Hadiya Kingdom - History

History

The earliest surviving mention of Hadiya is in the Kebra Nagast (ch. 94), indicating that it was in existence by the 13th century. Another early mention is in a manuscript written on the island monastery of Lake Hayq, which states that after conquering Damot, Emperor Amda Seyon proceeded to Hadiya and brought it under his control. Later in the reign of this Emperor, the King of Hadiya, Amano, refused to submit to the Emperor, encouraged by a Muslim "prophet of darkness" named Bel'am. Emperor Amda Seyon set forth for Hadiya, where he "slew the inhabitants of the country with the point of the sword", killing many of the inhabitants while enslaving others. Despite such punitive measures, many of the Hadiya people served in the military units of Amda Seyon.

During the reign of Zara Yaqob, the Garad or Sultan of Hadiya Mahiko repeated his predecessor's actions and refused to submit to the Emperor. However, with the help of one of Mahiko's followers, the Garad was deposed in favor of his uncle Bamo. Garad Mahiko then sought sanctuary at the court of Adal. He was later slain by the military contingent Adal Mabrak, who had been in hot pursuit. The chronicles record that the Adal Mabrak sent Mahiko's head and limbs to Zara Yaqob as proof of his death.

Many kings of the Ethiopian central government were married to women from Hadiya; the powerful Queen Eleni of Hadiya is one example.

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