Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
Menelik II occupies a unique place in Ethiopian memory, and the title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”) captures something deeper than simple admiration. In Ethiopian culture, “mother” is not just a biological role—it is a moral and emotional ideal. A mother symbolizes protection, patience, provision, and an almost unconditional responsibility for the well-being of others. When people called Menelik “Emiye,” they were expressing a sense that he governed with a protective, sustaining presence, not merely with authority. It suggested that the state, under him, was something people could depend on, even in times of hardship.
This kind of title is indeed unusual in global monarchy. Kings are often called “father of the nation,” but being called “mother” implies something more intimate and nurturing. It reflects how many of Menelik’s subjects experienced his rule—not just as command, but as care. He is described as someone who avoided unnecessary cruelty, who listened to petitions, and who preferred compromise over destruction when possible. That image explains why the language of affection around him became so personal.
Part of this reputation came from his governing style. Menelik was known for pragmatism and patience, often absorbing rivals rather than eliminating them. Former enemies were sometimes incorporated into his administration, which reduced cycles of revenge and instability. He also intervened when local officials abused their power, reinforcing the idea that the emperor stood as a protector above lesser injustices. During times of famine and hardship, accounts describe him distributing food or easing burdens. These actions fed into the perception that he was not distant from suffering, but responsive to it—again reinforcing the “Emiye” image.
His role in the gradual decline of slavery also contributed to this perception. In regions such as Kaffa, Wolaita, and areas inhabited by the Gurage and Oromo, systems of enslavement and forced servitude existed both before and during his expansion. Menelik issued measures that restricted slave trading, particularly of export of slaves , and began aligning Ethiopia with global anti-slavery pressures. While he did not completely abolish slavery, his policies curbed large-scale trafficking and set a direction toward eventual abolition, which would later be completed under Haile Selassie. For some communities, especially those who experienced increased stability after incorporation into the empire, this shift was associated with a reduction in predatory raiding, reinforcing his image as a protector. Particularly among Gurages often preyed upon by Oromo slave traders.
Menelik’s modernization efforts further strengthened his reputation as a caring ruler who thought about the future of his people. By founding and developing Addis Ababa, introducing new technologies like telegraph and railways, and strengthening the state, he created a sense of national stability. His leadership during the Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopia successfully resisted colonial conquest, elevated him to almost legendary status. Protecting the country from foreign domination reinforced the idea that he was not just ruling the people, but shielding them, much like a mother would shield her children.
So why “Emiye,” and why is it so rare? Because it represents a blending of authority and tenderness that is not commonly attributed to monarchs. Most rulers are remembered for power, conquest, or law. Menelik, in the eyes of many Ethiopians, came to embody something softer but no less significant: a ruler who could command and yet be perceived as compassionate, protective, and sustaining. That emotional framing— entirely historical shaped by collective memory—is what makes the title endure.
It is also worth noting that no ruler is universally remembered in a single way. The title “Emiye Menelik” tells us as much about the values of the people used it as it does about the man himself. It reflects a longing for leadership that feels humane and protective. In that sense, the uniqueness of the title is less about the absence of comparable rulers in world history, and more about how rarely societies choose to remember power in such deeply familial and nurturing terms.
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
You don’t find any እምዬ name to call Menelik the savage in any ethnic language. It is የቆምጬ ተረት ተረት!Abere wrote: ↑Yesterday, 11:00Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
Menelik II occupies a unique place in Ethiopian memory, and the title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”) captures something deeper than simple admiration. In Ethiopian culture, “mother” is not just a biological role—it is a moral and emotional ideal. A mother symbolizes protection, patience, provision, and an almost unconditional responsibility for the well-being of others. When people called Menelik “Emiye,” they were expressing a sense that he governed with a protective, sustaining presence, not merely with authority. It suggested that the state, under him, was something people could depend on, even in times of hardship.
This kind of title is indeed unusual in global monarchy. Kings are often called “father of the nation,” but being called “mother” implies something more intimate and nurturing. It reflects how many of Menelik’s subjects experienced his rule—not just as command, but as care. He is described as someone who avoided unnecessary cruelty, who listened to petitions, and who preferred compromise over destruction when possible. That image explains why the language of affection around him became so personal.
