#Ras alula negarit full

In the forties when the future of Eritrea was being debated internally and internationally, a naïve person is said to have approached Ras Tessema to give his unsolicited advice. The Ras, in his usual wit, smiled and sarcastically told the woman to dream “achievable dreams”–the now common “Aqmekhen Helema” parable. She said she dreamt of sleeping with the Ras and bore him a child. Rich and able people would never visit Ras Tessema’s quarters without carrying a gift…mostly in the form of sheep, goats, cattle, milk and honey and the generous Ras shared his wealth with the poor.Ī folktale about a poor woman who once walked to Ras Tessema’s house to be fed illustrates his wit. She had approached the Ras, who upon detecting that she wanted to say something, asked what he could do for her. It was common in the old days for the peasants to offer a big portion of their harvest to their leaders.

Ras Tessema’s house was the refuge for the hungry and the helpless it was the equivalent of a modern day charitable soup kitchen.

#Ras alula negarit full

Folktales are full of stories related to the great man who is known for his generosity. Just like his wisdom has been exemplary, his wit was astounding. So brave that he was known as the Lion of Maareba, his village. Tessema Asmerom, a member of the Akele-Guzai nobility, was exposed to limited traditional church education. Yet, he was much revered for his wisdom and intelligence.

The independence block played an important role in the struggle against Eritrea’s unconditional unity with Ethiopia. And that cannot be mentioned without remembering Ras Tessema Asmerom. The history of Eritrea in the forties cannot be remembered without mentioning the Independence Block. Posted on Novemby Saleh 'Gadi' Johar in Negarit 127 Comments