Fitawrari Qolech

In this Ethiopian name, the name Eshetu “Qolech” Bergualu is a patronymic, and the person should be referred by the given name, Qolech.

Fitawrari Qolech ፊታውራሪ ቆለጭ
In office 1890–1926
Monarchs	Menelik II Lij Iyasu Zewditu I
Personal details
Born	circa 1850 Harar
Died	circa 1930 Harar, Ethiopian Empire
Occupation	Military officer diplomat court official
Military service
Allegiance	Ethiopian Empire
Battles/wars	Menelik's Expansions Battle of Chelenqo First Italo-Ethiopian War Battle of Amba Alagi Battle of Mekelle Battle of Adwa

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. 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.

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

Legacy

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

See also

• Ethiopian historiography
• Ethiopian Empire
• List of emperors of Ethiopia

External links

Media related to Ras Makonnen at Wikimedia Commons