Bati del Wambara facts for kids

Bati del Wambara was a very important woman in the 1500s. Her name in the Harari tongue means "victory is her seat." She was the wife of two powerful leaders, Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi and later Nur ibn Mujahid. Bati del Wambara played a big role in shaping the military plans of both her husbands. They led campaigns against the Ethiopian Empire.

Her Early Life and First Marriage

Bati del Wambara was the daughter of Mahfuz, who was the Emir (a type of ruler) of Harar and later a governor of Zeila. She married Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi. He was a famous general.

Bati del Wambara traveled with her husband during his military campaigns. These campaigns aimed to expand Muslim rule in Ethiopia. During these travels, she had two sons. Muhammad was born in 1531, and Ahmad was born in 1533.

A Difficult Time and a Clever Deal

In 1543, her husband, Imam Ahmad, was killed in battle. Their oldest son, Muhammad, was also captured by the forces of Gelawdewos, who was the Emperor of Ethiopia.

Bati del Wambara was very smart. She successfully talked with the Dowager Empress Seble Wongel. The Dowager Empress was the mother of Emperor Gelawdewos. Bati del Wambara managed to arrange a trade. She exchanged the captured brother of Emperor Gelawdewos for her own son. After this, Bati del Wambara quickly went back to Harar. She was protected by 40 soldiers and 300 horsemen.

A New Marriage and a New Mission

About 10 years after her first husband's death, in 1552, Bati del Wambara married again. Her new husband was Nur ibn Mujahid, who became the Emir of the Adal Sultanate. This marriage was important for political reasons. It helped Nur become a stronger and more accepted leader.

People believe that Bati del Wambara encouraged Nur to continue the military campaigns. She wanted him to avenge the death of her first husband. In 1559, Nur ibn Mujahid's army fought against Emperor Gelawdewos in a place called Fatagar. Even though Gelawdewos's forces were much smaller, he was killed in this battle.