Lij Iyasu of Ethiopia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lij Iyasu |
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| Emperor-designate of Ethiopia | |
| Reign | 12 December 1913 – 27 September 1916 |
| Coronation | Never Crowned |
| Predecessor | Menelik II |
| Successor | Zewditu I |
| Born | 4 February 1895 Dessie, Wollo, Ethiopian Empire |
| Died | 25 November 1935 (aged 40) Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Empire |
| Burial | Compound of St Markos Church |
| Spouse | Seble Wongel Hailu |
| House | House of Solomon |
| Father | Mikael Ali |
| Mother | Woizero Shewaregga Menelik |
| Religion | Allegations of conversion to Islam, the religion of his paternal ancestors, caused his excommunication from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church |
Lij Iyasu (Ge'ez: ልጅ ኢያሱ), born Kifle Yaqob, was chosen to be the next Emperor of Ethiopia. He was born on February 4, 1895, and passed away on November 25, 1935. He was meant to rule Ethiopia from 1913 to 1916.
Ethiopian emperors usually picked a special name when they were crowned. Since Iyasu was never officially crowned, people often called him Lij Iyasu. The word "Lij" means "child" and was used for someone born into a royal family.
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Who Was Lij Iyasu?
Lij Iyasu was a very important person in Ethiopian history. He was the grandson of Menelik II, a powerful emperor. Menelik II chose Iyasu to follow him as ruler. This made Iyasu the "emperor-designate," meaning he was the chosen future emperor.
Early Life and Family
Iyasu was born in a place called Dessie, in the Wollo region of Ethiopia. His father was Mikael Ali, and his mother was Woizero Shewaregga Menelik. His mother was the daughter of Emperor Menelik II. This connection made Iyasu a part of the Solomonic dynasty, a very old royal family in Ethiopia.
Becoming Emperor-Designate
Emperor Menelik II became very ill. He needed someone to take over his rule. In 1909, Menelik II officially named Iyasu as his successor. This meant Iyasu was next in line for the throne. He was still quite young when this happened.
His Time as Leader
Lij Iyasu began to rule in 1913 after Emperor Menelik II died. Even though he was the designated emperor, he was never formally crowned. This was unusual for an Ethiopian ruler. During his time, he tried to make some changes in the country. He wanted to bring different groups of people together.
What Happened Next?
Lij Iyasu's rule was short. In 1916, he was removed from power. This happened because some powerful people in Ethiopia did not agree with his choices. After he was removed, Zewditu I, Menelik II's daughter, became the Empress of Ethiopia. Iyasu lived for many more years after losing his power. He passed away in Addis Ababa in 1935.
Images for kids
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Lij Iyasu with the new regent, Ras Tessema
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Lij Iyasu with Dejazmach Teferi (later Emperor Haile Selassie I).
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Iyasu and his retinue, around 1914.
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Chief Minister Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis
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Lij Iyasu wearing a Muslim turban with Abdullahi Sadiq.
See also
In Spanish: Iyasu V para niños
