Military Expedition of Emperor Tekle Giorgis I in Wollo, Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

This paper attempts to show the routes, causes, responses and opposition of the Muslims of Wollo against the military expeditions
of Emperor Tekle Giorgis I (r.1779-1800). The Emperor was one of the princes of Zemene Mesafint (1769-1855) Emperors, nicknamed as Fiṣṣame Mengist, ‘End of the monarchy.’ The chronicle was written in Geʿez during his reign by chronicler, Aleqa Gebru, who was very close to the king. Because of the state influences, the Muslim chiefs of Wollo, Yeju, Wuchale and WorreHimeno were said to have embraced Islam at the end of the 18th century and since then more Oromo had been converted to it as a measure. This was so due to the fact that the affliction to conquer the region enlarged at the conclusion of the 18th century, Wollo was Islamized. This was largely factual of the Mommedoch/ Imams, the most influential rulers of Wollo and hereditary governors of Worre Himeno. This phenomenon paved the way for the germinations of frustration among the already deep rooted existence of the Christian populations. Therefore, this strong  Islamic penetration aggravated the Christian King of Emperor Tekle Giorgis I for military expeditions. Once the final decision had been  taken, the Emperor made the military expedition. The responses of the Muslims to the military expedition were threefold.