Part of this reputation came from his governing style. Menelik was known for pragmatism and patience, often absorbing rivals rather than eliminating them. Former enemies were sometimes incorporated into his administration, which reduced cycles of revenge and instability. He also intervened when local officials abused their power, reinforcing the idea that the emperor stood as a protector above lesser injustices. During times of famine and hardship, accounts describe him distributing food or easing burdens. These actions fed into the perception that he was not distant from suffering, but responsive to it—again reinforcing the “Emiye” image.
His role in the gradual decline of slavery also contributed to this perception. In regions such as Kaffa, Wolaita, and areas inhabited by the Gurage and Oromo, systems of enslavement and forced servitude existed both before and during his expansion. Menelik issued measures that restricted slave trading, particularly of export of slaves , and began aligning Ethiopia with global anti-slavery pressures. While he did not completely abolish slavery, his policies curbed large-scale trafficking and set a direction toward eventual abolition, which would later be completed under Haile Selassie. For some communities, especially those who experienced increased stability after incorporation into the empire, this shift was associated with a reduction in predatory raiding, reinforcing his image as a protector. Particularly among Gurages often preyed upon by Oromo slave traders.
Menelik’s modernization efforts further strengthened his reputation as a caring ruler who thought about the future of his people. By founding and developing Addis Ababa, introducing new technologies like telegraph and railways, and strengthening the state, he created a sense of national stability. His leadership during the Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopia successfully resisted colonial conquest, elevated him to almost legendary status. Protecting the country from foreign domination reinforced the idea that he was not just ruling the people, but shielding them, much like a mother would shield her children.
So why “Emiye,” and why is it so rare? Because it represents a blending of authority and tenderness that is not commonly attributed to monarchs. Most rulers are remembered for power, conquest, or law. Menelik, in the eyes of many Ethiopians, came to embody something softer but no less significant: a ruler who could command and yet be perceived as compassionate, protective, and sustaining. That emotional framing— entirely historical shaped by collective memory—is what makes the title endure.
It is also worth noting that no ruler is universally remembered in a single way. The title “Emiye Menelik” tells us as much about the values of the people used it as it does about the man himself. It reflects a longing for leadership that feels humane and protective. In that sense, the uniqueness of the title is less about the absence of comparable rulers in world history, and more about how rarely societies choose to remember power in such deeply familial and nurturing terms.
የደብተራ ትርክት!
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
The reign of Menelik II is often highlighted for the unusually rapid and large-scale modernization efforts achieved within a relatively short period, especially when compared with earlier imperial eras spanning centuries of Ethiopian state history. While Ethiopia had long maintained imperial continuity, Menelik’s reign stands out for the speed and breadth with which infrastructure, economic systems, and administrative coordination were expanded and modernized.
In a relatively brief timeframe, Menelik oversaw the introduction of transformative infrastructure that had not previously existed at such scale. The construction of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, expansion of roads, and establishment of telegraph communication fundamentally changed the speed of governance and commerce. These developments allowed regions across the empire to be more closely connected to the political and economic center, accelerating trade and interaction in a way that earlier systems had not achieved.
The establishment of Addis Ababa further concentrated this modernization process. The city became a dynamic hub where administration, commerce, and population movement converged. Unlike earlier decentralized arrangements, Addis Ababa created a sustained urban economy that drew people from across the country into trade, labor, and services, helping to stimulate the growth of towns and market centers in surrounding regions.
Economically, one of the most significant outcomes of Menelik’s reforms was the expansion of opportunity for small-scale trade and entrepreneurship. Groups such as the Gurage, who historically engaged in subsistence agriculture and seasonal mobility, became increasingly prominent in trade networks that expanded under the new market conditions. Improved connectivity and urban demand created space for small merchants, traders, and artisans to operate across regions, contributing to the rise of a more diversified commercial economy.
This shift did not replace traditional livelihoods entirely but expanded the range of economic possibilities. Communities that had previously relied primarily on subsistence farming or localized production gained access to broader markets, enabling gradual participation in cash-based trade systems. This contributed to changes in clothing, housing materials, and consumption patterns, especially in areas connected to emerging towns and trade routes.
