Melake Tekle Hawariat†

Introduction: The Architect of Modern Eritrean Thought

Melake Tekle Hawariat† (1890 – 1975) stands as a monumental figure in the intellectual and political history of Eritrea. Renowned as a profound Intellectual & Educator, his life's work bridged the tumultuous transition from Italian colonial rule through British administration and into the fierce struggle for national identity. His most celebrated achievement is the authorship of the first novel written in the Tigrinya language, "ልብወለድ ዛርያ" (Lebwelled Zar’ya), published in 1926. This groundbreaking work was not merely a literary milestone; it was a deliberate act of cultural preservation and intellectual assertion during a period of foreign domination. Melake Tekle Hawariat† leveraged his deep education and position within the church and emerging civil society to advocate for enlightenment, education, and a sophisticated Eritrean political consciousness, making him a foundational pillar in the nation's Pre-Independence narrative.

Early Life & Education: Forging a Mind in a Colonial Context

Born in 1890 in the village of May-Tsebri, in what was then Italian-occupied Eritrea, Melake Tekle Hawariat† was immersed in the rich traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church from a young age. The title "Melake" signifies his ecclesiastical rank as a deacon or scribe, pointing to his deep-rooted scholarly background within the religious institution. His formal education began at the Swedish Evangelical Mission school in Menkullu, a critical exposure to Western pedagogical methods and languages alongside his traditional religious schooling.

This dual education—rooted in Ge'ez liturgy and Tigrinya culture, yet exposed to European thought—became the defining feature of his intellectual formation. He mastered several languages, including Tigrinya, Amharic, Italian, and Swedish. His formative years coincided with the consolidation of Italian colonial rule, an experience that sharpened his awareness of cultural erosion and the power dynamics of imperialism. These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong conviction that education and literary production were essential tools for national resilience and self-definition, setting the stage for his future roles as an educator, writer, and political commentator.

Career & Major Achievements: Literary Pioneer and Political Advocate

The career of Melake Tekle Hawariat† was multifaceted, spanning literature, education, and Politics & Government. He served as a teacher and principal at the Swedish Mission schools, directly shaping the minds of a generation of Eritreans. However, his most enduring contribution remains his literary work.

The First Tigrinya Novel: A Cultural Landmark

In 1926, he published "ልብወለድ ዛርያ" (Lebwelled Zar’ya) in Asmara. This novel, whose title translates to "A Story Born of the Heart" or "Conscience," was a revolutionary act. Written in the vernacular Tigrinya, it challenged the prevailing norm that serious literature be composed in Ge'ez or Amharic. The narrative, which explores themes of love, betrayal, and social justice, served as a vehicle for moral and social instruction, encouraging critical thinking and ethical reflection among its readers. It asserted the dignity and capability of the Tigrinya language as a medium for complex modern expression, laying the groundwork for a distinct Eritrean literary canon.

Political Engagement and Journalism

Beyond the classroom and literature, Melake Tekle Hawariat† was deeply engaged in the political discourse of his time. Following the defeat of Italy in World War II and the beginning of British Military Administration (1941-1952), Eritrea's fate became an international question. He was a prominent member of the Intellectuals Association and later a founding member of the Independence Bloc (Mahber Fikri Hager), a political coalition that fervently advocated for Eritrea's sovereignty against the backdrop of competing unionist sentiments and Great Power interests.

He channeled his ideas through journalism, contributing to and editing important periodicals like "Eritrea Weekly" and "Mihrate". Through these platforms, he articulated arguments for independence, analyzed international affairs, and promoted civic education. His political stance was characterized by a principled belief in self-determination, informed by his intellectual rigor and a clear-eyed assessment of the geopolitical forces at play in the Horn of Africa during the critical pre-federation and pre-independence decades.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Enduring Influence

While much of Melake Tekle Hawariat†'s personal life remains private, his public legacy is one of immense cultural and intellectual stature. He was known as a man of deep principle, whose personal interests were inextricably linked to the advancement of his people's knowledge and political agency. His life was his work—teaching, writing, and debating the future of Eritrea. He passed away in 1975, during the height of the Eritrean War of Independence, a conflict whose intellectual foundations he helped to lay.

The legacy of Melake Tekle Hawariat† is profound and multifaceted. He is rightly celebrated as the father of Tigrinya literature. His novel is a compulsory subject of study in Eritrea and Ethiopia, ensuring his words continue to educate. Politically, he is remembered as a visionary who articulated a clear, intellectual case for Eritrean nationhood long before it was a widely held aspiration. His life exemplifies the role of the intellectual in society: to preserve culture, educate the public, and fearlessly engage in the political questions of the day. Today, his name is invoked with reverence in discussions of Eritrean history, literature, and the long, arduous path to Pre-Independence consciousness.

Net Worth & Business Endeavors

It is important to contextualize the concept of "net worth" for a figure like Melake Tekle Hawariat†. As an intellectual, educator, and cleric in early to mid-20th century Eritrea, his wealth was not measured in contemporary financial terms or business ventures. His capital was intellectual and cultural. His primary "venture" was the advancement of education and literacy. Any financial resources he had would have been directed towards sustaining his work in teaching, publishing, and political activism. The publication of his novel in 1926 was likely a significant personal undertaking, more for cultural impact than commercial gain. Therefore, while not a businessman in the traditional sense, his investment in the intellectual infrastructure of his nation yielded an immeasurable return, enriching Eritrea's cultural heritage and political thought. His true legacy is a wealth of ideas that helped shape a national identity.

References and Further Reading

To learn more about Melake Tekle Hawariat† and his context, the following resources are recommended:

• Research on the history of Tigrinya literature and early 20th-century Eritrean press.
• Academic journals focusing on Horn of Africa studies, particularly articles on pre-independence political movements in Eritrea.
• Historical analyses of the British Military Administration in Eritrea and the run-up to the UN Federation decision.

† The cross (†) next to his name is a conventional indicator that the individual is deceased.