Seyum Mangasha - Biography

Biography

Leul Seyum Mangasha was the son of Ras Mangasha Yohannes and grandson of Nəgusä Nägäst Yohannes IV of Ethiopia. Mangasha Yohannes was the "natural" son the Johannes IV. Because of his descent, Seyum Mangasha was a rival to Emperor Menelik II, who had risen from rule of Shewa Province to become the Emperor on Yohannes' death.

Ras Seyum wed Woizero Tewabech. Tewabech was the daughter of Ras Mikael of Wollo and the sister of Lij Iyasu. Mikael was later honored with the title of Negus and Iyasu was the uncrowned Emperor of Ethiopia.

Ras Seyum was the father of three daughters. With Woizero Tewabech he had Leult Wolete Israel Seyum who herself married the Crown Prince, Asfaw Wossen. By a previous marriage he had Woizero-Hoy Kebbedech Seyum. By a subsequent marriage he had Leul Mangasha Seyum. Later, Ras Seyum was married to Leult Astede, a member of the Shewan branch of the Imperial family.

From 1910 to 1935, Seyum Mangasha was the Shum of western Tigray Province. Traditionally the governors of the provinces commanded the provincial Sefari in battle.

In the spring of 1924, Ras Seyum Mangasha, Ras Hailu Tekle Haymanot of Gojjam Province, Ras Mulugeta Yeggazu of Illubabor Province, Ras Makonnen Endelkachew, and Blattengeta Heruy Welde Sellase accompanied Ras Tafari Makonnen of Shewa Province on his European tour. Tafari Makonnen was the Crown Prince and Enderase of Ethiopia and was not yet crowned as Emperor Haile Selassie I. The group of Ethiopian royalty visited Jerusalem, Cairo, Alexandria, Brussels, Amsterdam, Stockholm, London, Geneva, and Athens. With them they took six lions which were presented to various zoos and dignataries. In the same year, Seyum Mangasha was awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).