, Fitawrari Qolech became a special companion to Ras Mekonnen and often accompanied the Ras during diplomatic visits to various parts of United Kingdom, Italy, France, Turkey, and German.

A notable moment is when Fitawrari Qolech accompanied Ras Mekonnen during a diplomatic visit to Italy around 1899. Ras Mekonnen traveled as Emperor Menelik II’s envoy to attend the funeral of King Umberto I and to strengthen diplomatic relations with the Italian government following the 1896 Battle of Adwa.

While in Harar, during Ras Mekonnen's reign as Governor of Harar, Fitawrari Qolech was appointed as caretaker to the Ras's young son, Lij Tafari. As a loyal member of the royal household through the years, he later became special counselor to Lij Tafari, who succeeded his father as Governor of Harar and became Ras Tafari.[1]

Fitawrari Qolech is seen here standing in the back, fourth from the left, as he accompanied Ras Makonnen Wolde Mikael during the diplomatic visit to Turin, Italy in September 1889.

Legacy

There are areas in Harar and Gondar named after him. He is still today renowned for his wisdom, judiciary, and his military skills.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Haile Selassie, My life and the steps of Ethiopia(Amharic)

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