The Melting Pot of Modernity and Unity: Images of Tewodros II in Foreign and Domestic Media1

Abstract

Abstract After 1960s Tewodros II of Ethiopia has been elucidated popularly in foreign and Ethiopian Media as well. Since then, he was portrayed as a national hero of the country. Yet, some foreign media had a different position in describing the aforementioned melting pot of modernity and unity in the history Ethiopian. They stated him from “crazy king” to “national hero”. The BBC witness program broadcasted that Emperor Tewodros II was one of the titanic figures of modern Ethiopian history. While the Telegraph described him as a “mad king of Abyssinia”. Hence, the statements of Media with regard to Tewodros II and his fall at Maqdala will be discussed through different topics of study. Hence, an in-depth study of Media reactions to the battle of Maqdala as seen in foreign and domestic media would require considerable study. The fall of Tewodros II at the battle of Maqdala in 10 April 1868 has become a topic of dialogue and media coverage up to date. Most of the publications represent the battle and the Emperor in different views. Thus, the views and interpretations of media, both foreign and domestic, could be reviewed in detail through this study. The paper argues that the battle of Maqdala and suicidal death of Tewodros II created a long lasting impression to both foreign and domestic media in their perception of the emperor and creating up of modern Ethiopia. Indeed, without Tewodros no modern and united Ethiopia could be formed. Key words: Tewodros II, Maqdala, Mass Media, Modernity and Unity.