Administratively, Menelik’s reign also strengthened centralized governance in a way that improved coordination across the empire. This created more predictable systems for taxation, trade regulation, and local administration, which in turn supported economic stability and long-distance commerce. These reforms helped integrate diverse regions into a more structured national framework while still building on Ethiopia’s long-standing imperial tradition.
Overall, Menelik II’s legacy in modernization is often viewed as exceptional in scale and speed. Within a short period, he expanded infrastructure, strengthened governance, and opened new economic pathways that significantly increased opportunities for trade and mobility. For many communities, including trading groups like the Gurage, this period marked an important expansion of economic participation beyond subsistence-based livelihoods into more interconnected and commercial forms of activity.
In a relatively brief timeframe, Menelik oversaw the introduction of transformative infrastructure that had not previously existed at such scale. The construction of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, expansion of roads, and establishment of telegraph communication fundamentally changed the speed of governance and commerce. These developments allowed regions across the empire to be more closely connected to the political and economic center, accelerating trade and interaction in a way that earlier systems had not achieved.
The establishment of Addis Ababa further concentrated this modernization process. The city became a dynamic hub where administration, commerce, and population movement converged. Unlike earlier decentralized arrangements, Addis Ababa created a sustained urban economy that drew people from across the country into trade, labor, and services, helping to stimulate the growth of towns and market centers in surrounding regions.
Economically, one of the most significant outcomes of Menelik’s reforms was the expansion of opportunity for small-scale trade and entrepreneurship. Groups such as the Gurage, who historically engaged in subsistence agriculture and seasonal mobility, became increasingly prominent in trade networks that expanded under the new market conditions. Improved connectivity and urban demand created space for small merchants, traders, and artisans to operate across regions, contributing to the rise of a more diversified commercial economy.
This shift did not replace traditional livelihoods entirely but expanded the range of economic possibilities. Communities that had previously relied primarily on subsistence farming or localized production gained access to broader markets, enabling gradual participation in cash-based trade systems. This contributed to changes in clothing, housing materials, and consumption patterns, especially in areas connected to emerging towns and trade routes.
Administratively, Menelik’s reign also strengthened centralized governance in a way that improved coordination across the empire. This created more predictable systems for taxation, trade regulation, and local administration, which in turn supported economic stability and long-distance commerce. These reforms helped integrate diverse regions into a more structured national framework while still building on Ethiopia’s long-standing imperial tradition.
Overall, Menelik II’s legacy in modernization is often viewed as exceptional in scale and speed. Within a short period, he expanded infrastructure, strengthened governance, and opened new economic pathways that significantly increased opportunities for trade and mobility. For many communities, including trading groups like the Gurage, this period marked an important expansion of economic participation beyond subsistence-based livelihoods into more interconnected and commercial forms of activity.
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
[quote=Abere post_id=1617843 time=1776960519 user_id=51466]
[size=150]The reign of Menelik II is often highlighted for the unusually rapid and large-scale modernization efforts achieved within a relatively short period, especially when compared with earlier imperial eras spanning centuries of Ethiopian state history. While Ethiopia had long maintained imperial continuity, Menelik’s reign stands out for the speed and breadth with which infrastructure, economic systems, and administrative coordination were expanded and modernized.
In a relatively brief timeframe, Menelik oversaw the introduction of transformative infrastructure that had not previously existed at such scale. The construction of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, expansion of roads, and establishment of telegraph communication fundamentally changed the speed of governance and commerce. These developments allowed regions across the empire to be more closely connected to the political and economic center, accelerating trade and interaction in a way that earlier systems had not achieved.
The establishment of Addis Ababa further concentrated this modernization process. The city became a dynamic hub where administration, commerce, and population movement converged. Unlike earlier decentralized arrangements, Addis Ababa created a sustained urban economy that drew people from across the country into trade, labor, and services, helping to stimulate the growth of towns and market centers in surrounding regions.
Economically, one of the most significant outcomes of Menelik’s reforms was the expansion of opportunity for small-scale trade and entrepreneurship. Groups such as the Gurage, who historically engaged in subsistence agriculture and seasonal mobility, became increasingly prominent in trade networks that expanded under the new market conditions. Improved connectivity and urban demand created space for small merchants, traders, and artisans to operate across regions, contributing to the rise of a more diversified commercial economy.
