BAKAFFA

Bakaffa (1694-September 19, 1730) was emperor of Ethiopia from 1721-30. A shrewd ruler, he consolidated the power of the monarchy. His Christian name was Atsma-Giyorgis, and his royal names were Adbar Tsaga II and Mash Tsaga. He was, however, better known by his nickname “Bakaffa,”meaning “Inexorable.”

He was the son of Emperor Iyasu I [Iyasu the Great], and of Lady Maryamawit. He was trained in warfare at an early age, taking part in his father’s expeditions at the age of ten. After Iyasu’s death, he was confined on Amba Waheni, southeast of Gondar, where royal princes were imprisoned. During the turbulent reigns of Iyasu’s successors, he twice escaped and took refuge among the Yaju Galla, with whom his relations remained intimate throughout his career. From them he learned to enjoy a rough and simple life. After re-capture, he was imprisoned until the death of Emperor Dawit III, when he was brought to Gondar and crowned emperor on May 21, 1721.

At this time there was constant civil war among the provincial lords. The choice of Bakaffa among the numerous possible imperial princes was made by a favorite of Emperor Dawit, Ras Giyorgis, who intended to make Bakaffa his puppet king. But Bakaffa outmatched Giyorgis and all others. With patience and diplomacy and employing the art of mystification, he reaffirmed imperial authority and gradually eliminated the rebellious nobles.

He banished Ras Giyorgis, defeated Amda Yesus, a powerful lord who had also helped him to the throne, and banished his ambitious sister, Wallata Rufa’el. By appointing men of his choice as provincial governors, he also succeeded in controlling the provinces, which, under his predecessors, had become practically independent. He crushed the rebellious population of Damot in Gojam, and pacified Lasta, south of Lalibela, whose ruler, Gubala, was so impressed by Bakaffa’s dealings that he surrendered to him in person. He also strengthened his authority over Tegre, and when Takle, son of the governor of Tegre, came to Gondar with tribute, Bakaffa married his daughter to him.

Like many of his predecessors, Bakaffa constructed several churches, and also erected a new pavilion among the castles of Gondar. He sponsored the building of a sailing boat, the first of its kind in Ethiopia, which was launched on Lake Tana. While the nobility hated his rule, he was liked by the common people and by his soldiers, whom he entertained lavishly. But all feared him, a fact that gave stability to the Gondarene monarchy.

 Bakaffa’s last two years were spent in seclusion, surrounded by his trusted Galla guards. The rapid decline of his health was carefully concealed. His death was not announced by his wife, later to become Empress Mentewab, until she had gained control over the guards and her own party, and had secured the throne for Bakaffa’s son, Iyasu II.

S. CHOJNACKI