Fitawrari Gebeyehu
Fitawrari Gebeyehu popularly referred to by his horse name "Aba Goraw" Amharic "አባ ጎራው", he was an accomplished Ethiopian military commander and lord protector of the crown. He played a leading role in several important battles of Ethiopian history.
| Fitawrari Gebeyehu Tekle/Kinde Yegidmwork | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Aba Goraw |
| Born | 1867 Shewa, Ethiopia |
| Died | 1896 Adwa, Ethiopia |
| Allegiance |  Ethiopian Empire |
| Years of service | 1868–1896 |
| Rank | Lord Protector of the Crown |
| Battles/wars | First Italo-Ethiopian War |
Life
Little is known about Gebeyehu's early life. Gebeyehu was Fitawrari (Army Commander, a military and aristocratic title). He played a leading role in several important battles of Ethiopian history. He made his reputation at the Battle of Amba Alaje (also known as Amba Alage or Amba Alagi) and later at the Battle of Adwa. In the Battle of Adwa, he commanded 5,000 riflemen, 15,000 spearmen, and 3,000 cavalry.
Death
Gebeyehu was killed in action in the Battle of Adwa. He played a crucial role in the winning of the battle of Adwa. During the battle, he was the front cavalry assault leader for the king's army. While leading the assault He witnessed a large number of Italian military preparing an ambush and slaughter for the large Ethiopian army headed by Emperor Menelik II. He realized unless he acted to the ambush in time the large army would be easily destroyed by the ambush. Then he drives his cavalry army direct into the fully fortified Italian army and began the attack and gave the king's army to escape the ambush and arrive at the battle filed. He was killed at this battle fighting fearlessly. A street in Addis Ababa is named after Gebeyehu. He is still known for his military skills.
References
- pp. 7f; Bahru Zewde, A History of Modern Ethiopia, second edition (London: James Currey, 2001), pp. 132f