This shift did not replace traditional livelihoods entirely but expanded the range of economic possibilities. Communities that had previously relied primarily on subsistence farming or localized production gained access to broader markets, enabling gradual participation in cash-based trade systems. This contributed to changes in clothing, housing materials, and consumption patterns, especially in areas connected to emerging towns and trade routes.
Administratively, Menelik’s reign also strengthened centralized governance in a way that improved coordination across the empire. This created more predictable systems for taxation, trade regulation, and local administration, which in turn supported economic stability and long-distance commerce. These reforms helped integrate diverse regions into a more structured national framework while still building on Ethiopia’s long-standing imperial tradition.
Overall, Menelik II’s legacy in modernization is often viewed as exceptional in scale and speed. Within a short period, he expanded infrastructure, strengthened governance, and opened new economic pathways that significantly increased opportunities for trade and mobility. For many communities, including trading groups like the Gurage, this period marked an important expansion of economic participation beyond subsistence-based livelihoods into more interconnected and commercial forms of activity.[/size]
[/quote]
የደብተራ ሃተታ!
How can any one trust your fans when they come in the names of their savage ancestors!
If an abuser forgets, the abused does not forget that easily!
[size=150]The reign of Menelik II is often highlighted for the unusually rapid and large-scale modernization efforts achieved within a relatively short period, especially when compared with earlier imperial eras spanning centuries of Ethiopian state history. While Ethiopia had long maintained imperial continuity, Menelik’s reign stands out for the speed and breadth with which infrastructure, economic systems, and administrative coordination were expanded and modernized.
In a relatively brief timeframe, Menelik oversaw the introduction of transformative infrastructure that had not previously existed at such scale. The construction of the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway, expansion of roads, and establishment of telegraph communication fundamentally changed the speed of governance and commerce. These developments allowed regions across the empire to be more closely connected to the political and economic center, accelerating trade and interaction in a way that earlier systems had not achieved.
The establishment of Addis Ababa further concentrated this modernization process. The city became a dynamic hub where administration, commerce, and population movement converged. Unlike earlier decentralized arrangements, Addis Ababa created a sustained urban economy that drew people from across the country into trade, labor, and services, helping to stimulate the growth of towns and market centers in surrounding regions.
Economically, one of the most significant outcomes of Menelik’s reforms was the expansion of opportunity for small-scale trade and entrepreneurship. Groups such as the Gurage, who historically engaged in subsistence agriculture and seasonal mobility, became increasingly prominent in trade networks that expanded under the new market conditions. Improved connectivity and urban demand created space for small merchants, traders, and artisans to operate across regions, contributing to the rise of a more diversified commercial economy.
This shift did not replace traditional livelihoods entirely but expanded the range of economic possibilities. Communities that had previously relied primarily on subsistence farming or localized production gained access to broader markets, enabling gradual participation in cash-based trade systems. This contributed to changes in clothing, housing materials, and consumption patterns, especially in areas connected to emerging towns and trade routes.
Administratively, Menelik’s reign also strengthened centralized governance in a way that improved coordination across the empire. This created more predictable systems for taxation, trade regulation, and local administration, which in turn supported economic stability and long-distance commerce. These reforms helped integrate diverse regions into a more structured national framework while still building on Ethiopia’s long-standing imperial tradition.
Overall, Menelik II’s legacy in modernization is often viewed as exceptional in scale and speed. Within a short period, he expanded infrastructure, strengthened governance, and opened new economic pathways that significantly increased opportunities for trade and mobility. For many communities, including trading groups like the Gurage, this period marked an important expansion of economic participation beyond subsistence-based livelihoods into more interconnected and commercial forms of activity.[/size]
[/quote]
የደብተራ ሃተታ!
How can any one trust your fans when they come in the names of their savage ancestors!
If an abuser forgets, the abused does not forget that easily!
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
During the reign of Menelik II, the introduction of modern banking marked an important step in Ethiopia’s economic modernization. The establishment of the Bank of Abyssinia in 1905 created a completely new financial system, but at the beginning it was unfamiliar to most people, and many did not understand or trust it.
Initially, most Ethiopians preferred to keep their money at home in the form of coins, valuables, or livestock. This was mainly because they were not used to formal banking institutions and feared the possibility of losing their wealth if it was placed outside their direct control. As a result, public trust in the new bank was very low in the early stages.
To overcome this hesitation, Menelik II played a symbolic role in building confidence in the system by supporting the bank and reportedly depositing his own money. This act was important because it demonstrated that the institution had royal approval and was considered safe at the highest level of authority. In a society where leadership carried strong influence, the Emperor’s actions helped legitimize the idea of banking.
Following this example, Amhara nobles and court officials were among the first to begin using the bank. Their participation helped reduce fear and gradually encouraged wider acceptance among the population. As trust grew, merchants and traders began to see the practical benefits of banking, such as safer storage of money and easier financial transactions.
Among these groups, Gurage traders and other small-scale merchants slowly adopted banking practices as they became more familiar with its advantages. Over time, the idea of banking shifted from something foreign and uncertain to an accepted part of economic life, largely driven by gradual trust-building and the influence of the elite.
Sadly, Wurages are cleared off from Merkato formerly by Woyane and now, by their ancestral slave master.
Initially, most Ethiopians preferred to keep their money at home in the form of coins, valuables, or livestock. This was mainly because they were not used to formal banking institutions and feared the possibility of losing their wealth if it was placed outside their direct control. As a result, public trust in the new bank was very low in the early stages.
To overcome this hesitation, Menelik II played a symbolic role in building confidence in the system by supporting the bank and reportedly depositing his own money. This act was important because it demonstrated that the institution had royal approval and was considered safe at the highest level of authority. In a society where leadership carried strong influence, the Emperor’s actions helped legitimize the idea of banking.
Following this example, Amhara nobles and court officials were among the first to begin using the bank. Their participation helped reduce fear and gradually encouraged wider acceptance among the population. As trust grew, merchants and traders began to see the practical benefits of banking, such as safer storage of money and easier financial transactions.
Among these groups, Gurage traders and other small-scale merchants slowly adopted banking practices as they became more familiar with its advantages. Over time, the idea of banking shifted from something foreign and uncertain to an accepted part of economic life, largely driven by gradual trust-building and the influence of the elite.
Sadly, Wurages are cleared off from Merkato formerly by Woyane and now, by their ancestral slave master.
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ethiopianunity
- Senior Member
- Posts: 10937
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Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
Abere wrote: ↑Yesterday, 12:25During the reign of Menelik II, the introduction of modern banking marked an important step in Ethiopia’s economic modernization. The establishment of the Bank of Abyssinia in 1905 created a completely new financial system, but at the beginning it was unfamiliar to most people, and many did not understand or trust it.
Initially, most Ethiopians preferred to keep their money at home in the form of coins, valuables, or livestock. This was mainly because they were not used to formal banking institutions and feared the possibility of losing their wealth if it was placed outside their direct control. As a result, public trust in the new bank was very low in the early stages.
To overcome this hesitation, Menelik II played a symbolic role in building confidence in the system by supporting the bank and reportedly depositing his own money. This act was important because it demonstrated that the institution had royal approval and was considered safe at the highest level of authority. In a society where leadership carried strong influence, the Emperor’s actions helped legitimize the idea of banking.
Following this example, Amhara nobles and court officials were among the first to begin using the bank. Their participation helped reduce fear and gradually encouraged wider acceptance among the population. As trust grew, merchants and traders began to see the practical benefits of banking, such as safer storage of money and easier financial transactions.
Among these groups, Gurage traders and other small-scale merchants slowly adopted banking practices as they became more familiar with its advantages. Over time, the idea of banking shifted from something foreign and uncertain to an accepted part of economic life, largely driven by gradual trust-building and the influence of the elite.
Sadly, Wurages are cleared off from Merkato formerly by Woyane and now, by their ancestral slave master.
Ante denkoro Abere or those of you pretending to be Ethiopian,
Odie is not Ethiopian, he is Trojan Horse for Eprp, Liberation Fronts, Pente or Wahabi! I don't know those Ethiopia sayers, whether you know what politics is or A nation is except your narcistic interest, you don't care about Ethiopia or the people
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
You have never articulated how you fought back diehard enemy of Ethiopia; and the people that made largest share of the country, Amhara. Empty sympathy is worthless. People who intentionally or unintentionally mystify are more like adopters of confuse and convince tactic of slaughtering the lamb, unweakened Amhara. You kind of sound "Oromo Unity", Abiy Ahmed hijacked and sang "Ethiopia! Ethiopia!" - a decoy to finally cleanse Amhara which he bragged off breaking the backbone of Amhara, population of more than 60 million.
This Wurage is a hired coolie of PP-OLF, that is very obvious. That is what coolies do to get paid.
Pragmatism and result based struggle matter the most - just like Fano which has fought back what could be an ugly genocide by your favorite Orommuma.
ethiopianunity wrote: ↑Yesterday, 14:41
Ante denkoro Abere or those of you pretending to be Ethiopian,
Odie is not Ethiopian, he is Trojan Horse for Eprp, Liberation Fronts, Pente or Wahabi! I don't know those Ethiopia sayers, whether you know what politics is or A nation is except your narcistic interest, you don't care about Ethiopia or the people
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
I think he is hands down the greates Ethiopia king who have lived followed by Haile sellasie. His ability to unite the feudal lords of Ethiopia and kicked the colonailist back to Rome and u can also admire his conquest uniting Ethiopia hé was ahead of his time hé saw him self as above the Europeans and hé was a great strategist the way hé got arms from
Russia
Dr Zackovich
Russia
Dr Zackovich
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
Fool Amhara likes to tale fairy tale and believes that it is true even if others don't believe in it. 
Only Amhara loves to live in the past telling stories but never changes or modernizes.
Menelik was an opportunist who used the opportunities he saw in his era to accomplish his ambitions not necessarily good for others.
He bought firearms from Europe, advisors from Europe and gunned southerners and northerners savagely.
He owned slaves, eunuchs, concubines and declared he were not a niga while he was one of the darkest Ethiopian leaders next to Mengistu
Now leper Komche hybrids from agew land etc try to preach they are superior races to bring light into Ethiopia while all their lives they themselves lived in barbarism and darkness
Aberech is one of those AGEW slaves whose father came to south to kill others as Negtegna soldier
Only Amhara loves to live in the past telling stories but never changes or modernizes.
Menelik was an opportunist who used the opportunities he saw in his era to accomplish his ambitions not necessarily good for others.
He bought firearms from Europe, advisors from Europe and gunned southerners and northerners savagely.
He owned slaves, eunuchs, concubines and declared he were not a niga while he was one of the darkest Ethiopian leaders next to Mengistu
Now leper Komche hybrids from agew land etc try to preach they are superior races to bring light into Ethiopia while all their lives they themselves lived in barbarism and darkness
Aberech is one of those AGEW slaves whose father came to south to kill others as Negtegna soldier
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
KOMCHE THE SAVAGE AND THE DECEPTIVE
Here is the other letter Menelik the brute wrote to Aba-jifar
"My son Aba-jifar, I will not call you Gala again as far as you send me this number of house making tree wood for free on the shoulders of this many galas"
This is a story told all the time when the interaction of Aba-jifar and Menelik was concerned. Aba-jifar was also a slave trader hence both were birds of the same feather
Here is the other letter Menelik the brute wrote to Aba-jifar
"My son Aba-jifar, I will not call you Gala again as far as you send me this number of house making tree wood for free on the shoulders of this many galas"
This is a story told all the time when the interaction of Aba-jifar and Menelik was concerned. Aba-jifar was also a slave trader hence both were birds of the same feather
Re: Why Emperor Menelik II occupies a unique place earned an affectionate Title “Emiye” (እምዬ, “my mother”)?
ለራስ ሲቆርሱ አያሳንሱ
አገር ሻጩን ባንዳ ሲያሞጉሱ
ትግራይን በግማሽ አሳንሶ
ጁቡቲን ለፈረንሳይ አጉርሶ
አሰብ ምፅዋን ለጥልያን አውርሶ
ውስጡን ለቄስ ብለናል
እምዬ እምዬ ይበቃናል
አገር ሻጩን ባንዳ ሲያሞጉሱ
ትግራይን በግማሽ አሳንሶ
ጁቡቲን ለፈረንሳይ አጉርሶ
አሰብ ምፅዋን ለጥልያን አውርሶ
ውስጡን ለቄስ ብለናል
እምዬ እምዬ ይበቃናል